Every Man a Mythical Skill

WANG CHUYI MOVED QUICKLY, EAGER TO ASSESS THE EXTENT of Guo Jing's martial arts, and in no time they were clear of the city. They continued on for some miles as their path led them into the shadow of a mountain and began to rise steeply.

Ma Yu had taught him to ascend a vertical cliff face, so Guo Jing had no trouble keeping up, despite having just taken part in a long duel. The wind and snow blew in their faces. Wang Chuyi began the climb, undeterred by the slippery ground beneath his feet, pulling Guo Jing behind him. As the path became ever steeper, Wang Chuyi wondered at the boy's steady breathing, which was just as if he were running on flat ground.

"You have considerable inner kung fu," the Taoist said, releasing Guo Jing's arm. "Why were you unable to beat the young man?"

Guo Jing did not know how to answer and just smiled.

"Who is your shifu ?"

Guo Jing now knew that this man was martial brother to Scarlet Sun Ma Yu. This gave him confidence to answer truthfully.

"Elder Ma Yu and the Seven Heroes of the South!"

Guo Jing's answer delighted the Taoist. "Then I shouldn't worry about angering Brother Qiu."

Guo Jing's eyes widened. He did not understand what he meant.

"Prince Wanyan Kang, the young man you were fighting just now, is a disciple of Qiu Chuji. Didn't you realise?"

"No, I didn't . . ." Guo Jing was surprised indeed.

Ma Yu's teachings had focused on inner strength breathing techniques as well as a branch of lightness kung fu known as Flight of the Golden Eagle. But he had never given him instruction in the art of combat or the use of weapons, which is why Guo Jing was wholly unfamiliar with the Quanzhen-school style. Now that he thought about it, the Prince's moves were reminiscent of those he had encountered in his fight with Harmony Yin.

"I was unaware that the Prince was a disciple of Elder Qiu," Guo Jing said, bowing, believing he had offended the Taoist. "Please forgive my mistake."

Wang Chuyi responded with a hearty burst of laughter.

"You are a courteous and humble young man, just to my liking! Why would I be angry? The Quanzhen Sect is most clear about this – disciples are punished when they are in the wrong. This young man is arrogant and unworthy of our school, and I will instruct Brother Qiu to deal with him."

"But he must be forgiven if he agrees to marry the maiden."

Wang Chuyi shook his head. Guo Jing had a good heart which forgave readily, making him only more agreeable to the Taoist. But Brother Qiu has always been an enemy of injustice, especially any committed by the Jin, Wang thought. Why did he agree to take on a Jin prince as his disciple? The young man shows a deep understanding of our kung fu, which means Brother Qiu has devoted considerable energy to teaching him. And yet there is also a hint of unorthodox and pernicious technique in his fighting. He could not understand it!

"Brother Qiu told me to meet him in the Jin capital," Wang said to Guo Jing. "He should arrive in the next few days and we will have our explanation then. I heard that he has taken on a young student by the name of Yang whom you are to fight in Jiaxing. I don't know how sophisticated his skills are, but don't worry, I will be there to help."

Guo Jing had been told by the Freaks to make his way to Jiaxing before noon on the twenty-fourth day of the third lunar month, but they had not told him why.

"Please Master, why am I to fight this Yang?"

"If your teachers did not explain the reason to you, it would be improper for me to say."

Qiu Chuji had given him only the barest details, but from what he had heard, he could not help feeling admiration for the Freaks. Like his martial brother Ma Yu, he too hoped Guo Jing would prevail. Yet Brother Qiu was his senior and he could hardly tell him to concede the fight. Now that he could see what a good young man Guo Jing was, he decided he must find a way to help him without damaging his Brother Qiu's reputation. Exactly how he would do this he would have to see once they arrived in Jiaxing.

"Let's go back and visit Mu Yi," Wang said. "His daughter is a fiery character, don't upset her."

These words startled Guo Jing.

Together they made their way to the Prosperity Inn, located in the western part of the city. A dozen or so servants dressed in finest brocade were waiting by the entrance. They made their way closer and one of them spoke: "The Prince invites Master Wang and Guo Esquire to join him at his residence for a banquet."

One of the men handed them a red card with the characters "A Humble Invitation from your Disciple Wanyan Kang."

"Well, well," Wang Chuyi said, shaking his head. "We will be along soon."

"Please accept these cakes and fruits as a present from the Prince," the head servant declared. "If the Master would instruct me where they are to be placed, I will organise it."

The servants presented Wang with twelve large boxes filled with all kinds of colourful fresh fruits and delicate pastries.

Brother Lotus is fond of cakes, Guo Jing said to himself, I will save some for him.

Wang Chuyi had intended to refuse the present, but seeing Guo's pleasure at receiving it, he told the servants to leave them at the inn. Young people are always a little gluttonous, he thought, smiling.

They went to knock on Mu Yi's door. He was laid out on the bed, his cheeks pale. His daughter was perched on the bed beside him, tears moistening her eyes. Both father and daughter were surprised to see Wang Chuyi and Guo Jing at the door. The girl rose to her feet and Mu Yi struggled to sit up.

Wang Chuyi examined the old man's wounds. The scratches on his swollen hands had cut to the bone. They looked as if they had been made by a weapon, not the Prince's fingers as was the case. His daughter had applied a balsam to soothe her father's pain, but fearing infection, had yet to bandage them.

Who had taught Wanyan Kang such a cruel and brutal technique? Wang thought to himself. It would have taken time to develop such power. How could Brother Qiu not have noticed? And if he knew, why didn't he stop it?

"May I ask the young lady's name?" Wang said, turning to Mu Yi's daughter.

"My name is Mercy, after my mother," she said, glancing at Guo Jing before making a quick bow of her head.

Guo Jing spotted the banner pole at the end of the bed. The banner itself had been torn to pieces. "Have you stopped your search for a husband?"

"Your father's wounds are grave, they need to be treated properly," Wang said.

Wang looked around the room. Father and daughter were of slender means, that was obvious. They would struggle to pay for medicine. He removed two ingots of silver and placed them on the table. "I will return tomorrow to see how you are feeling."

Wang took Guo Jing by the arm and left before father and daughter could give their thanks.

Four servants in brocade were waiting for them as they emerged from the inn.

"Our master is waiting, please come with us."

Wang Chuyi consented, but Guo Jing stopped him. "Master, please wait one moment."

He ran back into the inn, opened one of the boxes and picked out four pastries, wrapped them in a handkerchief and tucked them into his pocket. He then went back out and followed Wang and the servants.

2

FLAGS FLUTTERED HIGH ABOVE THE IMPOSING ENTRANCE . Two fierce jade lions stood guard. A flight of white jade steps carried them up to the vast red door that opened onto the main hall. Above the large door was written an inscription in the finest golden calligraphy: RESIDENCE OF THE PRINCE OF ZHAO .

Prince of Zhao: the title given to the Sixth Prince of the Jin Empire, Wanyan Honglie. Guo Jing knew this already.

The young Prince is the son of Wanyan Honglie? Guo Jing said to himself. I can't go in! What if his father sees me?

He hesitated. Just then drums started beating and horns echoed around them. The Prince emerged in person, dressed in red robes and a golden crown, his hair swept back in a bun. Around his waist was tied a gold belt. He rushed down the steps to greet them.

The young men caught sight of each other's swollen and bruised faces and smiled.

Wang Chuyi was less impressed by the Prince's luxurious dress. He frowned and followed them into the Great Hall.

"It is my great honour to have the pleasure of Elder Wang and Guo Esquire's company," the Prince said, gesturing for Wang Chuyi to take the best seat.

The young man neither kowtowed nor addressed him as a fellow member of the Quanzhen, which angered the Taoist. "How long have you been receiving instruction from your Master?"

"I am unfamiliar with the martial arts," the Prince replied with a smile. "My shifu 's lessons only lasted a few years and what he taught me was nothing more than three-legged cat skills. You would laugh at them."

"While the skills passed down in the Quanzhen are certainly nothing exceptional," Wang said through gritted teeth, "it seems a little unfair to call them three-legged cat skills. Did you know your Master will be arriving in a few days?"

"My shifu is already here," Wanyan Kang said, the smile not leaving his lips. "Do you wish to meet him, sir?"

"He is? Where?"

Wanyan Kang clapped his hands. "We're ready for the food!"

He then led his two guests along several corridors and past many decorated pavilions, until they came to the banqueting hall. Guo Jing was overcome with the sight of such riches. But he was ever anxious that they might run into the Prince's father. The Great Khan wanted him dead, and yet he was also the father of Elder Qiu's disciple! Should Guo consider him an enemy or a friend?

Half a dozen people were already waiting for them. One man had three distinct protrusions on his forehead; this was of course Browbeater Hou, the Three-Horned Dragon. He watched them enter, dressed in a look of displeasure. Guo Jing was not sure if they were welcome here, but the presence of the Prince reassured him. He averted his gaze as the memory of how his friend Lotus Huang had teased and taunted Browbeater Hou only that afternoon came to him. He felt a giggle rise that was fed into his sleeve.

"Elder Wang, these people are your great admirers. They have long desired to be acquainted with you," Wanyan Kang said in his most charming tone. "Master Peng, you have already met."

The two men nodded.

"And this is Master Liang, also known as the Ginseng Immortal," the Prince continued. "He comes from the Mountain of Eternal Snow." Greybeard Liang extended his hand in greeting.

"Such an honour to meet Elder Wang, the Iron Foot Immortal. My trip was not in vain! This is the most distinguished Lama Supreme Wisdom with the Five Finger Blade. I am from the northeast originally and he has come all the way from Kotonor. We have both travelled thousands of miles. We were all fated to meet here, I believe."

He had a way with words, this Old Liang. Wang Chuyi cupped his hands and nodded to the lama.

Just then a loud noise came echoing from out in the corridor: "You mean to say, the Seven Freaks of the South are so big-headed because they think they have the support of the Quanzhen?"

Wang Chuyi turned and saw a shiny-headed bald man with bulging eyes enter. "Hector Sha, the Dragon King?"

"Yes?" the man growled. "Who speaks my name?"

How could I have offended him? Wang thought. We've never even met.

"I've heard so many speak in admiration of you, it is my honour," he said in a soothing tone.

Hector Sha's martial skills far surpassed those of his brother-in-arms, Browbeater Hou. But he was ill-tempered and was always shouting at his disciples, the Four Daemons of the Yellow River, which meant none of them had managed to learn anything but the most rudimentary skills. They had been out of favour with the Sixth Prince since that debacle of a fight between the Four Daemons and Guo Jing out on the Mongolian steppe, and Hector Sha had been ruthless in his punishment of the four young men. He had also ordered Browbeater Hou to capture Guo Jing as revenge, but humiliation had once again followed, not only in Guo Jing's escape the day before, but now at the hands of a rather slim and feminine-looking young beggar.

Hector Sha had now lost patience and he saw no reason to hide his anger from the two guests. Guo Jing stumbled back and Wang Chuyi stepped in front of the young man to shield him.

"You would dare to protect the little vandal?" Hector Sha cried, striking out at Wang. Wang defended the attack, but at that moment, someone grabbed at their wrists and separated them. Both Sha and Wang had engaged their internal energy against each other, so it was a most remarkable feat to pull them apart.

The man was dressed in white and wore a thin fur coat tied with a wide belt. He must have been in his mid-thirties. He was handsome and moved with poise. Descended from a noble family, perhaps.

"May I present Master of White Camel Mount in the Kunlun Range, Gallant Ouyang!" Wanyan Kang exclaimed. "Master Ouyang has never been to the Central Plains before, so I believe none of you will have met."

The young man's appearance surprised not only Wang Chuyi and Guo Jing, but also Tiger Peng and Greybeard Liang. His skill was apparent to all, but apart from Guo Jing days before, they had never heard of White Camel Mount. He must have come from the western borderlands of the Chinese Empire.

"Brothers, I should have arrived days ago, but I encountered a small problem along the way. My apologies."

He must know the women dressed in white that had tried to steal his horse, Guo Jing realised. I wonder if my shifus have met him already? Are they injured?

Wang Chuyi realised that he might not be able to defeat this man in a fight. "What about your shifu ?" he asked, turning to the Prince. "Why don't you ask for him?"

"Yes, good idea," the Prince replied, and turning to his servants, "Ask my shifu to come and greet my guests."

If Brother Qiu is here, Wang Chuyi thought, we might stand a chance.

Before long the sound of boots against stone came echoing down the hall. A hefty officer of around forty, dressed in brocade, appeared at the main door. His chin was adorned with a thick beard. Wanyan Kang approached him.

"Sir," he said with a nod of his head. "Elder Wang insisted that he be allowed to meet you. He asked several times."

A pulse of anger rose in Wang Chuyi. How dare this arrogant young rascal mock him? There was no way this plodding officer had taught him those moves.

"What do you want?" the man said, looking at Wang Chuyi. "I prefer not to associate with Taoists."

Wang Chuyi was furious. "I've come to collect alms. One thousand taels of silver."

Officer Tang was the head of the Sixth Prince's personal guard. He had given the young Prince some basic lessons in martial arts when he was a boy, hence why Wanyan Kang addressed him as Shifu .

"What impudence!"

"One thousand taels of silver is a trifle." Wanyan Kang stepped in. "Prepare the alms for the esteemed Taoist."

Officer Tang was incensed and could not take his eyes off the monk. Nor could he understand why the Prince should be showing him such reverence.

"Please be seated," Wanyan Kang continued. "Elder Wang, this is your first visit with us. You must take the best seat."

Wang Chuyi refused, but after some jostling, he ended up settling at the head of the table. Three rounds of wine were served in quick succession.

"You are all the finest men of the martial world," Wang Chuyi began. "Let us decide the matter of Mr Mu Yi and his daughter together."

All eyes turned to the Prince. He took his time pouring himself a glass of wine, stood up and raised his cup to Wang Chuyi. "Your Reverence, do me the honour of drinking with me. The matter shall be dealt with as Elder Wang sees fit. I dare not presume to go against your word."

Wang Chuyi had not been expecting this. He raised his cup and drank with the boy.

"Then let us bring Mu Yi here and we shall speak with him."

"Why not send brother Guo to fetch him?" the Prince suggested.

Wang Chuyi nodded.

Guo Jing was dispatched immediately to the Prosperity Inn, but upon his arrival he found Mu Yi's room empty. Father and daughter had left, taking all their belongings with them. The inn boy said someone had come to visit and paid for the room, but he did not know who. Guo Jing hurried back to the Prince of Zhao's residence.

"My sincerest thanks, brother," the Prince said on Guo Jing's return. "Where is Mr Mu?"

Guo Jing told them he had gone.

"This is my fault," the Prince said. "Gather five men and look for them," he ordered one of his servants. "You must find Mr Mu!"

The servant ran out the door. But Wang Chuyi's head was swirling with suspicions. Two servants would be enough; why send so many? And why insist Guo Jing go himself in the first place? "The truth will always out," he said out loud, a cold smile on his face.

"Exactly! Who can say what that Mr Mu is up to. A most odd fellow."

"Elder Wang, to which temple do you belong?" Officer Tang asked coldly. "What are you doing here demanding money?"

"And may one ask to which country you belong, Officer? What are you doing here holding rank in the Jin army?" Wang Chuyi could see the man was Chinese. The thought that he had assumed a position in the Jin court to abuse his fellow countrymen disgusted the monk.

But Officer Tang hated nothing more than being reminded of his ethnicity, since it barred him from advancing further within the Jin ranks, despite his skill and loyalty to the regime. He had served the Prince of Zhao for two decades, and yet he was there for nothing more than show. Before the others knew what was happening, Officer Tang had barged past Greybeard Liang and Gallant Ouyang and was launching his fist at Wang Chuyi's nose.

But Wang Chuyi caught his wrist with his chopsticks. "No need to resort to violence!"

Officer Tang was unable to struggle free of the Taoist's grip. "Sorcery!"

"Come now, sir, sit down and join us for some wine." Greybeard Liang laughed, patting Officer Tang on the shoulder.

Wang Chuyi was aware that he would be unable to use the same trick with the chopsticks on Old Liang, who was still gripping Officer Tang's shoulder, so he let go of Tang's wrist and aimed them instead at his other shoulder. Such a lowly, insignificant fighter as Officer Tang should be proud to have the attention of two such masters of the wulin at the same time. With a couple of short exhalations, Tang lurched forward, his hands plunging into a plate of fish bones and a bowl of hot and sour soup. Pottery fragments tore the skin on Tang's hands and a few drops of blood tinged the spilt soup a pinky red.

The guests burst into laughter as they pulled back and out of the way of the hot liquid. Flushed with shame, Officer Tang fled from the hall. The servants, just as amused as the visitors, suppressed smiles as they cleaned up.

"The Quanzhen's reputation is well deserved," Hector Sha said. "I wonder if Elder Wang might care to enlighten me on something."

"It would be my pleasure."

"The Daemons of the Yellow River and the Quanzhen Sect have long been at peace now. Why does Elder Wang stir trouble by supporting the Seven Freaks of the South? The Quanzhen may command many disciples, but we are not afraid to resume old enmities on equal ground."

"There has been a misunderstanding," Wang Chuyi replied. "While I have heard of the Seven Freaks of the South, I do not know them personally. My martial brother has a bet with them, that is true, but I have no intention of helping them against the Daemons of the Yellow River."

"Excellent. Then you will let me have this boy," Hector Sha said, making a grab for Guo Jing's throat.

Wang Chuyi gently pushed Guo Jing from his chair, just as Hector Sha's hand cracked the back of it as easily as if it were made of rotten wood. It was a rare technique, executed perfectly.

"And still you protect the boy?" Hector Sha cried out.

"I brought him here, so I will see that he leaves in one piece. Why not settle this another day?"

"The boy has offended Brother Sha?" Gallant Ouyang interrupted. "Why not tell us how, and let us all decide what is to be done."

Unsure of where Gallant Ouyang's loyalties would fall, Hector Sha was reluctant to be drawn into a fight against him and the Taoist. "My four good-for-nothing disciples followed the Prince of Zhao north to Mongolia as part of his household. Just as we were about to succeed in our mission, this young scoundrel ruined everything and angered the Prince. If we don't deal with him, what right do we have to stay here enjoying the Prince's hospitality?"

Hector Sha was ill-tempered by nature, to be sure, but he was no fool. Attention now turned to Guo Jing. This young man and the Taoist were the only ones present who were not guests of the elder Prince Wanyan Honglie. Wanyan Kang was most displeased upon hearing Hector Sha's account. He decided he would go along with the others and present the young man to his father.

Wang Chuyi was growing nervous, desperate for an escape plan, but fighting so many men at once was not an option. Had Wanyan Kang planned the entire affair? Had he been too naïve to think the young Prince would refrain from acting against his shifu 's martial brother? He should not have brought the boy here, but it would be difficult to get out now with both of them unhurt.

I must play along, that's my only option, Wang Chuyi said to himself. Test the extent of their skills. "Men, you are all excellent fighters, famed throughout the wulin . It has been my honour to meet you all today. But this boy –" he pointed at Guo Jing – "is unaware of the offence he has committed, especially against you, Brother Sha. If you will not let him go, I am powerless to change your mind, even if I cannot agree with the way you are handling the situation. Perhaps it would be better if you all let the boy know the extent of your skills. That way he will know it is not that I don't want to help him, but that I can't."

Browbeater Hou had been finding the whole exchange extremely boring, but this last sentence pulled him out of his stupor. "I'll go first!" he cried, jumping up and standing before Wang.

"I, sir, am no match for your superior skills. No, rather than fight me, I suggest you give us a display to open my eyes to some new techniques, as well as teach the boy a lesson. That way he will never be so arrogant again."

Browbeater Hou could sense a note of sarcasm in the Taoist's words, but he could not quite be sure what meaning lay behind them, nor how to answer him.

Just as well, Hector Sha was thinking. I'm not exactly keen to fight a member of the Quanzhen. "Brother," he said, turning to Browbeater Hou, "why don't you show Elder Wang your Buried Under an Avalanche?"

Snow was still falling outside. Browbeater Hou rushed to the entrance and swept his arms up around his head, bringing the snow in until he had gathered a pile four feet high, kicking it into shape. He then retreated three steps and vaulted head first into the middle, where it reached up to his chest. Guo Jing looked on in puzzlement. He had never seen anything like it. Why should he choose to be upside down, motionless, in a mound of icy snowflakes?

Hector Sha turned to the others. "Please, everyone, bury him deeper."

The others found the whole thing most amusing, if not a little strange, but together they kicked more snow into the pile. What they had not realised was that, being from the Yellow River, Hector Sha and Browbeater Hou were well-versed in water kung fu, and could hold their breath in water, snow and even soil for as long as a whole afternoon. This was just an everyday exercise for the two men.

The other men raised their cups and toasted the display. It was not until some time later that Browbeater Hou at last flipped out and back onto his feet in a display of Jumping Carp.

Guo Jing clapped the loudest. Browbeater Hou resumed his place at the table and shot him a fierce look.

"Third Uncle, you still have snow on your forehead," Guo Jing said, unable stop himself.

"My name is the Three-Horned Dragon, not Third Uncle, thank you! Do you think I don't know I have snow on my head? But now that you've mentioned it, I'm not going to brush it away." The heat from the fire was melting the flakes so that they now ran in three rivulets down his face, but he was playing the stubborn wife who will not heed her husband's advice.

"My martial brother's technique is a little clumsy, but quite amusing," Hector Sha said, stretching his meaty fingers into a bowl of melon seeds, before flicking the empty shells into the pile of snow. The others were surprised to see the seeds were forming the shape of the Chinese character for "yellow".

No wonder the Dragon King and his Four Daemons control the Yellow River; their skills are considerable indeed, Wang Chuyi said to himself. Turning back to the snow, he saw another character emerge, this time "river". Next came "nine". The Nine Bends of the Yellow River.

"Such accuracy, Brother Sha!" This time it was Tiger Peng the Outlaw who spoke. "Now it's my turn to show Elder Wang what I can do!" At that he jumped up, and landed near the pile of snow, proceeding to catch the seeds Hector Sha was flicking to form his last character. Tiger Peng missed not one, despite the fact that they were small and travelling at speed.

The gathering erupted in applause and Tiger Peng returned to his seat with a smile spread across his face. Hector Sha stubbornly finished his phrase. His friend had stolen his thunder somewhat, but he did not seem to mind too much. He turned to Gallant Ouyang and said, "And what about Master Ouyang? What do you have to teach us rough and ignorant men of the east?"

Gallant Ouyang sensed the displeasure in Hector Sha's voice. The Dragon King was a man to hold a grudge. He would have to do something to impress him. At that moment, the servants entered, bringing four types of sweets, and replaced the used chopsticks with clean ones. Gallant Ouyang snatched up the dirty chopsticks, and with a flick of his wrist, ten pairs flew through the air and landed in the snow, poking out like incense sticks in a temple censer. Four plum blossoms appeared beside Hector Sha's melon-seed writing. Guo Jing, Wanyan Kang and the others were puzzled by the display but clapped in delight. Only Wang Chuyi and Hector Sha understood the significance of such skill.

Wang Chuyi began to turn his thoughts to why the men were gathered in Yanjing. Master Ouyang, Lama Supreme Wisdom and the Ginseng Codger had travelled great distances. There must be something suspicious afoot.

Old Liang laughed and nodded to the men, before walking into the centre of the banqueting hall. There, he leapt up and landed so lightly on top of the chopsticks that they did not sink any further into the snow. There, he performed a series of Yanqing Sparrow boxing moves, such as Embracing the Moon, Gentleman's Cape, Shoot the Arrow and Remove the Boot, his feet dancing across the still-vertical chopsticks. He finished with a Jump the Tiger and a Retreat to Advance, before skipping back to his seat. The hall echoed with cheers. Guo Jing's were the loudest.

The banquet was over by now and the servants brought up golden bowls of warm water for the guests to wash their hands.

Now for Lama Supreme Wisdom, Wang Chuyi thought. He glanced at the Lama. He was sipping the water in his bowl, seemingly oblivious to all else. The others had finished, but he seemed lost in thought. Everyone watched as steam started rising from the golden bowl, followed shortly after by the sound of bubbles popping on the surface.

With such powerful internal energy, I must make the first move! Wang Chuyi realised in alarm.

He flew up and grabbed at the Prince, pressing at his pressure points. The others looked on in shock.

Wang Chuyi reached for a bottle of wine and said, "A toast, to my new friends. It is an honour!"

He sucked in a mouthful of the wine and then spat it out into everyone's cups, some half empty, some nearly full, each one filled without spillage.

With the Prince in one hand and the wine in another, the Taoist's internal kung fu was plain to see. Were the Taoist to press a little harder, he could turn the young man's internal organs into pulp. Noone dared approach them.

Wang Chuyi served Guo Jing and himself last and, raising his cup, spoke in a calm and steady manner. "I bear no-one present any ill will, and neither do I call the young Guo Jing my particular friend. But he is a good boy, compassionate and well-intentioned, not to mention brave, when required. All I ask you men present is that you let him go, for my sake."

No-one spoke. Wang Chuyi continued: "If everyone agrees, I will release the Prince in exchange for the boy. A good deal, I think: a commoner for a royal?"

"As it pleases Elder Wang, let's call it a deal!" Old Liang laughed.

Wang Chuyi released Wanyan Kang, confident that none among them would wish to show themselves so dishonourable in front of the others, despite what people said about their predilections for cruelty.

"We bid you men farewell, and may we meet again soon!" Wang Chuyi grabbed Guo Jing's hand, bowed, and made hastily for the exit.

Just as Wang had thought, the men made no move to stop them, despite being frustrated that the fish was escaping their net.

"Elder Wang is most welcome," Wanyan Kang called after them, having recovered from the force of the Taoist's grip. "Come again whenever you please so that I might learn from you!"

"Our problem is as yet unresolved," Wang snorted. "We shall be sure to see to it another day!"

"Elder Wang is skilled indeed," Lama Supreme Wisdom said just as they reached the door, and he bowed, his hands held in prayer.

Then he charged.

Wang Chuyi defended himself with both palms and all his inner strength. But the lama grabbed instead at Wang's wrist, exchanging internal qi for external kung fu. Wang blocked with a twist, meeting force with force. The colour drained from the lama's cheeks as they pulled apart. "Most impressive," he breathed.

"The Lama is known for his righteousness throughout the wulin , and yet he does not keep a promise?"

This made the lama spit with anger. "I was trying to stop you from leaving, not the boy . . ."

It was his pride that was wounded, but just as he finished speaking he started coughing blood.

Wang Chuyi knew they had to leave that very moment, so taking hold of Guo Jing's hand, he quickly ran out.

The others stood and watched, not daring to stop them.

3

IT WAS SOME TIME BEFORE WANG CHUYI DARED TURN AND look behind them.

"Carry me back to the inn," he breathed, once he was sure no-one was following them.

Guo Jing was shocked to hear how weak he sounded. But indeed, Elder Wang's cheeks were pale and he looked to be very sick. Nothing like the vigorous man of a few hours before.

"Elder Wang, are you hurt?"

Wang Chuyi nodded and lost balance. Guo Jing stooped to prop him up, then took the Taoist onto his back and began to hurry back in the direction of the inn. Just as they reached the door, Wang Chuyi whispered to him, "Not here, find somewhere more remote . . ."

Guo Jing paused and then realised Wang was afraid the men would come looking for them. His skills were not enough to make up for his shifu 's injuries. Guo Jing began to run down the quieter alleys in search of another place to spend the night. The further he went, the fewer people he encountered. Wang's breathing was getting fainter all the time.

At last he found somewhere suitable. It was small and dirty, but he entered, procured a room and placed Wang down on the bed.

"Water . . . A tub of clean water," the Taoist sighed. "Quick."

"Anything else?"

Wang waved the boy away.

Guo Jing hurried out of the room and gave some silver to the inn boy to fetch some water. Guo Jing had come to realise the importance of these little tokens for getting what one wanted. Before long, a few boys arrived with a large tub and placed it in the courtyard. Then they came with buckets of water and filled it to the brim.

"You are a good child," Wang said. "Now put me in the tub. And don't let anyone near."

Guo Jing did as he was told, even though he wasn't sure why. When Wang was submerged up to the neck Guo Jing instructed the inn boy that no-one was to disturb them.

Wang Chuyi sat in the water, his eyes closed, his breath a rapid panting. Guo Jing watched in amazement as the water turned black and colour returned to the Taoist's cheeks. Then Wang emerged.

"Help me out," Wang said to the young man. "Change the water."

Guo Jing called the inn boy back for fresh water and helped Wang Chuyi back into the tub. Wang was forcing poison from his body with just the power of his internal energy. They repeated the process three times before the water stayed clear.

"All is well," Wang Chuyi said with a smile. "That Lama's kung fu is vicious."

"He had poison on his hands?" Guo Jing asked, just relieved Elder Wang was out of danger.

"Yes. We call it Poisoned Sand Palms. I've seen it many times before, but I've never known any as powerful as the Lama's. I nearly didn't survive it."

"I'm just happy you're well! Are you hungry? I can ask the inn boy to make something."

But all Wang wanted was a brush, ink and paper. He then proceeded to write down a prescription. "I am out of danger for the moment, but my internal organs are still infected. If I don't take this herbal remedy within the next twelve hours, the poison may yet be fatal."

Early the next morning, Guo Jing took the paper and ran out. He found an apothecary nearby and asked the owner to make up the recipe as Wang had written it.

The owner checked the shelves, but returned empty-handed. "I'm sorry, my boy, I've sold out of these herbs."

Guo Jing grabbed back the piece of paper and ran out the door before the owner could say any more. Yet the second shop was also out. Eight tries later, and he was still having no luck. Guo Jing was getting anxious. And angry. He ran to every herbal medicine shop in the city, but the answer was always the same. They had all sold out.

Those scoundrels! Guo Jing realised Wanyan Kang and his men must have sent someone out to buy up the entire supply of the herbs in Yanjing.

Guo Jing returned to the inn and told Wang Chuyi what had happened. The two men were in despair. Guo Jing flopped onto the table and began sobbing.

"Dear boy, everyone must go at some point," Wang said with a smile. "The heavens decide it, it's not up to us. Don't cry." He patted the edge of the bed and then began to sing:

"In peacock there is peahen,

Just as in colour there is grey.

For a Taoist fame is ruin,

In permanent replay. "

Guo Jing wiped his cheeks and looked up at the Taoist, who was grinning and sitting up in bed.

A thought suddenly struck Guo Jing: what if he tried another city nearby? He was sliding quietly out of the room when the inn boy came running up to him with a letter addressed to "Master Guo".

Who can this be from? Guo asked himself. He tore open the letter and began reading: I have something urgent to tell you. I will be waiting for you by the lake ten li west of the city. Beneath the characters was the picture of a smiling face: Lotus! It was an exact likeness.

How does he know I'm staying here? Guo Jing turned to the inn boy. "Who came with this letter?"

"A beggar," the inn boy replied simply.

Guo Jing hurried back into the room. Wang Chuyi was stretching. "Elder Wang, I'm going to try to find the herbs in a nearby city."

"I'm sure they've already thought of that. Don't trouble yourself, boy."

But Guo Jing was not going to give up yet. Brother Huang would know what to do!

"A good friend of mine wants to meet me. I will be back as soon as I've spoken to him." Guo Jing passed the piece of paper to Wang.

"How do you know him?" Wang asked after a brief pause.

Guo Jing related the story to Wang Chuyi: the young boy who had run circles around Browbeater Hou. "Some most unusual skills. I remember him." He thought for a little longer and then continued, "But you must be careful. Your skills are no match for his, and there's something untrustworthy about him. I can't put my finger on it."

"We are sworn friends, he won't do me any harm," Guo Jing replied.

"You haven't known him long," Wang sighed. "How can you be sure of his character? You would be unable to defend yourself."

But no matter what the Taoist said, Guo Jing was not in the least bit suspicious of Lotus. It's only because he doesn't know him, Guo Jing said to himself. He reassured Elder Wang again of the young man's good character.

"Fine," Wang said, smiling. "You young people must make your own mistakes in order to learn. But there's something a little odd about his appearance and voice. Haven't you noticed?"

Guo Jing said nothing, and Wang Chuyi realised there was no point going on and just shook his head. Guo Jing tucked the prescription into his shirt front and left.

ONCE OUT of the western city gates, Guo Jing began running. The snowflakes were falling in even larger formations as they swirled around his head and landed on his cheeks. The landscape was a vast, empty expanse of white. He kept going ten li due west until, up ahead, he could make out the glimmer of water. The lake had not yet frozen over and the banks were dressed in plum blossoms, the petals creating the illusion of snow settling on the water's surface.

Guo Jing could not see anyone. What if he had left already?

"Brother Huang! Brother Huang!"

Just then a sound startled him. He turned quickly, but it was just birds. He called out again. Maybe Lotus was yet to arrive? Guo Jing decided to wait a little.

He sat down by the side of the lake and his mind began to wander. First to Lotus, then to Wang Chuyi. He was in no mood to take in the beautiful scenery. Snow was nothing special, he had seen it many times in Mongolia, and he was not so sentimental as to marvel at the poetry of nature and plum blossoms in winter.

After a long wait, he heard noises coming from a knot of trees further along. He approached carefully, pausing when a rough voice broke through the quiet.

"What makes you any better? We're all stuck here together, aren't we?"

"If you hadn't been such a coward and run away, we would have been four against one. How could we have lost?"

"Unless I'm mistaken, you fell over while running away yourself. Doesn't make you much of a hero," said a third.

It sounded like the Four Daemons of the Yellow River.

Gathering his courage, Guo Jing entered the thicket, but he could not see anyone.

"We should have taken him together. Who knew the little beggar had so many tricks?"

Guo Jing looked up and saw four men hanging in the canopy above. It was them. His heart fluttered. Lotus had to be nearby!

"Are you practising your lightness kung fu again?" he called up, grinning widely.

"Lightness kung fu?" Qian the Hardy snarled. "Can't you see we're stuck?"

Guo Jing laughed and Qian kicked out, but he was not even close to hitting Guo Jing.

"Go away, or I'll pee all over you!" Ma the Valiant cried out.

Guo Jing was doubled over by now. "Go on, I bet it won't reach me."

Laughter sounded suddenly behind him. Guo Jing turned to see ripples on the water and a boat suddenly appear from behind the tree line.

A young maiden was rowing towards them, her black hair tumbling down over her shoulders and white robes. Her golden hairpins twinkled in the winter sunlight. She looked like a celestial goddess and Guo Jing was struck dumb. As she came closer, he realised she could not be more than fifteen or sixteen. Her skin was as white as the surrounding fields and her beauty was like none he had ever seen before. She approached with a broad smile.

Guo Jing turned, unable to look straight at her, and blushed.

The young girl steered the boat to the bank. "Brother Guo, step on board!"

Guo Jing was surprised that she should know his name. He turned and glanced up at her smile and fluttering robes. At first he said nothing, as if caught in a dream.

"Don't you recognise me?" The young girl laughed.

She did sound like Brother Huang, but how could a dirty beggar boy have turned into such a radiant fairy? He could not believe his eyes.

"Miss! Cut us down, if you please."

"We will give you a hundred taels of gold for your trouble!"

"Each! One hundred each, that's four hundred taels !"

"Eight hundred taels !"

But the young girl ignored them. "It's me, Lotus. Brother Guo, have you lost all affection for me now?"

She did bear a resemblance to his friend, it was true. "But . . . you . . ."

"Yes, I'm a girl. I never actually told you to call me Brother Huang. Come now, we've got to hurry."

Guo Jing stumbled forward and tripped into the canoe. The Daemons were still shouting behind them, offering more and more money.

Lotus rowed into the middle of the lake, where she brought out some dishes from a basket and a small jug of wine. "Let's eat and enjoy the scenery." They were far enough from the shore that they could no longer hear the Daemons shouting.

"I'm just so confused," Guo Jing stuttered. "I thought you were a boy. Now I can't call you Brother Huang anymore."

"And no calling me Sister Huang either! Just call me by the name my father gave me: Lotus."

"I brought you cakes," Guo Jing remembered suddenly, and pulled out the sweets Wanyan Kang had given Elder Wang from inside his shirt. By now they were nothing but a bag of crumbs.

Lotus giggled. Guo Jing blushed. "Ruined," he said. But just as he was about to throw them overboard, Lotus reached out and took the bag.

She fished out a piece of broken cake and placed it in her mouth. "Delicious." He looked at her; her eyes were red and had begun to moisten. Why was she crying?

"My mother died when I was very young. No-one has ever cared enough to notice what I like and dislike before. Until I met you." A few tears started running down her cheeks. She took out a handkerchief, but instead of using it to dry her eyes, she wrapped the remaining cakes in it and placed them inside her robe. She looked up at him, this time with a smile. "I'm saving them for later."

Guo Jing was not experienced when it came to romance, but he could sense there was a special meaning behind her actions. "You said you had something urgent to tell me, in your letter."

"This is what I wanted to tell you. That I am not Brother Huang, but Lotus. Doesn't this count as urgent?" She smiled.

"Why did you disguise yourself as a dirty beggar boy when you are so pretty?"

"You think I'm pretty?" Lotus turned away, her cheeks flushed.

"Yes, very. Just like a fairy that lives at the top of a snowy mountain."

"Have you seen a fairy before?"

"Of course not, I wouldn't be here if I had!"

"What do you mean?"

"In Mongolia, our elders told us that if you see a fairy you will never return to the grasslands again. You will be dazed and freeze to death."

Lotus giggled. "And is that how you feel now? Dazed?"

"We're friends, it's different," Guo Jing said. Now it was his turn to blush.

"I know that you are true of heart. It wouldn't matter to you if I were a boy or a girl, beautiful or ugly." She paused before continuing. "Everyone is nice to me when I'm dressed like this, but you took care of me even when I was dressed as a beggar boy." Lotus smiled, and then said, "Shall I sing for you?"

"Could you sing for me tomorrow? We need to find medicine for Elder Wang first." He went on to tell Lotus all that had happened the previous day, and how Wanyan Kang's men had bought up all the herbs essential to curing the Taoist in the city.

"No wonder I saw you running between apothecaries today," Lotus said.

So she was following me; that's how she knew where I was staying, Guo Jing thought.

"Brother Huang, may I ride your horse Ulaan to find the herbs?"

"For one thing, I am not your brother. And the horse is yours. Did you think I was going to keep it? I was just testing you. But I worry you won't find the herbs in the neighbouring towns."

This made Guo Jing even more anxious.

"Let me sing this song first. Listen carefully," Lotus replied, turning around and continuing to row the boat through the lake. Her voice was as clear and crisp as the water itself:

"Wild goose weather,

Winter frost seeps through window screen.

Veiled in protective clouds is the moon,

Tender is the ice unweaned.

The stream her mirror, she combs her hair,

Perfume and powder

all brushed away.

Jade complexion

layered silk outweighs.

Leaning against the east wind,

One moment of her smile

Turns ten thousand blossoms away,

Blushed and beguiled.

Oh, loneliness!

Where is home?

A garden after snow?

A lakeside pagoda?

To Jade Lake, a ne'er forgotten beau.

But which messenger can she trust?

Butterflies only know to search for peach and willow,

Of southern blossom they do not care.

And so with sorrow she sheds her petals

Into sunsets

Accompanied by bugle blare. "

Guo Jing listened carefully. The meaning of the lyrics was hard to grasp, but Lotus's voice was so sweet and the surroundings so beautiful that it lulled him into a warm daze. Only thoughts of the Elder Wang popped on the surface of his consciousness every now and again.

"This song was written by an official of the court, His Excellency Mr Xin ," Lotus almost whispered once she had finished, "and it describes the winter plum blossom. It's very beautiful, isn't it?"

"I didn't understand it, but it was lovely. Who is Mr Xin?"

"His name is Xin Qiji. My father says he was a good and just official who takes care of the people. He was the only patriot left defending our lands when the Jin captured the north and tortured General Yue."

Guo Jing's mother, Lily Li, had often told him of the cruel deeds carried out by the terrible Jin, how they had brutally killed many of his people, but the injustice had burned only faintly up on the Mongolian steppe. He had never been able to muster a strong hatred towards the invading Empire.

"It is my first time here, in the Central Plains. You will have to tell me more stories later. Right now, I must save Elder Wang."

"Just a little longer, there's no hurry," Lotus said.

"But if he doesn't get the antidote within twelve hours, he will be forever crippled. He is most sick!"

"Then let him be crippled, it doesn't much concern us!"

Guo Jing leapt to his feet. "But . . . but . . ." His cheeks burned.

"Don't worry. I will make sure you get the medicine." Lotus said, smiling.

She is certainly cleverer than me, and I don't have any more ideas, Guo Jing said to himself. She sounds confident. So he relented and listened, laughing and clapping, as she related the story of how she had run circles around the Four Daemons of the Yellow River and Browbeater Hou.

The snow twinkled in the sun and the ice crystals and plum blossoms together painted the most perfect and romantic scene. Lotus slowly reached for Guo Jing's hand. "Nothing scares me now."

"Why's that?"

"Even if my father has rejected me, you will stay by my side, won't you?"

"Of course, Lotus. I . . . like . . . being in your company."

Lotus laid her head against his chest. A sweet perfume filled the air. The lake seemed to stretch around the earth. Was it the blossoms? Or was it Lotus? They held hands and did not speak.

After what seemed like hours, Lotus let out a sigh. "This place is so beautiful, what a shame we have to go."

"We do?"

"Didn't you want to get the herbs for Elder Wang?"

"Yes, of course! But where can we find them?"

"How come the shops in Yanjing couldn't supply them?"

"Wanyan Kang's men got there first."

"In that case, we'll go to the Prince's residence and take them back."

"To the Prince's residence?" Guo Jing was stunned at this suggestion.

"Indeed!"

"We can't do that! It's too dangerous."

"Then you are prepared to let Elder Wang become a cripple? Or perhaps even die?"

Blood pumped into his cheeks. "You're right. But I must go by myself."

"Why?"

Guo Jing could not think of an answer. "Just promise."

"But what if something happens to you? I will be all alone."

Guo Jing's heart leapt and a flush of love flooded his brain. Suddenly he felt much braver. Why should he be scared of Hector Sha or Tiger Peng? He could do anything. "Fine, we'll go together."

They rowed the boat to the edge of the lake and started back towards the city gates. Halfway along the road, Guo Jing suddenly remembered the Four Daemons were still hanging in the trees. "Should we release them?" he asked Lotus.

"They call themselves the Iron Heroes," Lotus said with a smile. "A little bit of wind and snow won't hurt them. Though I suppose they might starve to death. But the Four Daemons of the Plum Blossom Forest sounds much better than the Four Daemons of the Yellow River, don't you think?"