Chapter 6

The News spread like wildfire about the upcoming competition between Lei Feng and Ming Hao.It was the topic of the day. Every single person was discussing about it. And her parents were not excluded. There was different opinions and views concerning it. It was a very hot topic. Some people felt she would win and some others were so sure that she would be defeated. Some wished she could back out from the competition like her beggar friends. They were seriously concerned about her safety. And others were eager to watch the match for their entertainment. There was even an ongoing bet for whoever would win the competition. Majority of the people put their bet on Ming Hao also known as the "Deadly viper" because of his cruel deeds.They felt he would surely win. Why very few people staked their odds on Lei Feng. They had little faith and belief in miracles. This was a topic that united both the rich and the poor as they all struggled to purchase the expensive ticket which was a criteria of entry to the venue of the competition. Royalties,advisors in the palace and nobles were not excluded from this. It was an interesting event to witness.

Though Qianzhong villagers wished their own person "swift monkey" would emerge the winner but they doubted the possibility.

On the other hand, Ling mei was afraid. Wherever she went, the news was on people's lips. Some wished they could get an autograph but they never knew her true identity though she walked among them. She was really worried. There was no going back at this point. She just needed to save her father's life then quit the job.She encouraged herself and decided to intensify her training.

Ling mei went back to the training courtyard when she perceived her parents had slept. Though, she didn't know her father was lurking in the shadows watching her. She trained there by herself in the quiet night, only accompanied by her silhouette and her deadly weapon; an uncommon legendary sword which was gifted by her father after she became an expert swordsman.

She held the hilt of her double edged sword clenched tightly in her palm. The sword had the best steel and it shimmered brightly like a diamond in the sky. It could mirror her own reflection. The sword was made of the best of iron and polished with different jewels and stones of diverse colours at the handle. It was special because of the rare skills used to make it , she treasured it like her life.

Her face showed no emotions and her gaze was steady as she swayed her sword, lounging and swiftly swivelling her body around. The edges of her gown flowed like a dark river as she danced with her sword, flashing like a moonlight wave. Her footwork was unmeasured. The dark and focused frown arched between her eyebrows was as though she was facing a real enemy. The moonlight created an ethereal glow on her face, highlighting her fierce determination. Her moves were well calculated and her strikes were deadly. Her movements were neat, almost silent but very ruthless. With a hostile frown, she swayed her sword twisting her body in circles. With one gentle tap on the ground, she flew up in mid air proudly with a very fierce look on her delicate appearance. She decided to take a break and go to sleep. Her father was stunned at her great skills and very proud of his daughter. He decided within himself that he would purchase some tickets for the whole family to go watch the upcoming competition between swift monkey and deadly viper. He felt she would learn a lot there. Little did he know that the celebrity was his daughter.

The D-Day had finally come, people were

trooping into the auditorium to witness the battle between the two champions. It was packed full to the brim. It was filled up with both the rich and the poor. The gamblers that made bets were anxious because the outcome of the competition would either give them some more money and make them go back empty handed. People from different villages especially Qianzhong and Huang came to witness the occasion.Even the beggar boys came. The hall was so full that it could no longer accommodate everyone. Some people had to wait outside or climb trees. Everyone was excited.

" Surprise! Ling mei I'm taking you and your mom to the contest happening today. Though, it may cost a lot but I'll do these. " said Li wei with a huge smile.

Lan was so excited and overjoyed as she rushed to prepare herself. On the other hand,

the face of Ling mei was so ashen and lost it's colour as if she had just seen a ghost.She had never imagined that this would happen in her wildest dream. This news was a bombshell to her. Why would it happen at this moment of all times?

" What's wrong dear? This is everyone's dream. I've already bought tickets. I thought you would be very happy. I've spent a lot on this. You've always loved things like this. Are you hiding anything from me?"asked a worried Li wei

"No dad! It's okay. I am really really ha.. ha.. happy" She managed to put up a weak smile just so her father would not be unhappy.She never saw this coming. What if they found out what would be their reaction? Would they still believe her and trust her?

A lot of thoughts troubled her mind.