Swordsman: Sovereign

This FanFiction is loosely based on Jin Yong's Smiling Proud Wanderer and the new 2012/2013 series.

" Speech "

' Thoughts '

Salute = The Bao Quan Li - the wrap fist greeting/Fist Wrapping Rite

Chapter: 16

-xXx-

Gazing upon the shocked faces of Yilin and the entire group of North Hengshen disciples. Linghu Chong calmly walked over to where his wife's sister was standing and suddenly grabbed the teen by the left arm. Before any one could ask what was going on, he began to forcibly drag an understandably shocked and perplexed Yilin towards the entrance of the compound.

Everyone stared in shock save for Dongfang Bubai, who sported a smirk, at the scene playing out before them. Even Feng Buping and the rest of the disciples were caught by surprise, as they had stopped their training to see what the commotion was all about.

Yilin was unable to utter a single word, as realization of what her crush meant to do dawned on her. The world around the teenager seemed to be spinning. Her heart was in turmoil; as she tried to fully grasp the situation. The world seemed to be moving in slow motion as her love continued to pull the teen towards the double doors.

“Brother Chief please don't do this, Yilin doesn't deserve to be punished in such a way!” Yihe pleaded from behind Linghu Chong as she too realized what her leader intended to do.

Their elder sister's voiced seemed to snap the rest of the nun's out of their stupor, as they to, hurriedly chased after their chief, while also expressing their disapproval; wanting him to show mercy.

“No!...” he barked out simply.

“But Chief why? If anyone deserves to be punished it is me. I am the eldest disciple after all. While you were gone I was in charge of the sect. If anyone should bare the brunt of failing to find you it is me,” Yihe said desperately.

Though his face remained riddled with feigned anger. Yihes' impassioned speech struck a chord with the young sect leader. He spared a quick glance back at his disciple. Only to be shocked by the look of pain and guilt which served to disfigure her normally pretty face.

'I expelled Yilin so that she would be able to be with her family and not have to continue to live her life as a nun. For centuries these priests and nuns would lock themselves away from the world. I don't know if this is true, but I've even heard it mentioned that some would even endure much suffering under the pretense of drawing closer to their Buddha, as well as a means of trying to make themselves free from sin in their attempt to make themselves holy.'

'But can the life of a Buddhist really accomplish such a thing. If that were possible wouldn't everyone have to become one in order to go to heaven? Unfortunately, these nuns sacrifices don't deal with the sinfulness of the heart. Perhaps this is something only God can do, and we as mortals are incapable of.'

'Yilin, despite her saying otherwise. Only stays a nun because she feels gratitude towards the Abbesses for taking her in and raising her. The fact she has feelings for me; something which is prohibited under sect law. Only further proves she desires another life, but is most likely to stricken by feelings of guilt and or disloyalty to do so.'

A small pride filled smile briefly spread across Linghu Chongs' lips at his improved deducing skills.

'I guess Qiang is rubbing off on me. Well her, and cutting back on alcohol,' he thought with a chuckle, which only added to the confusion and fear of his sister-in-law.

Quickly remembering his surroundings. Linghu Chong quickly snapped himself back into the role he was playing; one of the angry and vengeful sect leader.

“I said no! Stop trying to change my mind or I will expel those who continue to protest!” he snapped, voice dripping with malice.

This threat, immediately caused Yihe and the rest of her sisters to stop dead in their tracks. Each one of the young women, sported faces full of fear and uncertainty. They wanted to help their fellow sister, but like all humans, self preservation will take precedent in most cases.

The nunnery was all many knew. Even the ones who had families and knew more about the outside world felt similar fear.

Though initially meant as an empty threat. Linghu Chong was now giving serious thought about fulfilling his declaration. Not out of any pretext of feigned anger, but more so to protect his young charges.

'Why am I thinking like this? My old self, before the recent events involving everyone trying to get their hands on the Evil-Warding Manual. Wouldn't have cared one way or the other how a nun chose to live their life. But now, even though no one will mistake me for being a moral giant anytime soon. I can't help but feel that I need to do something more then help them attain fantastic martial arts.'

-xXx-

Akin to what one would feel if someone took a sledge hammer to all they thought was good and true. This described Yilins' emotions as she tried to grasp the current situation.

“But brother chief, where will I go?!” she pleaded, hoping Linghu Chong would show her some semblance of mercy.

“Leave!” he said with a stern face, apparently ignoring her desperate appeal.

Yilin was then unceremoniously thrown out from the compound entrance, which caused her to stumble a few feet before those close by heard a thud, as the teen fell to the ground.

Those passing by gazed upon the strange seen with bewilderment. Many stopped and started to point and whisper among themselves about what they had seen. But none offered to go and help the young woman who was now on the verge of tears.

Yilins' heart was in turmoil. Her face reflected the cascade of emotions as she stared in horror at the man she loved.

“I said leave!” he repeated, this time pointing in a random direction for extra emphasis.

Linghu Chongs' voice was ripe with venom. His face turned up into a scowl. Any hope that the man she loved would change his mind died in that instance.

'Why? How could this happen? Is this because of what father said? Did elder sister and Brother Chief really get married, and now they don't want me around?' she thought in despair, as the sadness threatened to completely overtake her.

Indeed, Yilin was young and very inexperienced in life, but she was no fool. She knew that her fathers mention of Linghu Chong being his son-in-law was no mere slip of the tongue. In truth, she had suspected their might have been something going on between her crush and her elder sister for some time now. But marriage was something she had dismissed as the product of fear and an over active imagination making her paranoid.

'But still, I should have guessed it might have been that. They did after all go missing at the same time. And it's certainly not a coincidence that I found them both together and now leaders of a new sect at that. What are the odds of something like that happening and having it only be a coincidence? Besides, elder sister always seemed to glow when speaking about Linghu Chong. Even going so far as calling him the only man she's met that was worth anything and not completely useless.'

With one last anguish filled look towards Linghu Chong. Yilin slowly rose, begrudgingly resigned to her fate. As she stood, the now former North Hengshan disciple surprisingly locked eyes with Dongfang Bubai who now stood in front of her former classmates and next to her husband.

Yilin wasn't sure what she expected to see. But a smile, of all things, she wasn't prepared for. Albeit, the smile didn't seem to be one of cruelty or smugness. Instead it seemed to be one of satisfaction; as if completely approving of Linghu Chongs' actions.

The situation only added to her misery, and also fanned the slowly growing bitterness in her heart.

'I guess, it's true, they do want me out of the way...'

“Goodbye everyone...I enjoyed our time together martial sister's. Thank you for taking care of me all of these years...”

Yilin fought back the tears with bitter determination; refusing to show anymore weakness.

She once again locked eyes with her elder sister; angered but not entirely surprised the smile hadn't left her face. The teens' temper threatened to boil over but she quickly calmed herself; knowing lashing out would only make the situation worse.

“Sister...Take good care of yourself, little Xiong and Brother Chief...Also don't be too harsh to father and step-mother...” Yilin said with a surprising lack of emotion, sounding eerily similar to a certain former cult leader.

Though the last few minutes were full of despair and lacked any kind of joy. The ex nun did take some solace in seeing the looks of worry and heartache on the faces of her former martial sisters. To her, it showed at least there were those out of the people she loved who cared for her well being.

“I will always love you Brother Chief... Linghu Chong... My love...” she said in a whisper, which was inaudible to everyone but herself.

Or so the teen thought. Completely missing the fact that her sisters' smile grew even larger after her silent confession.

Without another word, Yilin turned to leave and start her new life; whatever and wherever that might be.

But, as it seemed to be the trend of the day. She didn't make it three steps before her world was once again turned upside down.

“Ah Little Martial Sister Yilin, I'm so glad you are here. Your family is eager to see you since you left so suddenly. I'm glad to see you are in good health,” stated a surprisingly jolly Linghu Chong.

“H-huh?” the now ex nun asked with obvious confusion.

“Wife, come and see. Your beloved sister has come for a visit.”

“Waaa?,” Yilin again asked, bewildered at her loves sudden change in attitude.

It wasn't just Yilin who was confused. The entire party of North Hengshan disciples stared at their leader in complete bewilderment. Especially when he walked up to the disciple he just expelled and gently wrapped his right arm around her shoulders, and began to lead her back into the compound.

Naturally anyone would be perplexed by Linghu Chongs' sudden change of attitude. One moment his face was a portrait of anger and bitterness and the next, it was like the past few minutes were a figment of ones imagination.

“It has truly been too long since you left. Come, on behalf of everyone, let me welcome you to our sect. Your family and martial sister's are eager to see you.”

Linghu Chongs' words had such warmth and tenderness to them. It would have been hard pressed for anyone to doubt his sincerity.

But how truthful he was being wasn't the biggest concern on a certain teens mind.

Yilin was speechless. Had her beloved Brother Chief lost his mind, was he ill. None of his actions were making any sense.

Unless...

'Why do I get the feeling I've been tricked!'

Yilin began to recall the entire event of her expulsion. To how Linghu Chong was firmly against holding any of them responsible for failing to find him to how suddenly he had changed tunes. To how the mysterious object struck her backside causing her to jump up, when he sought someone seeking to be punished for the entire sect.

'They tricked me!'

This thought was further amplified as she glanced at the smirk on her sisters' face.

In a surprising move. Yilin broke free from Linghu Chongs' grasp and pointed an accusatory finger between he and Dongfang Bubai.

“You two planned this! You both tric...--”

Yilins' rant was cut short, as Linghu Chong quickly covered with his left hand while at the same time wrapping his right arm around her waist and picking her up about a foot off the ground.

“Little Martial Sister Yilin, you must be feeling ill from your long trip. Here, let me help you to your room. I'm sure Qiang and yourself have a lot to discuss,” he said before continuing to walk towards the compound with Yilin in hand.

For the next minute or two. Linghu Chong was reassuring the crowd of onlookers he wasn't trying to molest or harm his sister-in-law in any way. Despite Yilins' muffled protesting and her struggling, and failing to free herself from his grip.

-xXx-

“These are perilous times. Zuo Lengshan, Ren Woxing and many others are making bids for absolute power. Even if you all try to stay away. In all likelihood North Hengshan will be caught up in the turmoil to come. And as much as I respect sister Yihe; all of you in fact. I doubt that she or any of you has the strength to see your sect through such times,” Linghu Chong stated.

Fifteen minutes later, Yihe, Yiqing, Yizhen and the rest of the North Henshan disciples gathered around their leader inside a large room; usually reserved for private meetings. Conspicuous by her absense was their former martial sister Yilin who was having a much needed and overdo discussion with her elder sister.

When the inpromptu meeting first started. The first question Linghu Chong received was about the strange scene with Yilin. He knew such an inquiry was coming given how anyone paying attention could see that his actions and the entire incident were perplexing to say the least. But, in truth he had no desire to explain his minor schemeing, and instead promised to clarify things at a later time. At first this response met with some minor protest, until he mentioned that there was something else they needed to discusss that put the lives of everyone in North Hengshan in danger.

“Brother Chief is right. I could never stand up to the likes of Zuo Lengshan, Ren Woxing or the top martial artists,” Yihe suddenly uttered.

“Also, from Abbot Fangzhengs' examination of the Abbess' and Shifus' remains it is obvious that whomever killed them is a martial artist of the highest caliber. I doubt there is anyone within Mount Hengshan that could match such a person, so your help is vital if we are to stand any chance of bringing the culprit to justice,” Yihe once again stated.

Once the Yilin situation was out of the way. Linghu Chong had asked them what they thought about him stepping down as their chief and turning the position over to the eldest disciple Yihe. To say the young women, especially Yihe, were emphatically against it would have been an understatement.

Not that they still didn't have some reservations about a man being the leader of a group of celibate nuns. But as Linghu Chong had stated. The times were indeed evil and frankly without his help, the young women knew the chances of them not surviving were extremely high.

Linghu Chong knew that everything said made sense and he could not in good conscience abandon the school. Ever since he and the nuns had reunited. He had given serious thought about stepping down as their leader. But what stopped him from mentioning the idea earlier, was he to came to the same conclusion as them, but wanted to run his thought process by them to make sure he was indeed seeing things correctly.

“I have a suggestion....” he paused, having to only wait a few seconds to garner everyone's attention.

He smiled brightly hoping they would agree with his next proposal. Though given the nature of what he was about to request might, that may not be possible.

“When I first took over as sect leader. I promised to protect you and uphold North Hengshan's five commandments. The first commandment is to never disobey your superior, the second commandment is to never harm people in the same school, the third commandment is to never kill the innocents, the fourth commandment is to always be an upright person, and the fifth commandment is to never make friends with evil . These are the instructions left behind by the ancestor of North Hengshan. It is my duty as Headmaster to personally set an example and lead the disciples.”
 

The nun's nodded their heads in approval at Linghu Chongs' perfect reciting of their laws.

“I've upheld the first three commandments to the best of my ability. But, as for the other two, Though I try, I’m not really that upright; I mainly do what I think is best given the situation. My true crime, is the commandment not to make friends with evil people. To keep that will be very hard for me to do. If you all have not heard or guessed. During our time apart, I married Yilins' elder sister...”

Linghu Chong stopped for a moment to let the silent chatter of some of the younger nun's die down a bit before he continued. He tried his best to keep a stoic face, in order to keep himself from laughing at many of their shocked and or horrified faces.

Though whether the looks were caused by them being celeb nuns; abhorred by the fact their leader had wed or from a sense of jealously, he did not know.

In truth, Yilin wasn't the only person in the convent who secretly dreamed about their young, and handsome leader, whisking them away to live life carefree.

“My wife is, was, from the devil cult or I should call it the Sun Moon Holy Cult to avoid her scolding,” he said with a chuckle.

“Yes Brother Chief. While we searched for you. We heard the rumor's about yourself and the Holy Lady of the demon cult,” stated Yihe calmly.

Though her words were calm, Linghu Chong could hear the faint trace of displeasure in her voice.

'That and the way some of the girls are trying to hold in their displeasure. I wonder how they will respond once I tell them the whole truth...'

“Yes, I've also heard of that rumor...and I can assure you it is completely false. Though I consider Ying Ying to be a friend. I never viewed her as anything more then that.”

“Chief, then who is...--”

“You should stop stalling and tell them already,” Dongfang Bubai suddenly stated as she along with a very troubled looking Yilin came into the room.

The sudden intrusion caught the nuns off guard, as many reached for their swords until they realized the familiar faces of the one who spoke and her silent companion.

Linghu Chong though wasn't surprised in the least. He knew eventually his beloved would make her way to him once she had finished consoling her sister. Who he noted, still looked somewhat confused and or frustrated.

“Ladies...I introduce to you the one and only Dongfang Bubai...Former leader of the Sun Moon Holy Cult.”

As if hit by an invisible wave of energy. The nuns immediately backed as for away from Dongfang Bubai as they could, while keeping their hands on their swords; ready to draw them at any moment.

Linghu Chong knew his wife had explained to Yilin who she really was on the day their family was reunited. So the lack of surprise on her face was expected. Instead, the former nun had a look of worry, as she scanned the faces of her former classmates after seeing their reaction.

'She must be more concerned with how her former martial sister's will react. Given the looks of horror on many of their faces, can't really say I don't understand her concern,' Linghu Chong thought to himself.

“I wish to keep my promise to look after North Hengshan. But...this is not a Buddhist monastery. And me and my wife agree we don't want to make it one.”

Linghu Chongs' statement snapped the fear induced trance many of the nun's seemed to be in after hearing who their leaders wife truly was and diverted their attention back on him.

“If you all stay with me you will have to act like regular martial artists in training. This will be for your protection...--”

“But Brother Chief how so? Why would we have to pretend to do so?” Yihe stated obviously confused.

Her bewilderment was also shared by her fellow martial sister's. As some piggybacked on their elder sister's comment and also asked their chief the same question.

Linghu Chong noted that even though it seemed he had managed to distract them from who Dongfang Bubai use to be. He noted that almost all of the nun's still kept a wary eye on the former cult leader. He also saw in fairness to their concern his wife was giving them a predatory look, akin to a cat staring at a group of mice.

“It would draw much more attention to us if the other schools found out that you all are staying with me. Though I hope you all will keep my wifes' identity a secret. I cannot be naive and believe it will stay hidden forever. Qiang no longer has any ties to her former life. The Dongfang Bubai you were taught to hate and fear is no more...But, I doubt, no, I know some will seek her out for any crimes that may have been done to them by the Sun Moon Holy Cult.”

“Humph! Let any come who have the nerve! I'll leave their bodies as food for the crows!”

Dongfang Bubais' icy statement caused Linghu Chong to shake his head in disbelief as her killing intent filled the room. The reaction from the other occupants wasn't so calm, as many shivered in fear and slowly backed away even farther from the former cult leader.

“Enough of that Qiang before you scare these poor girls half to death. They are already on edge after knowing who you once were,” Linghu Chong said sternly.

Linghu Chong was silently thankful his wife only humphed to his scolding and didn't pursue the matter further.

“As I was saying... In case anything happens in the future which could put your reputation or lives in danger. North Hengshan could deny having anything to do with us.”

“Chief we would never abandon you just to save our own lives. We would gladly die with you if it came to it!”

Yihes' impassioned speech was confirmed by all of her fellow classmates. As they emphatically declared their loyalty to Linghu Chong.

“I will never question the loyalty of any of you. After losing your elder's Dingjing, Dinxian, and Dingyi. I know you all are taking extra care to do everything you can to not have something happen to me; even if it costs you all your lives. In fact, that is part of the reason I suggested pretending to not be nuns. In a way, it is to protect you from yourselves.”

Linghu Chong quickly held up his right hand. Stopping the protests he knew would come before they even formed.

“When we first came into this room. I mentioned how perilous these times are. If I were to step down now and hand the leadership over to one of you. Certainly, Zuo Lengshan or someone like him may try and force you all to join them. I doubt any of you will agree to that, and in the end North Hengshan may end up being destroyed.”

What to do. Those were the thoughts of the North Hengshan disciples as they contemplated their chiefs words. It was hard to argue with Linghu Chongs' logic regarding their plight. But, they were warriors. And warriors didn't run or hide when faced with danger.

“But Chief! How could we shame ourselves and the ancestors of North Hengshan by hiding when faced with the prospect of losing our lives? We may be women, but we have our honor just the same as any man,” Yihe stated emphatically.

“What does honor matter if you are dead,” Dongfang Bubai stated suddenly, interjecting herself into the conversation.

“But...--”

“But nothing!” Dongfang Bubai barked, instantly silencing any opposition.

The former cult leader, eyed the nun's with an icy glare; daring any to utter another word.

“As you girls know I was once Dongfang Bubai. Most feared person in the martial world. How do you think I accomplished this feat, by following pride over reason? Do you think I made it to the top of the Sun Moon Holy Cult by relying on force alone? No, I used every tool at my disposal. This is what your chief is trying to tell you. We must be cunning towards our enemies before we can destroy them.”

Linghu Chong shot his beloved a grateful smile. Sometimes there were things only another woman could get another woman to truly understand.

“I was a single woman, disguised as a man in a cutthroat world. It was survival of the fittest. Yet, I came out on top. There is a time for brute force and a time to be cunning. Now is the the time to be as subtle as serpents before we strike.”

Dongfang Bubais' words rang with truthfulness that was hard for the nun's to deny.

“Don't worry ladies, I will take you all under my wing. After all, we women have to stick together,” the former cult leader said with a mischievous smirk which caused her husband to slightly panic.

Linghu Chong deeply loved his wife. But didn't love everything about her. If the nun's did agree to his plan, he made a mental note to keep a very close eye on them, so that the more impressionable ones didn't pick up some of his wifes' more sadistic tendencies.

But those were things only to worry about if said nun's agreed to his proposal.

“Besides, if people knew that North Hengshan had joined with South Hengshan some might say I'm taking advantage of you all. Start calling you lot the wives of Linghu Chong,” he said with a boisterous laugh, trying to break the tense atmosphere.

“Chief please, don't speak so vulgar!” Yihe said a bit embarrassed, though if you looked carefully one could see a slight blush.

“Sorry, sorry, Yihe, was just trying to help the mood. You all looked so conflicted; which is completely understandable. I would be to in your situation.”

“But in truth I can see people saying that though or even worse. Even if they don't know I'm alive and have taken control of South Hengshan. A rumor could start saying how after Linghu Chong went missing and was later confirmed to be dead. In a panic, the three eldest disciples realizing not having a proper leader would only lead to disaster; in effect it would lead to the end of North Hengshen. So they in a panic turned to South Hengshen; not knowing Mo Da was no longer head of the sect. The new leadership did not practice Buddhism nor wanted nuns there. So they had a choice, become regular women and his toys or perish. This fiend, played on the fears of the women and they agreed. Indeed, he is a vile criminal and must be punished for the sake of the purity of those he has mistreated.”

“Chief! If such a story gets out people will think you are some sort of monster!”

Linghu Chong smiled warmly at the show of concern.

“I appreciate the concern. But this is a very really possib..--”

Linghu Chong heard a snicker coming from his wifes' direction and quickly sought to silence the former cult leader before she could make her two cents known.

“Don't say anything you!” he said pointing towards his wife who was going to comment but held her tongue. Though the smug smile on her face expressed her unspoken words; and also that she wouldn't be silent for long.

“All I will say is that you have been thinking about it.”

It only took Linghu Chong a second to realize what the 'it' his wife was referring to.

“No!”

“See Yilin, he's considered it. Eventually he will see reason and then we shall be one big happy family. Well, just us two, the rest of these love struck young ladies are not allowed in.”

Now the nun's gazed between Linghu Chong and Dongfang Bubai completely clueless as to what the pair was arguing about. The only one who had any clue was Yilin, who looked nervous and quite embarrassed after her sisters statement.

-xXx-

At the same time Linghu Chong and the North Hengshan nun's were having their discussion. A certain sect leader was also engaged in conversations of his own. Surrounding the events that took place at a certain birthday celebration.

Yue Buqun, dressed in a simple, light purple robe, had his back to his kneeling disciples, as he gazed out of the window of his room; admiring the clear sky. Each of the three young men; barely into adulthood to be truthful. Were dressed in the standard light gray robes of a Huashan Sect disciple. As they nervously awaited to hear a response from their teacher about the task they had been assigned.

The feelings of anxiety further increased as Yue Buqun suddenly shot a small pebble at a nearby tree, killing a small bird instantly. As it's lifeless body dropped to the ground, their teacher shot them a sideways glare, almost as if signifying that would soon be their fate.

“You say a man in a fox mask injured both Lin Pingzhi, The Golden Saber, and also defeated Chong Xu in a martial contest?” the martial master asked with skepticism evident in his tone.

Said tone was much lighter aka feminine sounding then the three men were comfortable with, but none dared to make such a comment in his presence.

“Yes Master Yue, please believe us, everything we have said is true..” pleaded one of the kneeling men.

“And his wife easily defeated the head of Beggar's Sect?”

“Yes Master Yue. We did as you instructed and made sure we weren't spotted by the Mistress while trailing her. It took us a little while to sneak into the gathering. The day we finally managed to do so, was the same day the martial contest was taking place and we witnessed the two fights,” answered the same disciple.

Even though his wife didn't want anyone to accompany her for the trip to the birthday celebration. Yue Buqun still sent three disciples to secretly keep an eye on her. The act wasn't solely for her safety. He wanted them to report to him if their mistress was acting strange in anyway. This unfounded paranoia was fueled by his own betrayal of their marriage. Sadly, it was the mere tip of the iceberg in showing how far morally the once respected sect leader had actually fallen.

“You also said that Junior Martial Sister and Ling'er left with the man and his wife?”

“Yes Master Yue, after the masked man fought and defeated Elder Chong Xu. He had a brief confrontation with Lin Pingzhi. Though they didn't fight at that time, Lin Pingzhi was already injured and could barely stand straight. It seemed like the two had fought previously given how furious Lin Pingzhi was.”

This bit of news caused the martial arts master to furrowed his brow at this revelation, but, after a few seconds he ordered the young man to continue his report.

“After that a commotion broke out near the entrance to the compound. The masked man ended up fighting and killing Yu Canghai. We are not completely sure of the reasons but it seemed Mr. Yu was trying to kidnap Yue Lingshan. From what we saw, the masked man came to her rescue.”

“I see...”

'Yu Canghai was probably there to find an opportunity to kill Lin Pingzhi. He probably took Ling'er hostage hoping it would produce such an opening. But, why would this mask man go out of his way to save her?' the martial master pondered to himself.

“How did Golden Saber become injured?”

“Lin Pingzhi threw some swords at the masked man as he was trying to leave after killing Yu Canghai. Everything after that happened in seconds, but it appeared that either the man or his wife used their inner energy to send the swords back. The next thing we knew The Golden Saber was on the ground, crying out in pain as one of the swords ended up embedded in his leg.”

“Did they leave after that?”

“Yes, teacher,” all three of the disciples said in unison.

“Since you are here. I'm guessing you didn't follow them?”

The men flinched, fearing what would happen to them for their cowardliness after hearing the clear disdain in their teachers voice.

“Uh... no... we...--”

“Don't concern yourselves, I understand why you did so,” the eunuch said with an exasperated sigh.

Yue Buqun promptly dismissed his three disciples with a simple wave of his hand but strictly warned them not to utter a word to anyone about what they had told him.

The three teens began to leave, though the main one who had been doing most of the talking, suddenly stopped, as he remembered one more key piece of information.

“Master, the man's wife did say that they were the new leaders of South Hengshan and that Elder Mo Da had entrusted them with the sect. We do not know if this is true, but she did say to the crowd that if anyone wants to be taught by real martial artists they can be found there.”

With that said the disciple quickly exited the room.

A few moments after the men had left. Yue Buqun began to slowly pace back and forth, contemplating all that he had been told.

'Elder Chong Xu is advanced in years, but still, for him to be defeated is hard to fathom.'

What really worried the sect leader though was the apparent defeat of his former disciple.

'How could that have happened? Lin Pingzhi knows the Evil-Warding Manual. Other then myself, no one should be able to defeat him...'

The thought that someone was powerful enough to best someone nearly as powerful as himself left the eunuch greatly unnerved. But his concern quickly dissipated. Though his followers had no reason to lie to him. He still didn't believe every word that was said.

'After all, they didn't see the masked man injure Lin Pingzhi. They only assumed he did given the injuries. I'm sure they exaggerated some parts of their report to try and justify themselves for not following after Junior Martial Sister and Ling'er. No one could reasonable blame them if the events happened actually as they said. The danger would have been far too great.'

In Yue Buquns' new found pride, he tried to dismiss any further fears. He deemed it impossible that anything short of trickery or another person knowing the Evil-Warding Manual, could defeat someone knowing the skill. And given the masked man was apparently married. He highly doubted it was the latter.

'Perhaps I should go to South Hengshan and check on this new development. If I don't people will begin to wonder why I didn't go and check on the safety of Junior Martial Sister and Ling'er. And if my wife or daughter have been harmed in anyway, then I will have the perfect excuse to eliminate two potential threats to my ruling the Martial World,' he thought with a sinister smile.

Who knew that cutting off ones manhood could produce such arrogance. For Yue Buqun sake, lets hope he didn't destroy all of his common sense when he mutilated himself and betrayed those who loved and trusted him just for power.

-xXx-

A/N: Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter. :-)