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: 7

-xXx-

The Ten Paths of ChongDong Swordplay.

• Dance Of The Immortal

• The Clouds Block The Sun

• The Sun Shines

• Phoenix Bathes In The Sun

• The Moon Gives Its Light

• Golden Wheel Facing The Sun

• Clouds Open For The Sun

• The Sun Rotates

• The Invincible Comes From The East

• Ballad Of The Drunkard

This art is the combined skills of all Five Mountain Schools; including Hengshan Sect's Qi and Sword branches. It also comprised of the counter set of skills to the Five Mountain Schools, which were written inside the hidden cave in Repentance Cliff. But that was not all. The differing sword skills of the Sun Moon Holy Cult were also included. And lastly, counter technique's to the Sun Moon Cults swordplay. In developing this unique set of skills for the disciples Linghu Chong and Dongfang Bubai both realized that if practiced diligently this new sword style can match the Nine Swords of Dugu.

“These are what we/you will be teaching the disciples from now on. With these sets of skills, not many will be able to match the sects sword skills in a few years,” Dongfang Bubai said firmly from her seated position in the assembly hall.

“Yes chief,” Feng Buping saluted respectfully as he bowed his head.

He then took the manual from Dongfang Bubai's hands, while all the time keeping his gaze on the floor.

Linghu Chong smirked as he witnessed the now docile ex Sword Sect Chief. A month had passed since himself and Dongfang Bubai had taken over and things were running much smoother then he dreamed. As Feng Qingyang had urged them to do. The Sword Sect remnant obeyed every command without question; obviously fearing Dongfang Bubai's temper.

“Learn the technique's well Feng Buping. Myself and the Mistress have spent much time developing this new style. We trust that you will be able to teach the students properly,” Linghu Chong said from his standing position which was to his wife’s right.

Feng Buping backed up a few steps out of respect. Once he was a few feet away he began to read through the manual.

'This is incredible...With these skills we can crush the other sects. Perhaps even Shaolin and Wudang. They are both martial arts geniuses to come up with these skills in such a short period of time.'

His awe was soon broken as Dongfang Bubai noticed his look of wonder.

“I take it you like our sects new swordplay?” she said with a chuckle.

“Yes Chief. With this Huashan...I mean our sect will be on top of the martial world... “ he said with excitement.

“Indeed...Just make sure you study it well. As a former sect leader and now elder of our sect. You will be responsible for the students well being. If they disgrace us by their poor skills, I will hold you personally responsible,” Dongfang Bubai said in a deadly tone.

“Y...Yes...” he said nervously.

Linghu Chong again chuckled observing the scene.

'Good thing we are the only ones in the hall right now or else Uncle Buping might be to embarrassed to face the students.' Linghu Chong though amused.

As Feng Buping was about to leave and begin his study of the manual. Xiong unexpectedly came into the assembly hall. His appearance surprised the three but even more so when he suddenly prostrated himself before his sister.

“Xiong what are you doing?” Linghu Chong asked curiously.

“I beg Chief's to please spare my parents...I don't know all of the details of the past. But I know they've committed a grave offense to you. Please spare them sister...If...If my life can be used instead of theirs then please take my it instead...”

Dongfang Bubai only gazed at her brother with pity. Her heart was filled with anguish as he spoke.

'Brother...' she thought fighting back tears.

But the next thing that happened surprised everyone in the room, as Feng Buping himself got down on his knees next to his disciple.

“Xiong is right Chief Dongfang, please spare his parents. They have helped the sect greatly since they have been here. Dare I say without their assistance the Sword Sect might have already died.”

Seeing the proud ex leader of the Sword Sect begging for mercy for another wasn't something anyone expected. The scene though caused Linghu Chong to remember a conversation he had a few days after taking on the role of chief.

-xXx- Flashback -xXx-

Dongfang Bo heard a knock at the door which caused his heart to jump. Thinking that his time had finally come, he mustered his courage and went to let the person in. But to his surprise and relief the person standing there was non other then his son in law.

“C-chief, what brings you here,” Xiong said nervously thinking Linghu Chong came to finish of his parents.

“No need to worry I only came to talk to senior Bo and his wife,” he said with a warm smile.

Dongfang Bo and his wife offered Linghu Chong a chair which he sat in gratefully.

“I wish to apologize for striking you. Normally I would have never disrespected an elder in such a way. But, as you saw your daughter was intent on ending both your lives so I figured if I administered some sort of punishment that it would calm her a bit and since you are both still alive my plan worked.”

“I've heard much about you in my travels Chief Linghu. You are indeed a true hero.”

Old Bo tried to prostate himself before Linghu Chong out of gratitude but was stopped as his son-in-law stopped him.

“Please don't do that; I'm undeserving. I only did what I thought was right. I also came here to hear your side of things. And how you came to be associated with the Feng Buping and the Sword Sect.”

About and half an hour passed as Dongfang Bo explained the details of how he and his wife abandoned Dongfang Bubai and Yi Lin. The elder couple both bent their heads in shame after reminiscing of their actions. They also revealed how they came to know Feng Buping.

'So they stumbled upon each other a few days after escaping the bandits. Looks like Feng Buping took pity on them and offered them a place to stay until they were ready to travel. I guess Elder Bo must have appreciated Feng Buping's kindness so much he wanted to stay and help the sect anyway he could. Looks like despite his gruff exterior elder Buping does have kindness in him.'

“What you did was wrong and in all honestly Qiang may not be wrong in trying to seek revenge. But I don't want her to do something she will regret for the rest of her life. Family should be cherished and even if they have done you wrong if they seek forgiveness then it should be given...” Linghu Chong said with a warm smile.

Father, mother and child only gazed upon Linghu Chong with appreciation. Never could they repay this debt of kindness he was bestowing upon them.

“In some ways she is very pitiful; both your daughters are in a way. One has been living in a world surrounded by people from the devil cult by herself all these years. In a world where the strong eat the weak and you always have to be on the lookout for other peoples schemes. When we met, I was the first person to genuinely show her care and love. And in turn she showed the same to me.”

“The other was found by the abbottess of North Hengshan and is now a nun there. Though she is not cut out to be a nun, she stays there out of gratitude for their kindness to her given they have been the only family she has known until recently.”

“So what I did created Dongfang Bubai?...And made my other daughter a nun?...” Dongfang Bo said abruptly.

“Little Chújú a nun...” Méh-fùnh said in disbelief.

The elder woman who had remained mostly quiet while Linghu Chong was there began to feel light headed; given her shock. Thankfully, she soon found herself supported by her son, who had immediately ran over to her side once he saw she looked like she was about to fall out of her chair.

After seeing the way his mother in-law reacted, and how he could again hear the sadness and regret in his father in-laws voice. Despite knowing the guilt was deserved Linghu Chong served to comfort them.

“Yes...But you have a chance to fix things now. God has given you both this chance to correct the wrong done. I give you my word, I will do all I can to help you.”

After another round of appreciation from the three, Linghu Chong got up from his seat and readied himself to leave.

“Chief Linghu if I may I need to ask you something,” stated old Bo.

Linghu Chong stopped at the entrance and turned his attention fully back to the older man.

“What is your relationship to my daughter, you two seem to be very close?”

Linghu Chong knew this would eventually come up and was honestly surprised it wasn't asked sooner.

“I'm her husband...”

-xXx- End Flashback- xXx-

'Only forgiveness can resolve hatred. I believe that if you insist on killing your father and step mother, you may eventually have to die too. Xiong and maybe even Yi Lin may want to seek revenge for their parents. It is only by letting it go that you, and them can be free.'

Linghu Chongs' words echoed in her mind. Dongfang Bubai felt extremely guilty seeing her brother plead for his parents lives. Whether half or full siblings, family was still family and he was her brother no matter if they had different mothers.

Rising from her seat, Dongfang Bubai slowly made her way to the kneeling pair. The sound of thunder boomed in everyone ears. That combined with rain hitting the top of the roof and the ground outside only served to amplify the feeling of dread which came over the two kneeling men. Xiong truly thought this was his end. Though young he steeled himself for his death and would die proudly for his parents.

“Get up! I said before when Yi Lin comes our parents fate shall be decided then. You don't have to worry about their lives ending until then...” she said coldly.

Dongfang Bubai abruptly left the assembly hall without another word. Leaving the three men to stare at her in astonishment.

-xXx-

Later on that night, Dongfang Bubai stood by the window of her and Linghu Chong's room staring out sat the night sky; her husband sleeping sounding on the bed a few feet away. The day's events plagued her thoughts and the ex cult leader was truly at a loss at how to handle them.

'Forgiveness doesn't mean to pretend everything is fine. Is not to stuff away angry and hurt feelings. Is not to accept the hurtful behavior. Is not something you can be pressured to do. Is not forgetting a past hurt, but rather, developing a picture of hurt without dwelling on the emotions. Finally, it is letting go of the need to get even with the person...'

Her husbands words once again echoed in her mind. Since joining the Sun Moon Holy Cult survival of the fittest was all she had known. A world filled with viciousness and cruelty. A world where you had to keep your head on a swivel unless you risk losing it. A world where passing over a wrong committed against you could come back and cause you endless trouble's; or even your life.

Could she really forgive and hold no further animosity towards the people who abandoned her?

“God please help me, I...I don't know what to do...” she whispered out as silent tears began to fall from her eyes.

-xXx-

Sunflower Manual...

For all its brilliance is rather easy to learn but at the same time comes at a high price if you are a man planning on practicing it. Is it any wonder that nobody besides a eunuch could create such a thing. The Qi manipulations of this art are simply too suicidal and harmful for a normal person to consider.

The inventor, who must have had a deep understanding of Qi manipulation and a very deep understanding of martial arts, realized this opportunity and attempted something naturally impossible and the result was the Sunflower Manual.

The impossibility has something to do with cold and hot Qi. It appears that the Sunflower Manual greatly increases the hot/male Qi while also increasing the cold/female Qi of the user. The side effect of such a thing would cause a male to become more feminine; if not in body then in mentality if he does castrate himself. The opposite applies for a woman trying to master the art, as they will become more masculine.

If a man who still has his manhood practices it he will burn himself inside out, or so it is believed. And considering male/yang/warm and female/yin/cold, if a woman practices it she would freeze herself to death, or so it is believed. The one way to get around both problems is time. If the manual is learned slowly over time then the need to castrate, or burn or freeze yourself to death will not come into effect. But, humans being impatient creatures, hardly consider patience when trying to achieve power; except for a select few.

Dongfang Bubai for example. She was able to master it for a number of reasons. First and most importantly, her initial training in martial arts by her master, was as if she were a man. He taught her to act and think and fight like she were a male and the development of her 'male' Qi was much more advanced then if she were to learn martial arts in a traditional way for a woman. So when she began to learn the Sun Flower manual, being naturally a woman, all that was needed was to slowly develop her 'female/ying' Qi.

But, what if there was another way to learn it quickly with no adverse effects...

What if there was a way to cultivate the hot and cold Qi, so that you can regulate the different streams of inner energy inside your body and transform them into one.

What if this method of cultivation acted like a CPU of sorts for the technique. What if it allowed the user to learn and adapt to any form of martial arts energy manipulation.

Learning Shaolin's most treasured martial art was again benefiting Linghu Chong besides speeding up his bodies healing and correcting the flaw in the star /energy extraction skill. The Tendon-Altering Sutra with its energy manipulation method wasn't revered as the strongest in the world for nothing.

Tendon-Altering Sutra, Star- Skill, Nine Swords of Dugu, The Ten Paths of ChongDong Swordplay. Imagine if you will, if all of the afore mentioned skills were combined with the Sunflower Manuel.

But these are not just a mismatched set of skills. It would be a true unique art. Like finding a way to regulate the different steams of inner energy inside your body and transform them into one. All the martial arts used to create it were fused in such a way. Seamlessly in fact. To such a degree that the practitioner can easily move from one technique to the other without difficulty.

What type of martial arts practitioner would this give birth to...

-xXx-

Like a Phoenix rising out of the ashes. Linghu Chong rose out of the lake surrounded by the blueish hue of his aura; making his appearance seem very ghostly. He floated a few feet off the waters surface, with his eyes closed seemingly oblivious to the world around him. The former Huashan Sect disciple was also completely , save for a loin cloth. Not that any woman would mine seeing his chiseled physique, especially his wife who was watching the scene with excitement from the shore.

Suddenly, and without any warning his eyes snapped open as a column of energy exploded from his body and screeched towards the sky. The water underneath him parted in similar manner as the clouds, to the point where you could see the very bottom of the lake.

The scene would have been horrifying, but also strangely amazing to watch to a mere passerby.

“You will soon tremble those in the pugilistic world. Behold your master! Behold the birth of your Sovereign!”

Dongfang Bubais' maniacal laughter echoed throughout the area, causing a feeling of fear and dread to whomever heard it, whether man or beast.

-xXx-

Mo Da, is the mysterious leader of the South Mount Hengshan Sect, who is known for playing melancholic tunes on a huqin. Such an instrument wasn't there for decoration, as it was where his sword is concealed. His swordplay techniques, which correspond with musical themes, are very fast and unpredictable and helped to establish him as one of the pugilistic worlds top masters.

Unfortunately though, such skill could only do so much, as he now found himself the sole surviving person from his sect save for a few loyal servants.

It was late-morning on a overcast day. Mo Da sat at a table in a small inn, dressed in a black robe, drinking a cup of wine. The quaint place was about half a days walk from South Hengshan Sect, and was a place he liked to frequent often. He wasn't a heavy drinker by any stretch of the imagination. But after all that had taken place within his clan, and with Liu Zhengfeng's death still plaguing his mind, he needed to figure out the next move, if any, for his sect.

'Second brother, why did you have to die?Though perhaps it's for the best you are not here to see what has become of our sect. Of the disciples that weren't killed by those villains from Mount Song, those who remained simply ran away from fear.'

Sighing heavily the old and graying master-hand reached for the bottle of wine before him to pour himself another drink, but before he could reach the bottle to further drown his sorrows, it suddenly disappeared.

“Thought I sensed someone with good internal strength near by. Turns out to be the person I was hoping to meet,” a mysterious voice suddenly said.

Mo Da was startled by the level of skill the person possessed. To sneak up on a person with his stature, without even a hint of his presence being detected was truly an impressive feat. But, his shock quickly faded and was instead replaced by excitement and joy as he recognized who had spoken to him.

“Junior Linghu...”

“The one and only,” Linghu Chong said with a smile as he poured himself a drink from the wine bottle.

A large smile spread across Mo Da's face, as he was happy to see his young friend again. The rumors that he might have died were beginning to circulate and given no one had heard from him in months, the old master was

beginning to think they were true.

“Junior Linghu I'm glad the rumors of your death were not true. How have you been? Where have you been all this time? Those nuns of yours have been looking frantically for you.”

Linghu Chong returned the elder martial artist's concern with a warm smile before answering.

“I was severely injured and only just fully healed a little while ago...”

As he gazed over Linghu Chong, elder Mo did note that his young friend did seem different, but he couldn’t quite place what seemed strange about him.

'He does look less scruffy and wild,' he said noting Linghu Chong's properly combed hair, which now came down to the middle of his back. Also his choice of clothing; consisting of a nice quality white robe, which was much cleaner looking then his normal vagabond-esk attire.

'But its more than just his outward appearance. It's like his aura has completely changed...'

“The rumors say you confronted Dongfang Bubai and in the end both of you plummeted off of Black Wood Cliff. Was that true? If so how did you survive? How did you two end up in a fight?”

“That's partially true...There was a lot more that happened that day and the days that followed. Where did he hear about what happened?”

“I believe some people overheard some members of the demon cult talking about the events. No one knew if such rumors were true, but since you had disappeared it began to seem like the only plausible explanation.”

Linghu Chong remained silent and instead took another sip of wine.

“Junior Linghu... the rumors also say that it was because of your actions that led to Ren Woxing being able to reclaim his position of chief of the demon cult.”

Mo Da found himself suspicious of his young friends silence but chose not to voice his concern. After all this should be an happy occasion not one marked with mistrust and paranoia.

“Things are more complicated then the rumors say. But, it is true that in a way I did help Elder Ren reclaim his position.”

Linghu Chongs' sad tone peaked Mo Da's curiosity. Whatever happened up on Black Wood Cliff certainly must have been much more complex then the rumors say.

'Though I first thought he was a good for nothing when I first heard about him. Junior Linghu has proven to be upright by his actions. I'm sure that whatever happened on Black Wood Cliff is indeed more complex then what everyone thinks,' he thought more out of hope that his young friend was not now part of the Sun Moon Holy Cult.

“The pugilistic world isn't black and white. Many things that seem one way are really the other. Right can be wrong and wrong right. It's indeed a complicated world we live in,” Mo Da said with a chuckle.

Linghu Chong in turn gave Mo Da a small smile and nodded in appreciation for him not judging without all the facts. A practice which would benefit many if they wisely adopted that way of thinking.

“Anyway you mentioned I was the person you were hoping to meet. Why do you need to speak to me?” he asked curiously.

“There are rumors that South Hengshan is about to die. I...we came here in hopes to stop that.”

“We?...” the old master asked with a perplexed look.

“Who is w...”

Mo Da was startled when a second person suddenly appeared sitting to his left. This time old master did not recognize the person at all. Though he noted she was quite beautiful, but despite her beauty she carried a dangerous aura any martial artist could sense.

“This is?...” he asked cautiously.

“We need to speak in private. Come follow us,” Dongfang Bubai said assertively, giving no room for argument.

In the blink of an eye Linghu Chong and Dongfang Bubai were gone from Mo Da's sight. He didn't have to look hard for them, as he saw the white robed individuals waiting for him right outside of the inn's entrance.

Mo Da hesitated before leaving his seat. He didn't sense any aggression coming from the pair but he knew it was always better to keep ones guard up. Though Linghu Chong's words about saving South Hengshan filled him with hope; something he hadn't felt in a long time. So despite his better judgment, the old master decided to follow his fellow martial artist's and see what they had to say.

-xXx-

The trio causally walked in silence before they came to a place in the near by woods five minutes later.

“Now that we have privacy. Please tell me what this is about,” he said to both younger martial artist's.

“Do you remember the last time we spoke? When you told me before to go and rescue that young lady out of Shaolin and marry her. And that even if nobody comes to your wedding ceremony, old man Mo Da, will definitely come and drink with you,” Linghu Chong calmly exclaimed.

Mo Da was confused for a moment before it dawned on him what his young friend was trying to tell him.

“Congratulations to you both,” Mo Da said happily.

“When I was expelled from Huashan Sect, it freed me to become like the clouds in the sky and the birds in the field. So I don’t need to care about this righteous sect and devil cult matters anymore. It freed me to be with the one I love...”

Dongfang Bubai turned away not wanting her husband to see her blush.

“Free like the clouds and birds of the field?...It's more like I'm locked up by and iron ball and chain. Didn't you say those words to me last night,” Dongfang Bubai said with a loud laugh as she regained control of her emotions and her blush disappeared.

Mo Da laughed loudly at the pair's way of talking to each other. He remembered the blissful feeling of being young and in love.

“I take it this is miss Ren?” he said pleasantly.

“Don't insult me by comparing me to that child,” Dongfang Bubai said soundly genuinely insulted.

Mo Da was confused by Dongfang Bubai response until Linghu Chong once again spoke.

“I'm also sure you have heard the rumors of who was truly imprisoned in Shaolin at that time elder Mo Da?”

Mo Da hesitated for a moment before nodding with a heavy sigh.

“That Linghu Chong had gathered a group of followers of the demon cult and led them to Shaolin in order to free someone. The identity of the person was unclear. Some said it was the Holy Lady of the cult and others it was in fact the infamous leader Dongfang Bubai,” he said looking at them both intently.

“Well in truth that was not Ren Woxing's daughter Ying Ying. That was Dongfang Bubai...” Linghu Chong paused before continuing waiting to see what Mo Da's reaction would be if any. When the elder master gave no sign of surprise he decided to continue speaking.

“She was the one who voluntarily went to Shaolin and sacrificed her freedom for me. She has saved my life countless times. The world calls her a monster. I call her the woman I love and I proudly call her my beloved wife...”

Dongfang Bubai heart melted, her eyes began to tear up after hearing her husbands words, which to her soul was sweeter then honey.

“I will not make any excuses for any evil she has done in the past. And I know one day the past may catch up with her. But, we will face the future together; even if it cost us our lives. When we met, I was the first person to genuinely show her care and love, and in turn she showed the same to me.”

Linghu Chong was going to say more. But a hand gesture from Mo Da stopped him.

“I understand your feelings young friend. Though I’m old now, I was once young... I won't judge you for your decision. Love can change anyone. If you two can freely love each other, who am I to say otherwise,” Mo Da said with a warm smile.

Though his face didn't portray it. Linghu Chong let out a silent sigh of relief at Mo Da's words, reconfirming that seeking the old master-hand out would not be in vain.

“But...I'm sure you didn't seek me out just to tell me you got married Junior Linghu. What is the real reason you need to speak to me?...” he said with a knowing smile.

Linghu Chong and Dongfang Bubai smiled back, before explaining to him the reason why they were there.

-xXx-

“So this was Feng Qingyang idea?” Mo Da said in shock.

“Yes, he asked us both to do this,” Dongfang Bubai stated flatly.

“If he put such a burden on you two then he must believe in you. If such a figure has such trust, who am I to disagree with him,” Mo Da replied back.

Linghu Chong and Dongfang Bubai had explained to the old master how Feng Qingyang came up with the idea that the martial world needs a force to keep it balanced. To keep their chaotic pugilist world from going further into chaos. Like an overseer; to keep people like Zuo Lengshan in check. To make men like him have to think twice before acting out their wicked schemes.

'Regardless of what Yue Buqun thinks of you Junior Linghu. You are the future of Huashan Sect. And what further proof then gaining the trust of Elder Feng and the Sword Sect remnant,' Mo Da thought in admiration.

“Plus this is a good chance to end the dispute between the Sword and Qi factions. Though realistically it might just end up fanning the flames further given how stubborn Yue Buqun is.”

The disdain in Dongfang Bubai's voice wasn't lost on the old master though he completely understood why given how unbending in his ways the Huashan Sect head could be.

“So you wanted to see me because you needed a better place to stay in then what the Sword Sect has at the moment, correct?” he said with a knowing smile.

“Very perceptive. Linghu Chong was right in saying you could be of use to us,” stated Dongfang Bubai.

Though it was meant as a compliment. The cold nature of Dongfang Bubai's statement sent a slight chill up Mo Da's spine.

“We want you to beg you to stay Elder Mo. Even if it's only for a short period of time. With your knowledge and skill you can greatly help the disciples and the sect as a whole grow in power.”

Mo Da gazed intently at his young friend contemplating his words.

'What should I do. If they had simply wanted to they could have easily killed me and taken South Hengshan for themselves. But the fact that they sought me out and shared their plans with me shows their sincerity. Plus, this could be my way of paying back Zuo Lengshan for the wickedness he has done to Hengshan.'

'Plus, junior Linghu most know aligning himself with Feng Buping and the Sword Sect will bring upon him disdain from Yue Buqun. Yet, even so, he seems ready and willing to face that challenge.'

A smile crossed his lips as he made his decision.

“Okay, I agree to leave South Hengshan in your hands...I will officially retire from the martial arts world, but before then I will help you with building up the sect again and nurturing the disciples.”

Both Linghu Chong and Dongfang Bubai had large smiles. The meeting was going just as they had hoped.

“But before the disciples can be groomed, the chief must also set a proper example,” Mo Da said abruptly.

Linghu Chong had the feeling he wasn't going to like Mo Da's next words and indeed he didn't as he was scolded for his drinking.

Elder Mo talked to Linghu Chong about lessening his drinking because of a family he may have one day and to set a good example for the present any future students he will have. Not that he thought drinking was evil or wrong, but just to enjoy wine, and not worship it like he did before. To control himself like an adult man should. Not to let his addiction turn him into a person that he didn’t want to be. And cause him to get to a point where he could lose everything in his life. First and foremost, the woman he loved.

Dongfang Bubai couldn’t help but laugh at how one of the most powerful people in the martial arts world, was being scolded as if he were a mere child. She made note, to harass him about this later.

-xXx-

A month had passed since the meeting between Mo Da, Linghu Chong and Dongfang Bubai. The entire Sword Sect, including Dongfang Bo and his wife had been relocated to the South Hengshan compound.

It was a cool autumn night. A cool, gentle breeze blew through South Hengshan as all had turned in for the night to get an early start the next day. All, except two people in particular. Both their white robes blew gently in the breeze as they were making the most of the tranquil scene.

Love and hate closely resembles hazy clouds

Sometimes scattered and at times foggy

an old sword can carve open a recollection of memories

is this a sentimental bond or is it just a rational decision

On a cloudy day looking straight into the ocean and mulberry fields these memories have slowly faded away

when my heart has fallen into a deep abyss your face appears to me like a night-blooming cereus

A broken oath is like taking a needle and severing off all ties of fate leaving our past behind

if there was a way to live another life, I would want a chance to meet again

What i hated the most about our fleeting past was how we rushed it, it's as if we were rolled up in a hurricane

only took one quick glance of our moment together causing me to not have enough time to establish nostalgic feelings for you

This lifetime is too tragic, if we have a chance to recreate a happy ending for this story let it be told in our next life

at the end these ridiculous promises have not faded into the night

as I walk over these busy streets it was once a scenery of happiness

year after year Knives and Swords are unsympathetic

As years pass by I have forgotten but can still recall these memories

if i can turn back time I would want to be in front of you trapped in that very moment

even if our shoulders collide I will remember your face

if there is no tomorrow my heart will be lost and stuck in love forever

if you close your eyes will I be able to see any feelings of remorse in them

Dongfang Bubai's singing was beautiful to any who heard her. Her voice, more so the words, which were truly from the heart, pieced to the very soul of the few onlookers; which were a couple of servant girls and Xiong. Equally, Linghu Chongs' skills with the zither had improved much since his tutelage at the hands of Holy Lady and Elder Zhu. A testament to the age old adage of practice makes perfect.

“The song is beautiful. But sister, it's also bitter sweet. You and chief love each other so much. Why such a song?” Xiong asked curiously.

She looked at her brother with a small smile before responding. Their relationship had started to develop and even though he still treated her with fear, he was beginning to open up; albeit slowly.

“This is the song we chose, to always remind us of what we almost lost and the pain and regret which would have awaited us if we would have given into bitterness and fear. We also want the song to be a testament to anyone who hears it to guard themselves against those two harmful feelings and not be a slave to your emotions,” she said somberly.

Xiong felt a tear form in his right eye, though he really didn't understand why.

“What are you doing up so late. I thought we ordered all disciples to go to bed early since tomorrow's training will be very intense.”

“Oh, I had to use the bathroom. On my way back I ran into one of the servant girls and she gave this to me. Apparently a messenger arrived earlier when you and chief were meeting with Elder Mo Da and Master Buping,” he said nervously.

Taking the letter. Dongfang Bubai began to read it.

“What does it say?” Linghu Chong asked curiously.

“It's a birthday invitation from Wang Yuanba, the leader of the Golden Saber Sect. Looks like he's inviting the different clan heads from prestigious clans for his birthday celebration, to be held in a month,”

“I see...Probably just wants to show off his wealth,” Linghu Chong said with clear disdain.

“What's the matter, has he done something to you?” Dongfang Bubai asked with concern.

For the next few minutes Linghu Chong explained all that had happened while he was still a disciple of Huashan Sect while they stayed in Luoyand City. His anger was slowly simmering as he remembered the embarrassment he was put through when they believed he had the Evil Warding Manual in his possession. But, in truth it wasn't just the embarrassment that caused his anger. It was the fact that despite knowing him for years. The one's who knew him the best thought he really stole the manual.

“Like I would grace those pompous pigs with my presence!” he shouted angrily.

He went to reach for the letter, to tear it up, but his wife quickly retracted her hand.

“Wait, this could be a perfect opportunity for us and the clan as a whole,” she said with a bit of excitement.

“What do you mean?” he asked confused.

With a mischievous smile, Dongfang Bubai began to outline her plan on how to use the celebration to get a little bit of revenge but more importantly spread the fame of the sect at the same time.

-xXx-