“Di Du” was built in Imperial Calendar, Year 335 by the eleventh Emperor of the Empire of Light. It was originally intended to be a heavily fortified town for the purpose of denying the demons’ advance into the South Western Regions of the Empire. (Fort Warren wasn’t built yet at the time.) It was originally called Jia Shan Stronghold. In Imperial Calendar, Year 553, the Empire of Light’s last hold on the world of Western River had crumbled into pieces and ZiChuan Yun, the Garrison Commander of the South Western Regions of the Empire at the time, declared independence. He seized the opportunity and took control of Jia Shan Stronghold, renaming it to “Di Du”. Using it as his base of operations, he rapidly expanded his dominion over the surrounding regions and founded House ZiChuan. ZiChuan Yun became the first Headmaster of the House.
Ever since its founding year, Di Du had always been in the firm grasp of House ZiChuan. It didn’t matter whether it was the army of House Liu Feng or the furious demon horde, against the sturdy fortifications of the Imperial City and seven generations of ZiChuan soldiers’ sublime heroism and fierce resistance, none could bring the city to its knees. A string of glorious names were entwined with the history of this city: ZiChuan Yun, Sha Jia, ZiChuan Xing, Yun Shan He, Ka Miao… and later, ZiChuan Xiu. The Imperial Capital endured three hundred years of war, and is still standing.
After hundreds of years of war, House ZiChuan’s territory had vastly expanded and the Imperial Capital was no longer the frontline. It is now the biggest of the three capital city in the world of Western River, ahead of “Yuan Jing” of House Liu Feng and “He Qiu” of House Lin. As the center of the world’s politics, economy, and culture, this prosperous city was the pride and crown jewel of House ZiChuan.
…
Someday in Imperial Calendar, Year 778 August, a group of riders arrived in Di Du after returning from the Far Eastern frontline. Its members included the recently promoted Deputy Commander – ZiChuan Xiu, Captain of the Guard – Gu Lei, the forty personal guards under his command, and another three “unlucky bastards”.
Bai Chuan: “Sir, when will you grace us with your benevolence and let us return to the Far East?”
Luo Jie: “Yes, come on. We have known each other for so long. You can just pretend doing us a favour. Serving under you… I mean I’m still a virgin; I’m not ready to die yet!”
Chang Chuan scolded Luo Jie: “Idiot! What are you saying, is that how you speak to your superior officer? Don’t you have manners?! You have to be polite and respectful when asking for favours!”
Chang Chuan turned towards ZiChuan Xiu, face in tears and snot: “Please Sir, in the name of my eighty year old mother and three year old child, please show us mercy!”
ZiChuan Xiu pled for his innocence: “Come now, you guys have been complaining the whole way, aren’t you tired? There is nothing I can do; the order for your redeployment is given by the Chief of the General Staff, Luo Bo.”
“Your eyes are betraying you… and that evil laughter… we know you are lying!”
“That is right. Luo Bo is clearly your accomplice!”
“I heard that you bought us from Luo Bo with mere two bottles of wine, such humiliation! At the very least, we are worth one bottle each!”
“The two bottles of wine was to cover the cost for your equipment… as for you, Luo Jie, you are worth the bottle cap at most!”
…
The party arrived at the Wagon Depot in Di Du.
“Yo, I’m back! Di Du, you’re as magnificent as I remembered!”
ZiChuan Xiu reminisced; six years ago, in order to protect the city, his younger self led an army for the first time, battling against the powerful army of House Liu Feng… A long time had passed since then. He couldn’t help but wonder how many citizens of Di Du still remember him?
“The past is like a dream!” ZiChuan Xiu bewailed passionately…
“Stop daydreaming! We are starving!”
“If you don’t provide us with food, we are going back to the Far East!”
“And we want an inn of the highest class!”
He didn’t need to look to know who it was.
…
After making accommodations for Gu Lei and the personal guards, ZiChuan Xiu and the three went out shopping. Coming from a place devastated by war to a bustling city like this, it didn’t matter where they looked, everything seemed interesting. Luo Jie grabbed hold of a young man on the street, asking: “Where can I find a restaurant?”
The young man eyed him up and down, considering his worn-out uncivilized look and his heavily accented Far Eastern speech. Then replied harshly in local slang: “Hicks!”, and ignored him.
Luo Jie didn’t understand, turning to ZiChuan Xiu: “Sir, what does Hicks mean?”
ZiChuan Xiu acted as if nothing out of the ordinary: “It is a word the town folk use to describe someone from the countryside, and usually not in a positive way.”
Luo Jie: “…I still don’t understand.”
ZiChuan Xiu sighed: “Do you at least remember what we used to call those barbarians in the villages near the frontline, the ones wearing only animal skins who never washed their faces and had only taken three showers in their entire lives?”…
Luo Jie eyes flared with anger: “I’m a bloody Banner Master, how dare he look down on me? I will teach him a lesson!”
Not even five minutes, Luo Jie came back looking down in defeat.
ZiChuan Xiu asked casually: “Well? Did you teach him a lesson?”
Luo Jie: “He taught me a lesson… He was a Red Banner Master.”
Chang Chuan strolled along looking around curiously: “People say that the girls in Di Du are all very bold and modern. Just look at what they are wearing, it has to be true. Wow! That one is hot!”
He approached a girl passing by, using his most charming gesture and most gentle voice: “Miss, do you believe in love at first sight? The moment I saw you, it was like an arrow through my heart…”
“Rapist! Help!” The young lady didn’t hear a word he said and ran away!
Chang Chuan dared not to meet the gaze of his comrades.
“I’m certain that every girl in this city has androphobia… there is simply no other plausible explanation!” Chang Chuan stated vehemently.
Bai Chuan: “We know, we know… they are all lesbians ok? The handsome, gentlemanly and extraordinary Lord Chang Chuan, can you please spare us? You said the same thing forty times already; even my ears are bleeding!”
Luo Jie: “Yo, another hottie over there… Unparalleled beauty and an aura of elegance… I give her a 9.8!”
Chang Chuan: “I give her a 9.9. An absolute goddess! Just a little bit too young.”
Frowning at the two jerks, Bai Chuan sniffed with disdain: “Look at yourselves; you are acting like you just came out of prison or something, complete lack of manners! Now take a good look at Commander Xiu, do you see how composed he is? He never even so much as mentioned…”
Without saying a word, ZiChuan Xiu rushed forward.
“Wow, he is in even more of a hurry than I expected… He couldn’t help it I guess, holding back for six long years in the Far East. He is a bloody man after all!”
“Ha, look at him go! Suddenly approaching the young lady like that saying nothing at all except staring at her like a hawk… I foresee a slap coming!”
“Look, he is scaring the girl… even her face turned pale.”
“Indeed, she even dropped her bag in shock… Such a pitiful fellow, no woman in his life at all; no wonder he is always so eccentric! Bai Chuan, you should take better care of him in the future!”
“Why are they still staring at each other? It is time to cry for help!”
Whatever happened next made them doubt their eyes: The gorgeous noble lady leapt into ZiChuan Xiu’s arms in tears!
ZiChuan Xiu gently but firmly, held on to her shoulders and gazed into her watery eyes. He slowly dropped down to one knee and kissed her on the back of her hand.
Luo Jie watched in bewilderment: “He is proposing to her already?!”
Chang Chuan uttered regretfully: “If only I knew… I totally would have hit that… I see, so the girls in Di Du are indeed very open-minded!”
“Stop your rubbish!” The three was taken by surprise: He somehow overheard their whispers from dozen of meters away? Even though he barely raised his voice, they could hear him clearly as if he was right next to them.
ZiChuan Xiu’s voice was filled with the kind of sternness he had never shown before: “She is the only daughter of former Headmaster of the House – ZiChuan Yuan Xing, the niece of current Headmaster of the House – ZiChuan Shen Xing, and the first heir to the seat of the House – Lady ZiChuan Ning! Show your respect now!”
Luo Jie, Bai Chuan, Chang Chuan instantly dropped to their knees, bowing their head in respect.
ZiChuan Ning’s beauty was the otherworldly kind: elegant long hair, smooth and flawless jade-like oval shaped face, arching eyebrows in the shape of a moon, but her most alluring feature was her pair of bright eyes. Even though they were glistering with tears at the time, it did nothing to diminish her exquisiteness, and instead, it added another layer of heart-gripping charm.
She went up to ZiChuan Xiu; her refined posture was nothing short of perfection. Chang Chuan gazed in bewilderment, Luo Jie’ drool trickled from the corner of his mouth and Bai Chuan was simply in a bad mood (Jealousy obviously).
ZiChuan Xiu exhaled under his breath: Only sixteen years old and already so elegant and alluring, how will the world resist her charm once she grows up?
ZiChuan Ning: “Brother, you came back!” She got a hold of herself, the complex and unspoken feelings she managed to convey with the few simple words made ZiChuan Xiu shudder to even contemplate.
ZiChuan Xiu smiled uncomfortably while replying in a respectful tone: “ZiChuan Xiu pays his respect to Lady Ning! Has my lady been well?”
ZiChuan Ning was dumbfounded, not expecting ZiChuan Xiu to answer her in such formal manner. She regarded him for a few seconds with her sparkling eyes before she adjusted her tone: “All is well! How has Deputy Commander Xiu been holding up? When did you return to Di Du?” Her voice lacked the joyfulness from before.
ZiChuan Xiu: “I arrived in Di Du earlier this morning; I haven’t found the time to pay my lady a visit, I hereby express my deepest apologies.”
“I see. Deputy Commander Xiu must have been weary from the journey!”
“My lady is too kind; it’s my honour to serve the family.”
ZiChuan Ning fell silent, not knowing what to say next. ZiChuan Xiu was the same. Everyone else, including the dull-brained Luo Jie could tell that ZiChuan Xiu had lost his usual EasyGoing and quick-wittedness… None of them would speak out and break the silence. It was their greatest pleasure to watch ZiChuan Xiu suffer!
Bai Chuan thought to herself: “Something is wrong with this pair of siblings…”
…
“So who are they?” ZiChuan Ning[1] only just realized there were others with him.
“They are my fellow Far Eastern Army companions, and like me, they have also been reassigned to the Capital. Come, introduce yourselves to Her Ladyship.”
Holding his head up high, Luo Jie introduced himself: “My name is Luo Jie, Luo Yan Ge[2], born in Sha Jia, rank Far Eastern Army Banner Master. I’m young, hardworking, capable and have good prospects. Currently 24 years old, single, and in search of a kind, virtuous and understanding single lady… Ouch!”
Both Chang Chuan and Bai Chuan retracted their fists without even looking his way, as though the vicious blows had nothing to do with them.
Chang Chuan gave her a handsome salute: “Chang Chuan, De Li An, rank Far Eastern Army Banner Master, currently serving under the command of Commander Xiu. I’m honored to have this opportunity to meet my lady, please allow me to pay you my respect!”
Chang Chuan saluted: “Bai Chuan, Jia Na Ming, Born in Northern Sea, currently serving under the command of Commander Xiu, rank Banner Master.”
“Woah.” ZiChuan Ning didn’t seem to care about Luo Jie and Chang Chuan, but was very interested in Chang Chuan: “Sister, you are so young and already hold the rank of Banner Master. I’m impressed, and besides, you are very pretty as well…”
Bai Chuan bowed tactfully: “It is all thanks to Commander Xiu’s guidance!”
“So where is Sister Bai Chuan going to stay in Di Du?”
“I just arrived and haven’t settled in set. We will most likely stay at the barrack.”
“Barrack is no good; it is old and dirty… Why don’t you stay at my place?”
“But…” Bai Chuan looked towards ZiChuan Xiu. He coughed slightly: “I don’t think it is a good idea, there are forty of us…”
“My home is very spacious… More are welcome, I love having a crowd!”
While ZiChuan Xiu tried to come up with another excuse, Luo Jie had already lost his patience: “Since my lady insisted on having us, why don’t we just do as she says?”
“That is right.” Chang Chuan couldn’t wait either: Former Headmaster’s home, it has to be lavish and magnificent, besides, we will have the company of a beautiful lady… who wants to stay at the barrack must be an idiot! “She is very sincere!”
ZiChuan Xiu nodded grudgingly, thinking: I have to move out the moment I find another place, declining her now will only embarrass her. “Then we will have to trouble my lady!”
ZiChuan Ning joyously scowled at him, as if she was blaming him for calling her my lady. That kind of indescribable amorous flirtation made a battle hardened warrior like ZiChuan Xiu’s heart skip a beat.
…
Bai Chuan waited till the others had left before whispering to ZiChuan Xiu: “Sir, I assume Her Ladyship is not your sister by blood, right?”
ZiChuan Xiu nodded bitterly: “She is ZiChuan Yuan Xing’s only daughter, I’m Sir Yuan Xing adopted orphan… Without him, both I and my mother would have starved to death, and thanks to him my mother could live out her days in peace…”
Bai Chuan felt touched: She didn’t expect someone like him who seemed so care-free all the time, would have such a sad past…
…
“How did you know?”
“Well, from the genetic point of view, it was pretty obvious… Lady Ning is like a living Goddess, while you, Sir on the other hand…”
ZiChuan Xiu was flabbergasted when he saw ZiChuan Ning’s ride! “Huh, this… this is…!”
ZiChuan Ning: “Oh, it is called an automobile… or more correctly, a car! Mercedes-Benz, made in Germany, original parts, powerful engine, rides super smooth, the commercials claim not a single drop of water would spill from a full glass of water even when going at the speed of hundred twenty miles per hour…”
“That is not what I meant… why is someone driving a Mercedes in the era of horses and swords? Surely this is not the time or place, readers will complain.”
“Pretty lady needs her expensive car, author likes it that way! If the readers complain… just threaten them with no update for a month! That will shut them up!”
…
Inside the ride, ZiChuan Xiu admired the feasting and revelry of the prosperous city, a total opposite of the Far Eastern Regions. He deplored to himself: “This is what we risked our lives for, to protect this place of peace and happiness.”
Luo Jie and the rest followed closely behind while he and ZiChuan Ning drove in the car.
ZiChuan Ning: “So many years, how have you been?”
ZiChuan Xiu Sighed under his breath: “Six years, other children of his age enjoyed their care-free and cheerful childhood, while he had to endure the numbing pain and sorrow of the battlefield. He had to watch his closest comrade being torn apart and eaten alive by the demons; their horrifying screams constantly haunted his nights. The time he had to escape Demon’s pursuit, he had to hide neck deep in the muddy quagmire for a whole day and night, not daring to move even an inch. And the time he had to cannibalize the dead in order to survive when he was trapped without food or weapon; not to mention the unbearable pain that kept him awake in the night from the dozens of times he was wounded… How do you even begin to convey this kind of suffering to a little girl whose biggest worry in life was having a pimple on her face?
ZiChuan Xiu nodded, speaking coldly: “It is ok, just the food was terrible.”
Let’s talk about something else: “How is the situation over here?”
“Great, under the leadership of Supreme Commander Yang Ming Hua, we are racing towards hell at full speed.”
“Oh? What happened?”
“His lust of grandeur; he launched three invasions against the House Liu Feng, and Liu Feng Shuang kicked the crap out of him every time. When the Council of Elders asked for his explanation, he shamelessly gave a speech saying that loyalty was his only fault…”
ZiChuan Ning mimicked Yang Ming Hua’s voice: “We must destroy the House Liu Feng at all cost… If that was a mistake, then I will gladly make that mistake. I will not deny it, nor regret it!” And thus it was enough to fool the Council of Elders, and they let him go.”
ZiChuan Xiu wasn’t surprised: “A bold speech. Without the first part, I almost thought it was some confession from a girl who is having an affair with a married man.”
ZiChuan Ning laughed so hard she almost drove into someone.
…
Our Supreme Commander sure is brave and crafty… What about the House Liu Feng? If we kept losing, why didn’t they come and pay us a visit? It’s not Liu Feng Shuang’s style.”
“You must have been out of the loop. Liu Feng Xi Shan has fallen gravely ill. His three sons are busy fighting for the seat of the House. Liu Feng Shuang is his daughter; she is not in the line of succession, but they are all wary of her. So they sent her far away from where the decisions are being made, all the way to Fort Xi Bing. She is now a Commander on the frontline.”
“That was ill considerate of Supreme commander… Why was he trying to interrupt them when House Liu Feng was about to make a grave mistake? If he wanted to destroy House Liu Feng he could easily waited till they are done fighting themselves then pay them a visit.”
“Not at all! Our Supreme Commander has no intention to destroy the House Liu Feng. In contrary, he couldn’t be happier for having an enemy like Liu Feng Shuang!”
“Why is that?”
“Before that, if he wanted to have someone removed, he had to at least come up with a valid excuse, like corruption, negligence or something of the sort… But now he just needs to give them a pep talk: “Go attack Fort Xi Bing!” And that unlucky bastard is done for. No one has ever managed to come out ahead against Liu Feng Shuang. For the past half year, the Commander position of the Border Army has been changing faster than the facet on a revolving lamp. All of them were demoted after losing to Liu Feng Shuang, and all of them were the ones Yang Ming Hua had problems with… So you tell me, does he not love Liu Feng Shuang to death or what?”
“Then… Is Stirling all right? He is definitely against him.”
“Yang Ming Hua can’t wait to let Stirling “talk” to Liu Feng Shuang, and have him battle it out with her, face to face. I heard they even met during the second invasion, but before the battle was decided, due to Uncle ZiChuan Shen Xing’s protest, Stirling was reassigned to the Imperial Guard Army as Deputy Commander. So he never had the chance.”
ZiChuan Xiu thought to himself: Everyone kept saying what a fool ZiChuan Shen Xing was, but that decision was very wise.
…
“Then your Uncle… His Excellency, does he not care what Yang Ming Hua is doing?”
“He has bloody Alzheimer… I think so anyway!” Annoyance flared inside her at the mention of her Uncle: “I told him several times to watch out for Yang Ming Hua, but before the day had even passed, he already…”
ZiChuan Ning spoke using ZiChuan Shen Xing’s feeble mannerisms: “About that, leave them to Yang Ming Hua. Eh? What did you say? I can’t hear you, speak louder… Oh, I don’t feel so well today. I’m getting too old for this, I should retire soon!”
Her vivid imitation brought forth much laughter from ZiChuan Xiu. But he knew things were much more complicated than ZiChuan Ning had thought. He could still recall the vigorous new Headmaster, ZiChuan Shen Xing from six years ago. There was no way someone like that could turn into a useless coward in the short span of a few years.
“You should stop saying things like that to him from now on.” It didn’t matter whether ZiChuan Shen Xing was really a fool or it was merely an act, ZiChuan Ning would get in trouble if Yang Ming Hua got wind of this.
“Sure!” ZiChuan Ning nodded meekly while speaking in an even softer voice: “I’m glad you are back, now I can just leave everything to you!
Sudden wave of emotion came over ZiChuan Xiu: ZiChuan Ning was only sixteen years old, yet she had already demonstrated a sense of matureness not often found for someone her age… Clearly, growing up alone in a place surrounded by enemies had to have taken a heavy toll on her. He spoke softly as well: “You can count on me.”
In that moment, both of them were silent… and an aura of tenderness filled the air. They no longer tried to stay aloof.
…
“Oh right, almost forgot to ask you something important!” ZiChuan Xiu suddenly remembered: “You’re only sixteen, how did you get the driving license?”
“Driving license? Well, the author says he doesn’t believe in that kind of stuff. So in our book, there is no such thing.”
“…So you are driving without license?! Stop the car; I want to get out right now! I’m not ready to die just yet!”
“Don’t be hasty, let me find the break… where did it go I wonder? Is it this one?” ZiChuan Ning pulled…
“It is going even faster! That was the acceleration… HELP, you really don’t know how to drive!”
“That doesn’t make sense! I obviously can drive… surely the bloody author knows a car needs to have breaks, right?”
“Woah! What a lavish mansion! Awesome!” Seeing ZiChuan Ning’s manor villa with garden and pools, Luo Jie sighed in resignation: “With my salary, I won’t be able to afford this even if I stop eating and drinking for thirty thousand years.”
Chang Chuan turned to ZiChuan Xiu: “Sir, does your sister have a boyfriend? Would you mind hooking us up? I have followed you into battle for so many years… Ouch, why did you hit me, Luo Jie?
Luo Ji: “Sir, hook me up instead… Sir, you mustn’t trust him, he talks bad things about you behind your back all the time… Only I have always stayed true and loyal to you, Sir!”
“Horseshit! You are always saying bad things about him. Like last time when we were still in the Far East, weren’t you the one saying Master Xiu thinks through his arse? I scolded and corrected you right on the spot!”
“No you didn’t. You said that “It is because his head was stuck in his arse.” You even laughed hysterically… Sir, you mustn’t believe his lies!”
“Please, Sir, if you introduce Lady Ning to the perverted douchebag Luo Jie over here, it will be a nightmare…”
“Chang Chuan is a womanizer… Sir, I’m telling you: “The few nights we stayed in Sha Jia, he was gone every night. You would only see him the next morning, barely able to stand, as if he just went through several Battles of Heng Chuan. Even his shirt was covered in lipsticks… Chang Chuan, confess now. Where were you?”
“I went to take care of the lost young ladies; I wanted to show them that there was still true love in this world… I wished to make the world a better place… Sir, now that it comes to this, I may as well tell you: Luo Jie is a pervert. He often goes to the female barracks to peep on them… You know their underwear that often went missing… Just search Luo Jie’s backpack and you will know. They are all there, every single one! If you really let Her Ladyship be with someone like him… can she really be happy?”
“It is just a regular and normal hobby… In my opinion it is not that much different from collecting stamps really… I can provide happiness to Her Ladyship just fine! Sir, please listen to me, I know Chang Chuan’s darkest secret… Sir, hold on.”
“Sir, where are you going? I haven’t told you about the shit Luo Jie has done yet, he…”
…
Compared to six years ago, the manor hadn’t changed much. ZiChuan Xiu walked towards the old oak tree, surveying the strange yet familiar manor along the way. The knife mark could still clearly be seen. Everything was exactly the same as it had been before he left six years ago, only people changed… In that moment, ZiChuan Xiu felt it deeply: One does not mature from the passing of time, but experience. He had already crossed the stage of youth. From a boy, he had become a man, or even an old man.
He stepped into the room and the servant respectfully welcomed him: “Young master, you have returned!”
ZiChuan Xiu gave him a friendly nod, but sneered at the thought: “Tch, nothing has changed, even the way I’m addressed.”
As he entered the room where he lived as a child, he was stunned: It was exactly the same as it had been six years ago! Books, bedding and even pillow cover, everything was the same. He sat down in front of his desk, reaching out with his right hand with a customary movement, and a block of ink appeared in his hand… even the positioning stayed the same!
Has no one been to his room before? ZiChuan Xiu wiped his hand over the table, found no sign of dusts. Clearly someone had been cleaning the room on a regular basis. He was confused…
“Everything was the same, right?” Not sure when or how, ZiChuan Ning had already appeared at the door.
“Not even a speck of dust.” ZiChuan Xiu spoke casually: “How did my lady manage such a feat?”
“I have forbidden anyone from entering this room. I would clean it once a week myself, then put everything back the way it was before.” ZiChuan Ning tilted her head slightly; her beauty was beyond words: “But I really can’t stand that pair of smelly sneakers anymore; even though I wash my hand eight times every time I touch it, I can’t get rid of its smell!”
ZiChuan Ning’s word came easily, but ZiChuan Xiu felt the weight in his heart: How can I possibly repay her feelings…
He instinctively tried to avoid that conversation, seeking for an excuse…
“Lady, I…”
“Your stomach is acting up again and you want to go to the bathroom? Your stomach always does that when things get heavy… I can tell from your eyes… Six years, you are still using the same excuse; it is getting old!”
ZiChuan Xiu’s new revelation came as a disappointment: ZiChuan Yuan Xing’s ability to see people for what they really are has not only survived, but flourished in his daughter, ZiChuan Ning.
…
“Lady Ning, you have misunderstood. There is nothing wrong with my stomach… just that my head really hurts. Ouch… I must have caught a cold! I have to lie down for a bit…”
“Tch!” ZiChuan Ning walked out of the door: “I knew you would do that! Useless… Right, I have confiscated all the porn magazines under your bed! If you want new ones, there is a bookstore across the street. The owner usually hides them; just tell him that I sent you… I’m one of his regulars… He has all the latest editions.”
ZiChuan Xiu’s headache suddenly got worse… much worse.
House ZiChuan's highest commanding structure is divided into two levels and four departments. The first level includes the House of Headmaster (who has the highest authority in the family), and the Council of Elders (which is formed by representatives chosen by the public from every province).
The second level includes the High Command (led by the Supreme Commander and the six Commanders under his command, its mostly responsible for the implementation of specific administrative affairs.), and the Ministry of Supervision (The Chief of Supervision also holds the title of a Commander, but he is ranked higher than the other six Commanders and lower than the Supreme Commander. However, the Ministry is not under the jurisdiction of the High Command. It is mainly responsible for supervising the other executive offices, and reports directly to the Headmaster).
Officially, members of High Command are appointed by the Headmaster (with the Council of Elder's approval) and are under the direct command of Headmaster and the Council of Elders. In essence, the Supreme Commander is just a high-ranking official serving in the House of Headmaster. But in reality (due to the current Headmaster ZiChuan Shen Xing's incompetence and Supreme Commander Yang Ming Hua's wild ambitions), the real power of the House has gradually fallen into the hands of the High Command. Therefore, when high-ranking officers like ZiChuan Xiu return to the Capital, the first place they must visit is the High Command and not the House of Headmaster.
…
The guard on duty replied in a polite but aloof manner: “Supreme Commander Yang Ming Hua is very busy. If a newly appointed Deputy Commander wishes to see him, you better make an appointment several days ahead of time.”
“I understand.” ZiChuan Xiu said: “So can I make an appointment now?”
The guard browsed through his registration list: "Supreme Commander's schedule is full until next Monday. Can you come by at three o'clock that afternoon? Supreme Commander has about five minutes for you."
“Great!” ZiChuan Xiu smiled. He wasn’t really in a hurry and this way, he could get a few more days off.
…
Just then, a middle-aged high-ranking officer walked past the hall. Upon seeing ZiChuan Xiu, he halted his steps.
“Hey, isn’t that Ah Xiu? You’re back?”
ZiChuan Xiu nodded and saluted politely: “Sir Fang, how have you been? It has been a long time!”
Fang Jin was the Black Banner Army Commander, and was also his childhood strategy teacher. Later on the two had fought side by side during the counterattack against House Liu Feng; they were well acquainted. ZiChuan Xiu was glad to be able to see a familiar face in a place ridden with hostility like the High Command.
“Terrible! My best disciple didn’t even come to see me after he got back. How well could I be?”
ZiChuan Xiu could feel the warmth swirling in his chest. Fang Jin knew all too well how much Supreme Commander Yang Ming Hua distrusted him, and yet he still came to talk in the open. Even during this dangerous time when Yang Ming Hua was ruling supreme, he could still meet someone who cared for him. It was rare.
“I only came back to Di Du yesterday. My plan for today was to report to the High Command first before I came to see you, but it just happens that—”
“Fine, there is no need to explain!” Fang Jin wrapped his arm around ZiChuan Xiu’s shoulder. “Well? Do you have a place to stay yet? How about my place? My two stupid girls just happen to be at that age as well. They are always horny thinking about boys every day. How about I bring you home to them as a gift?” He sized ZiChuan Xiu’s well-built body up and down before complimenting, “You have turned out to be quite handsome indeed! Are you interested in becoming my son-in-law? You may choose either one of my girls…”
“Sir.” ZiChuan Xiu interrupted abruptly. “I’m already staying at Lady Ning’s place.”
“Oh!” Fang Jin cracked a smile: “No wonder…compared to Lady Ning, my two stupid girls are no match at all… Not bad, I approve of your choice!”
ZiChuan Xiu didn’t know if he should laugh or cry.
…
“The High Command is scheduled to be in a conference today, what are you doing here?”
“Oh, I just came back yesterday. I wanted to report in, but I was told that I needed an appointment in order to see the Supreme Commander…”
“I see…” Fang Jin took ZiChuan Xiu by his arm: “I will get you in!”
ZiChuan Xiu hesitated: “But if the High Command is in conference, with my stature…”
“What are you afraid of?! I have your back!” Fang Jin pushed and dragged ZiChuan Xiu into the conference room.
The conference had yet to start, so only a few people sat loosely across the long table.
…
“Come, let me introduce them to you!” Fang Jin pushed ZiChuan Xiu forward: “This one is the Border Army Commander – Ming Hui, my old partner!”
Ming Hui looked nothing like Fang Jin. He was well educated, tidily dressed, suave, and wore a pair of golden laced glasses like a well accomplished scholar. He politely shook ZiChuan Xiu’s hand: “Defeating eighty thousand demon forces with an army of thirty thousand during the Campaign of Heng Chuan was very impressive, Deputy Commander Xiu!”
“It was nothing. Your fame on the other hand is spread far and wide. I admire it wholeheartedly.” Not everything ZiChuan Xiu said was out of courtesy: Despite Ming Hui’s meekly and scholarly look, his forces had always been the ones to lead the charge during the recent invasions against House Liu Feng (And he was always the one charging ahead of everyone else). His unit was the first one to breach House Liu Feng’s Fortress – Lan Ling. But then the terrifying Liu Feng Shuang appeared, and he was the first one to run as well. In fact, he ran so fast that Liu Feng Shuang even praised his unit. “When you first saw them, you thought you could cut them down with your sabres; but when you reached for your sabres, you thought you needed spears; and when you grabbed your spears they had already gotten so far that you needed bows and arrows; by the time you readied your bows and arrows, they were already at a distance you could only hit with cannons!” Recently, almost every officer in the Border Army had suffered losses at the hand of Liu Feng Shuang, except Ming Hui. That was the reason behind his promotion to the Border Army Commander a month ago.
“And this one is Commander Lei Xun, the Central Army Commander, also known as the “Number One Fighter” of House ZiChuan!” When Fang Jin used the words “Number One Fighter,” his tone was filled with sarcasm.
ZiChuan Xiu knew him to be Yang Ming Hua’s most trusted confidant. His “Divine Arts of Wind and Thunder” had won him the title of “Number One Fighter” for five years straight in the annual martial competition of House ZiChuan. There was also another thing that he was known for. Before the final match of every competition, something would always happen to his opponent. They would either get diarrhea, get into a car accident, have family emergencies, or even get beat up by thugs in some dark street corner. All of them resulted in his opponent forfeiting the fight.
He faked a smile as he shook ZiChuan Xiu’s hand: “Not bad for a kid, so young and already a Deputy Commander.” Secretly, he channelled his “Divine Art of Wind and Thunder,” purposely trying to humiliate ZiChuan Xiu by forcing him to scream in pain or to cripple his hand completely.
Standing next to him, Fang Jin could feel something was wrong. Just as he was about to intervene, ZiChuan Xiu spoke concisely: “Thank you for your guidance, Sir!” He then retracted his hand effortlessly as if nothing had happened.
…
“This one is Commander Luo Ming Hai, Chief of Staff at the High Command.” Luo Ming Hai always kept a straight, cold, and emotionless face. It was almost as if everyone in the whole world owed him two hundred dollars or something. He was also a close confidant of Yang Ming Hua.
ZiChuan Xiu was planning to shake his hand, but seeing how little interest the man had showed him, he hesitated and decided to introduce himself instead: “ZiChuan Xiu at your service, Sir.”
Luo Ming Hai kept his icy cold expression, and took his time before he hummed through his nose: “Hmm!” He didn’t show any more interest.
“Just ignore him; he is always like that, no matter who he talks to.” Fang Jin spoke without reservation, disregarding Luo Ming Hai who sat right next to him.
Strangely, Luo Ming Hai did not get mad and just made another deep hum through his nose: “Tch!”
Next up, he was introduced to the Imperial Guard Army Commander – Pi Gu, an eighty year old elder. His age had long robbed him of his senses. When ZiChuan Xiu greeted him, he had to repeat himself three times before he got through to him: “Oh, right… so you are ZiChuan Xiu? So young… I’m Pi Gu.”
Everyone else had to try their very best to not burst into laughter. His accent was so blurry that the way he said “Pi Gu” sounded almost like “PiGu”[1]!
ZiChuan Xiu thought of the worst: Yang Ming Hua chose such an idiot as the Imperial Guard Commander; was he paving the way for his future coup?
…
“And this one is like you. He just came back from the Far East, Commander Ge Ying Xing. You should know him right?”
It was the first time ZiChuan Xiu met Ge Ying Xing. He was instantly intrigued by his unique features.
He was quite handsome, and had definitely been a pretty boy when he was younger. His soft and already slightly yellowish hair draped disorderly over his forehead while his two curved and thin eyebrows made him appear incredibly gentle. It was obvious he had been ill. Even though it was the hot summer in August, his face was as pale as paper, and his body was wrapped tightly in the thick army coat meant for the winter, exposing only his shaking head. The struggle with his illness had robbed the last bit of his life but his eyes were still as clear as the stars, filled with a deep wisdom and tiredness as though he had long seen through everything the world had to offer. When he looked upon ZiChuan Xiu, his eyes were so incredibly warm and caring. What kind of eyes were those? ZiChuan Xiu was stunned. Only then did he realize that a man’s eyes could be like that; so indescribably beautiful.
It was the first time ZiChuan Xiu saw someone so charismatic like that.
A wave of respect surged forward inside ZiChuan Xiu: This patient on the verge of death was the only pillar holding the entire Far East and the wall shielding against the ferocious Demon invasions.
It was thanks to this patient, who carried the House on his shoulders, that the ambitious and overbearing Yang Ming Hua had been kept at bay for the last six years.
Without this patient’s shelter and protection, ZiChuan Xiu would have been killed by Yang Ming Hua before he could come of age…
Painful feelings bubbled up inside ZiChuan Xiu’s heart: Ge Ying Xing looked so lonely and vulnerable.
The two shared a look, and Ge Ying Xing revealed a slight smile: “Luo Bo told me about you.” His voice was as heavy and magnetic as he was: “Do your best while you are here; live up to the name of the Far Eastern Army, understand?”
He spoke in a rigid way a superior would when addressing a subordinate, yet it sounded very natural to him. Many unsaid things were conveyed through the pair of magical eyes: We are on the same side, be careful!
ZiChuan Xiu felt inexplicably moved by his words, like a lost child finding his father. He bowed deeply: “Yes, Sir!”
The two men understood each other; there was no need for words.
…
“Yo, Ge Ying Xing.” Fang Jin nonchalantly patted his shoulder: “What happened to you? What did you do to look like a dead man?”
Ge Ying Xing smiled slightly: “The journey has taken its toll; I’m not feeling too well.”
Fang Jin: “No shit! Those who know you would praise you for your diligence and dedication, but those who don’t will have to wonder: Didn’t everyone say the girls in the Far East were all dark skinned dwarfs? How come our Commander Ge Ying Xing didn’t seem to mind, and still worked so hard every night?”
He spoke with concern. “Buddy, take it easy alright? Even if your body can handle it, seeing a Commander of the House ZiChuan like this on the street… it may tarnish the family honour!”
Everyone laughed in unison, except Luo Ming Hai who smirked, showing that he was laughing in his own way. Ge Ying Xing scowled while laughing: “Jerk!”
…
The door opened soundlessly and the guard shouted: “The Supreme Commander has arrived!”
Everyone stood up, waiting in anticipation.
Yang Ming Hua was a rather handsome man.
With an upright and dignified look, a sense of righteousness in his eyes, and mastery in the rippling inner force technique, he still looked like a man in his thirties, despite being over fifty years old. So naturally, he had an air of elegance about him. His pair of very bright eyes was filled with care and love. When this was combined with his respectable and amiable smile, he looked like a reliable and righteous elder in every way.
ZiChuan Xiu smiled slightly, recalling the appraisal ZiChuan Ning gave Yang Ming Hua: “He was so despicable that you couldn’t even entrust him with your toothbrush!”
Yang Ming Hua waved his hand, merely acknowledging everyone’s presence, except ZiChuan Xiu’s. He approached him directly, smiling, and like an old friend he patted his shoulder saying: “Our handsome lad is back!” He looked him up and down, smiling: “Not bad, I hope Luo Bo didn’t let you starve? When did you come back? You should have told me and I would have given you a warm welcome!” His enthusiasm could rival that of a caring father or brother.
ZiChuan Xiu saluted: “I came back yesterday and today I’m here to see you, Sir. I didn’t intend to intrude while the High Command is in conference. I sincerely apologize. Please allow me to excuse myself.”
“Well, now that you are here, you may as well sit down and listen in!” Yang Ming Hua replied bluntly: “You are a Deputy Commander now; it is only a matter of time before you have to join us at the High Command!”
“You would kill me first before you let me into the High Command!” ZiChuan Xiu was not blinded by his ardor, acting flattered: “You are too kind, Sir. I’m not worthy of such praise. The rank of Commander is the highest of honors bestowed upon a soldier of ZiChuan, the perfect combination of the three virtues, benevolence, wisdom, and courage. How could a lowborn like me hope to reach such important position?”
“Hahaha.” Yang Ming Hua was delighted; it looked like ZiChuan Xiu’s flatteries managed to hit the mark: “Come, sit down!”
Though ZiChuan Xiu wouldn’t dare to sit at the table, he grabbed a chair and sat against the wall instead, while keeping his mouth shut.
…
The first topic to be discussed during the conference was raised by Commander Ming Hui – How to handle the conflicts at the border with House Liu Feng.
But the discussion was actually just Yang Ming Hua’s soliloquy. All the other commanders simply chose to abstain from voicing their opinion. Commander Ge Ying Xing even closed his eyes, napping. But he was sick, so nobody blamed him.
The next topic was rather trivial. Black Banner Army Commander Fang Jing questioned the Chief of Staff Luo Ming Hai on the issues plaguing the Black Banner Army, like unpaid wages, bad food, lack of vegetables, etc.
Luo Ming Hai replied nonchalantly: “I have already filed an inquiry to the logistic department.” Despite Fang Jing’s fierce protests, that was the only reply he gave.
Central Army Commander Lei Xun demanded that the Central Army should have the priority this year in choosing graduated officers from the Far Eastern Army Academy. His reason was that the quality of Central Army was worse than the other armies. But his suggestion was quickly and vigorously refuted by Fang Jing and Ming Hui.
Fang Jing raised his voice: “The lack of quality in an army is the result of having idiotic commanders!” That was just short of accusing Lei Xun straight to his face.
Ming Hui calmly elaborated on his reasoning: “Border Army is the front line against House Liu Feng. There is simply no reason to not give us the best qualified officers!”
The discussion quickly escalated to a shouting match, and in the end it was Yang Ming Hua who put an end to it by voicing his support for Lei Xun.
Throughout the entire debacle, Luo Ming Hei didn’t say a word and Ge Ying Xing didn’t open his eyes. No one knew if he was really asleep. Pi Gu was so far gone that he started drooling.
Afterwards, a few more topics were discussed, and for quite a few times, Yang Ming Hua had asked ZiChuan Xiu: “Ah Xiu, what is your opinion on this matter? Tell us.”
Every time, ZiChuan Xiu would firmly reply: “Thank you Sir, for allowing me to participate, and bear witness to the wisdom and greatness of our commanders. How could I dare blemish their calculated foresights with my ill-educated opinion? It would be an atrocity!”
ZiChuan Xiu knew very well that given his current inappropriate position, no matter what he said, right or wrong, it would be wrong! All Yang Ming Hua needed to do then would be to accuse him of “obstructing military operations”, and he would be done for!
Ge Ying Xing, whom everyone thought was sound asleep, peeked at him and smirked in approval.
…
“I’ve got a question.” Ge Ying Xing finally spoke in a drooping fashion after everyone else was done talking: “During the Campaign of Heng Chuan, Deputy Commander Xiu captured over ten thousand Demon soldiers, including the third Princess of Demons, Ka Dan. She has already been escorted to Di Du. As to what we should do with her, I leave that to the Supreme Commander.”
Yang Ming Hua: “What do we usually do with the Demon captives?”
Ge Ying Xing replied: “We usually send them to the Wagela work camp as laborers. We sometimes let the captor keep the goblins and dwarves as a reward or sell them at the slave market.”
“But this girl is different. So far, she is the most important POW we have, and she is royalty. If we deal with her like we usually do… It may cause repercussions…”
Ge Ying Xing didn’t specify, but everyone knew what the repercussion entailed. When the Great Demon God King found out that his daughter was sold to the slave market, he would come with several millions of Demon forces at his back… No one liked the thought of that.
Fang Jing spoke in a serious tone: “So what, we just give him his daughter back on a silver platter, and say – Your Majesty the Great Demon God King, here, this is your daughter in pristine condition, even her hymen is still intact. Please check if everything is in order, and don’t let her run off next time. There are many bad guys out there; it was fortunate that we found her first and not them!”
Laughter erupted from inside the room and even Yang Ming Hua had a hard time catching his breath. He pointed at Fang Jing: “You… you are the number one troublemaker here in the High Command!”
“It is definitely a delicate matter. If we just hand her over, we will have tarnished the family honour, because everyone will think we are scared of the demons. But if we keep her, we may cause problems for later…” Border Army Commander Ming Hui lowered his head, deep in thought.
ZiChuan Xiu’s head started to hurt. When he first captured Ka Dan, he thought it had been a great accomplishment. But as it turned out… he seemed to have brought more problems for the High Command than it was worth.
…
Yang Ming Hua asked: “Did we get anything useful from her? How is she, anyways?”
Ge Ying Xing smiled wryly: “She didn’t tell us anything… and without permission, we didn’t dare torture her. Every day she just ate, drank, and slept. She only eats things like sparrow liver, agave root, and bird’s nest; she drinks only three hundred year old honeydew and morning rain water after being filtered seventeen times… And she sleeps in a way even more demanding. We had to hunt over three hundred peacocks and pluck out their feathers to make her bed. When she sleeps, there can’t be any noises within fifty meter of radius. If we fail to comply with any of her demands, she will commit suicide. In fact, she has already tried twice. One of the guards died from a heart attack because of it.”
“By now I don’t hope for anything, as long as the Demon God King is willing to take his daughter back; I would even pay him a year of my salary!”
A wave of laughter later, Ming Hui spoke: “Perhaps the Great Demon King let us capture her on purpose, because he couldn’t stand her anymore and wanted to get rid of her.”
Fang Jing: “Surely we can’t give her up for free? How about this, why don’t we use her as leverage and initiate a peace talk with the Great Demon God King? The truth is, if we wish to exert our dominion over the great plains of Western River, our foremost enemy is the House Liu Feng. Fighting against the Demons drains our resources greatly.”
Lei Xun: “Great idea! Why don’t we send you to talk to the Great Demon God King?”
“You asswipe! I knew you would say that, why don’t you go?” Everyone in the room was amongst the best fighters of House ZiChuan, but neither the courageous Fang Jing nor the braggart Lei Xun would dare volunteer to meet with the invincible Great Demon God King.
“I have a suggestion.” No one knew when the feeble Pi Gu had woken up from his slumber, but he spoke, trembling: “Why don’t we select a few from the demon captives and let them deliver the news to the Demon God King?”
“Good idea! Wisdom does come with age!” Yang Ming Hua cheered in approval, and everyone else did the same.
Only Ge Ying Xing opposed the idea: “Tomorrow, I’m going back to the Far East. All the negotiations for peace will take at least half a year. I can’t just sit here and wait! Someone else will have to watch over Ka Dan.”
ZiChuan Xiu suddenly got a bad feeling about all of this…
…
Of course, everyone, including Ge Ying Xing, then fixated their gaze on him.
“I’m not ready to die yet!” ZiChuan Xiu resented the idea, teeth chattering. He hurriedly declined: “I don’t think this is a good idea! I just came back to Di Du; I don’t even have a place to call my own. I’m not suited for this task.”
“Aren’t you staying at Lady Ning’s place?” Yang Ming Hua’s smile was gentle and kind: “Let Ka Dan stay there as well; it will be a place worthy of her royal stature!”
Everyone echoed their approval in unison. Fang Jing even winked at Ming Hua: “I’m so jealous of his position!”
Ming Hui laughed evilly in kind: “Indeed. I heard that girl is super hot!” In that instant, he didn’t look like a prestigious Commander of the three hundred thousand soldiers of the Border Army. He sighed: “Why do I never get easy tasks like that?”
“Commander Fang.” ZiChuan Xiu wanted to bite him: “If you like it so much, I’m more than willing to let you have her!”
“I can’t do that, man! I have an angry lioness at home!”
…
Ge Ying Xing spoke, smiling as well: “Ah Xiu, since it was you who captured her, it is only fitting that you should be the one to guard her. A man has to wipe his own ass!” Clearly, his biggest concern at the time was finding a scapegoat… He didn’t care if ZiChuan Xiu was even on his side!
ZiChuan Xiu stared at him bitterly, but Ge Ying Xing pretended to not have noticed. Pulling his head back inside his cotton coat, he was once again that sickly person on the verge of the death.
“Very well, as the Supreme Commander, I hereby approve of this suggestion!” Yang Ming Hua smiled: “It is an order!”
“But Sir…” ZiChuan Xiu wanted to cry, but he didn’t utter another sound… Once the order was given, disobeying it would be a serious offence.
“Don’t be the guard and the thief at the same time!” Lei Xun hinted at the underlying malicious intent.
“It is ok if you do!” Fang Jing seemed to have forgotten about his dispute with Lei Xun earlier:
“Who knows, perhaps you can become Demon God King’s son-in-law, and the war will be over in an instant!”
“That’s right. For the greater good of House ZiChuan, Ah Xiu, give her your best!” Ming Hui burst into laughter.
Soon the entire room was filled with a sneaky sound of laughter typical from a bunch of good-for-nothing boys. It made ZiChuan Xiu wonder if he was in a private room at the local brothel and not the conference room of the High Command…
Suddenly, the door opened soundlessly and an icy cold voice pierced through: “ZiChuan Xiu, are you still alive?” The voice permeated bone-wrenching hatred and killing-intent…
Who dared to offend the non-voting delegates while the High Command was in congress?!
Even the usually composed Yang Ming Hua seemed agitated: “Who?!”
ZiChuan Xiu was already on his feet, staring in anger; he could tell it was Di Lin's voice!
Everyone could feel the sudden chill in the room when one of the three Heroes of ZiChuan, the Red Banner Master Di Lin, walked into the room.
Di Lin was quite tall and walked in large strides. Despite his imposing size, his face was rather feminine. He had crescent eyebrows over sparkling eyes, thin lips, a handsome nose and smooth skin. Just walking down the street, all sorts of perverts would have hit on him, were it not for his large, broad shoulders. In fact, when he was younger, he had so many admirers that they could fill up his entire backyard… But sadly, most of them were men, and the only girl among them was a lesbian. Perhaps one might wonder how his delicate features could fit so well with his unruly arrogance and cruel demeanor, but that was exactly his unique charm..
However, at that very moment, no one would treat him like a girl, because no girl would ever appear so threatening and overbearing at the same time. At that very moment, every follicle of his skin reeked the scent of provocation.
He was a capable general under Yang Ming Hua’s command.
…
He glanced at ZiChuan Xiu in disdain as he apologized to Yang Ming Hua: “Upon hearing about my good friend Master Xiu’s return from the Far East, I was so excited that I couldn’t resist, and I had to come see him for myself. I’m terribly sorry for interrupting the Conference. I will gladly accept any punishment you deem fit, Sir!”
Even though Di Lin spoke to Yang Ming Hua the whole time, his ominous gaze never left the face of ZiChuan Xiu, as if he would suddenly disappear from his sight given the opportunity. Clearly he hated his “good friend” ZiChuan Xiu very much.
All of the commanders present knew the story. A couple of years ago, when the three young heroes of ZiChuan: ZiChuan Xiu, Di Lin and Stirling were still in the Far Eastern Army Academy, they were the closest friends, before they all fell in love with the same girl, Lin Xiu Jia…
A fierce contest later, Di Lin successfully won over the girl, but the friends became enemies, like water and ice. With ZiChuan Xiu and Stirling on the losing side, and Di Lin on the winning side, they had fought each other many times in secret, with no clear victor. Their grievance had only deepened since then.
In the end, Stirling went to serve the Headmaster of the family: ZiChuan Shen Xing, while Di Lin went to join the Supreme Commander Yang Ming Hua. Thanks to his talents, he easily won Yang Ming Hua’s favor, which led to his career on a fast track. By the age of 24, he had already been promoted to the rank of Red Banner Master and had become a capable lieutenant under the command of Yang Ming Hua.
…
“Di Lin, you are out of line!” Yang Ming Hua snapped at him, as though he could barely suppress his anger: “Where do you think you are? Take a close look around you. This is the High Command! It is not a place where you can just come and go as you please!”
Di Lin apologized again more sincerely: “I was too excited to see my “good friend” Master Xiu and I couldn’t control of myself… I deserve to be punished by death!” Even though he said “death”, he was not worried in the slightest for someone in his position. His tone revealed an aura of arrogance.
“I suppose it is understandable!” Yang Ming Hua instantly softened his voice: “The downside of being young is being often too emotional. What wouldn’t you do in the name of friendship? Since you are being such a good sport, I will spare you this time… Remember to not do it again!”
“Yes Sir! I will not repeat the same mistake again!”
Just like a pre-rehearsed script, the two echoed each other, turning a death penalty for interrupting the Conference held in High Command into something insignificant, and then into nothing at all.
…
“Di Lin, after coming here in such hurry, what is it that you want with Deputy Commander Xiu?”
“I have not seen Commander Xiu for many years and I have missed him dearly. I wished to invite him over so we can talk and catch up on lost times… I wonder if Commander Xiu is willing to grant me this request.”
Di Lin stared at ZiChuan Xiu with his eyes unmoving, and his mouth smirking in a provocative way. The way they eyed each other was like two hungry wolves challenging each other for territory in the forest!
It was a duel invitation!
ZiChuan Xiu muttered under his breath, but didn’t answer him directly. He was probably thinking about whether or not he should accept the challenge, and how likely it was that he would win… It wasn’t too surprising, because after all, Di Lin’s fast sword technique was notorious for its deadliness. If there was an official ranking, he would probably be considered to be ranked in the top ten fighters of House ZiChuan.
…
Yang Ming Hua: “Oh come on, you’re being too hasty… Can’t you see Ah Xiu is here in his official capacity? Right now he is just going to politely refuse due to being on official business. And guess what, it will be a great excuse, especially when a “good friend” is asking to “speak” to you. In the end, we all treasure our lives! Ah Xiu, I’m sure you will do the right thing, no?”
Yang Ming Hua wasn’t trying to mediate; instead, it was more like he was adding fuel to the fire.
ZiChuan Xiu was getting nervous.
Di Lin smiled coldly: “Ah Xiu, my friend. I hope it is not because you have been fighting demons for so long and have even learned their favourite move… Actually, why don’t you get yourself a shell as well and wrap yourself with it, then you would be truly safe!” He was comparing him to a turtle.
Lei Xun commented in a peculiar manner: “Di Lin, don’t be so mean to Commander Xiu… What if he starts crying?”
Di Lin suddenly seemed to have realized something: “Right, I shouldn’t have assumed… I can't believe I thought he was a man all this time… Isn’t that stupid of me?”
Facing such humiliating insults, even ZiChuan Xiu couldn’t resist any longer!
Ignoring Fang Jin’s pull on his sleeves and Ge Ying Xing’s eyes hinting the obvious, he answered defiantly: “I humbly request permission to have an extended “talk” with Red Banner Master, Di Lin!”
“What a touching friendship!” Lei Xun chuckled: “What reason do we have to deny the reunion of such “good friends”?”
Yang Ming Hua nodded in agreement: “Very well then, I will allow Ah Xiu to excuse himself. You may find a room here in High Command to “catch up”!”
ZiChuan Xiu and Di Lin both bowed in respect: “Thank you for your understanding, Sir!”
…
Di Lin and Yang Ming Hua gave each other a look of understanding, and then walked towards the door before ZiChuan Xiu could.
Just as ZiChuan Xiu was about to follow, Fang Jin whispered to him from behind: “Be careful of his blade! Don’t let him take the initiative; close in on him first!” He added: “If things don’t work out, make sure to cry for help… We will intervene as fast as we can! There is no shame.”
ZiChuan Xiu nodded, showing that he understood. But his stubborn face clearly indicated the opposite: He had already made up his mind; he wouldn’t call for help even if he was about to die.
Ge Ying Xing kept his silence, but his gaze was filled with concern. They looked at each other, and everything was spoken without a single word… Ge Ying Xing nodded slightly, and ZiChuan Xiu bowed towards him in gratitude. His expression was exceptionally calm, as if he had nothing left to worry about. Ge Ying Xing had already sworn a vow that he would never break: If anything happened to ZiChuan Xiu, he would protect Lady ZiChuan Ning with his life.
Escorted by everyone’s gazes, Di Lin and ZiChuan Xiu went inside a room and closed the door behind them: Soon sound of curses, punching, kicking, weapons clashing and furniture breaking exploded from behind the doors…
When the door opened, who would be the one to come out alive?
“ZiChuan Xiu, today is your last!”
“ZiChuan Xiu, let’s settle all our grievances here and now!”
“ZiChuan Xiu, you didn’t see this one coming, did you? Hahaha, God is just. Your time has come!”
While Di Lin was shouting in the door’s direction, ZiChuan Xiu casually ate the chocolate cookies from the jar. Di Lin, clearly unsatisfied, turned towards him and whispered: “Stop sitting on your ass! My throat is hurting; it is your turn! And why are you eating?!”
Stuffing the last piece of cookie in his mouth, ZiChuan Xiu shouted inaudible words: “Di Lin, only one of us will leave this room alive!” Then he whispered to Di Lin: “I spent my entire morning listening to their boring speeches; how will I have the energy to put up an act if I don’t eat something? Anyways, how is Xiu Jia?”
“ZiChuan Xiu, you bloody pervert! I will rid the world of your filth!” Di Lin whispered again: “She is fine! But can you stop asking about someone else’s wife whenever you meet them? And since when are you on a first name basis with her? You should call her Mrs. Di or Sister-in-Law! Or I might just beat you up for real!”
“Tch, I'd like to see you try!” ZiChuan Xiu whispered: “Don’t be paranoid… If we didn’t lose that dice game back then, did you really think Lin Xiu Jia would want to marry you?”
Di Lin responded in a whisper: “That just means that it was God’s will. Lin Xiu Jia was destined to be my wife. Don’t be a sore loser!”
ZiChuan Xiu lowered his voice: “God’s will? Bullshit! When I cut open the dice later, it was filled with mercury and magnets… No wonder Stirling and I kept throwing ones and twos while you were getting triple sixes! Before the dice even came to a halt, you were already racing towards Lin Jia Xiu to propose! Even though everyone knew that she liked me!”
Di Lin whispered back: “All lies! Even if we fought for it fair and square, she wouldn’t have chosen you. You weren’t even sixteen years old at the time; you were still wearing diapers. Why would my wife have fancied you?
The two of them stared at each other, and suddenly, the mood changed.
“Vile lowlife!”
“Stupid shit!”
“Shameless turd!”
“F*ck you… son of a bitch!”
“Go to hell!”
“You first!”
…
Di Lin continued: “Yang Ming Hua is planning a coup!” With that, he sent the table flying with a kick, splashing the furniture all over the wall.
ZiChuan Xiu replied: “That's nothing new. I heard that same shit ten times a day back in the Far East, and now I’m hearing it two dozen times a day.” He quickly moved his own chair aside, afraid that Di Lin would kick his chair down as well. He didn’t want to sit on the table.
Di Lin: “You are ranked number three on Yang Ming Hua’s must kill list… Is that news enough for you?”
“Ha! Ha! Ha!” ZiChuan Xiu roared loudly, sending shockwaves throughout the entire building, as if a fierce battle was actually taking place… Then whispered: “Hmm. Who else is on the list?”
Di Lin answered: “Ge Ying Xing is number one, Stirling is number two, and the Headmaster ZiChuan Shen Xing who couldn’t get into the top three, is number four.”
“What about Lady Ning?”
“Don’t worry, Lady Ning is fine. Yang Ming Hua is planning to make her into a puppet after killing the Headmaster!”
“Should we try to inform Commander Ge Ying Xing? Perhaps he doesn’t know yet…”
“How could he not?! There is nothing that the old fox doesn’t know! Don’t be fooled by his sickly appearance… Let me tell you, Yang Ming Hua has tried four times and sent over seventeen assassins after him!”
“And?”
“Nothing. Those seventeen assassins never showed up again, as though they never existed in the first place! The next day when the sun rises, you will still see Ge Ying Xing with one foot in the grave, as if he will drop dead any moment. Who knows, perhaps when we are all dead, he will still be around for another hundred years! He is insanely crafty; the entire Far Eastern Region is his territory. Yang Ming Hua’s men couldn’t get near him at all.”
“But now that he is here in Di Du, doesn’t that make him an easy target?”
“Yang Ming Hua wouldn’t even dream of it. Ge Ying Xing brought with him six thousand personal guards. Every one of them is brave and loyal only to him. Unless you attacked with a whole army, you wouldn't even get within two miles of his mansion!”
“What about the number two, Stirling…”
“Stirling is currently the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard; he doesn’t leave the House of Headmaster except for emergencies… Besides, there is no one under Yang Ming Hua’s command capable of silencing Stirling without anyone noticing… I mean except me, of course! Deliver a message from me when you see him, the Deputy Banner Master Yun He and Fang Ge under his command have been bought by Yang Ming Hua.”
ZiChuan Xiu shattered a precious vase on the ground, showing the ones standing outside that the duel was still taking place!
Di Lin watched him curiously: “I don’t understand why a certain someone isn’t worried. He is not the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard, nor has he the protection of six thousand personal guards. He is however unfortunately listed in the must kill list, an unimportant person whom no one would care about even if he was killed, the insignificant Deputy Commander of the army reserve. I suggest you leave Lady Ning’s house while you still can. It is bad enough that you may get killed any moment, but it will be worse if you give Lady Ning a scare, not to mention that she will have to clean up your corpse as well.”
ZiChuan Xiu asked: “How much army does Yang Ming Hua currently control?”
“A lot! Lei Xun’s seventeen hundred thousand-soldier Central Army is under his direct command. If a battle really does break out, Stirling’s Imperial Guards will be wiped out in under an hour!”
“Any strong fighters?”
“Central Army has historically always been House ZiChuan’s most elite force. There are many capable fighters amongst the Central Army. Even though their commander Lei Xun is notorious for his greediness and lust for grandeur, his technique of wind and thunder is not a joke. Every time someone calls him the number one fighter he would always crack a wide smile. Chief of Staff, Luo Ming Hai has always kept a low profile… Even now I do not know what he is capable of. And lastly, Yang Ming Hua himself is no slouch either; his inner wave technique is very scary…"
Holding his chin, ZiChuan Xiu considered the possibilities and asked Di Lin again in all seriousness: “So, do you think I can just talk to Yang Ming Hua and work out our differences, you know, like friends…”
…
“If Yang Ming Hua has so many forces at his beck and call, what is he waiting for?”
“He is afraid of Ge Ying Xing, Ming Hui, Fang Jing and the other Commanders who command large armies in other regions… If Ge Ying Xing raises the banner and calls for support in response to his open rebellion, a million soldiers of the Far Eastern Army would arrive at his doorstep. Even with the Central Army’s support, Yang Ming Hua would not be able to fight against that.” Di Lin exercised the swift slash of his sword, and the sound of his blade carving through the air echoed throughout the room.
“What is he planning now?” ZiChuan Xiu asked, while breaking another antique folding screen.
“He has a two-step plan. Step one, rope Fang Jing and Ming Hui into his scheme… Once he manages to bribe either one of them, Black Banner Army and Border Army will have to contend with each other, and will be thus unable to respond to any disturbance in the Capital. Step two, he is sending me to the Far Eastern Army, to take over your former position. He wants me to destroy the Far Eastern Army from within.”
“Should I tell Commander Ge Ying Xing of your true allegiance? The Far East is his territory. If you don’t tell him, you won’t be able to accomplish anything over there; he will have you on a complete lock down.” Having said that, ZiChuan Xiu broke another antique vase; the shattering sound pierced through the air loud and clear.
“Fine, but only him… My position is very dangerous as it is; nobody else can know! Right now even I don't know whom I can trust.”
…
During the three years that the three friends, who would die for each other, were separated, one had to fight for his survival in the field of battle, one had the go undercover and nest with the tiger, and one had to fearlessly face Yang Ming Hua in the open… And now Di Lin was about to enter the field of battle, while ZiChuan Xiu and Stirling had to fight a different kind of battle in this peaceful and prosperous Capital City, a battle without sound nor form, but deadly nonetheless.
They looked at each other, witnessing the deep concerns in other’s eyes. Joining hands, the warmth of their blood transmitted their brotherly love from one to the other! They were deeply touched, but no tears were allowed, only a few unspoken words left stuck in their heart: “Brother, take care!”
They both had to risk their lives. They were both loyal to a fault, for that one vow they made many, many years ago, without regrets, to someone who had passed but had not disappeared, to someone whose had shielded the entire Capital City – ZiChuan Yuan Xing.
Di Lin suddenly remembered: “Ah Xiu, you can’t just go outside like this without any injuries; they will be suspicious. I think we have to…”
A bunch of punches and kicks later, Di Lin decided to leave a few more marks of battle behind on ZiChuan Xiu.
ZiChuan Xiu cried: “Hold on! Haven’t you done enough? Why are you getting more excited?”
Di Lin explained (painfully): “You don’t understand. Do you have any idea how difficult it is for me to inflict such pain on a brother of mine out of necessity? The kind of heartfelt pain I’m experiencing right now is much worse than the physical one you have!”
ZiChuan Xiu argued: “Then why are you smiling like that? How about we ease the pain of your heart, and let my conscience take the blame instead.”
Another wave of kicks and punches later…
Di Lin: “For realism's sake, we are still missing some cuts and blood…”
ZiChuan Xiu (almost dead): “I can’t take this anymore… why don’t you just kill me instead?!”
…
Di Lin sighed: "Now that it has come to this, I might as well…”
ZiChuan Xiu’ eyes widened as Di Lin grabbed a make-up box from his pocket and a coloured bottle…
“That… that is…”
“Correct, this is the paint actors use to appear being wounded. It's a type of red ink that looks like blood, and is super rare! I brought it on a business trip in Hollywood; it cost me a fortune!”
“That is not what I meant… If you had something like that, then why didn’t you use it earlier; why did I have to…?”
Di Lin smirked wickedly, leaning in close to ZiChuan Xiu, and whispered into his ears: “Answer A: Because I forgot! Answer B: Because I did it on purpose. Answer C: Because during my birthday party after I blew all the candles, someone stole a kiss from my wife. Answer D: Because I have waited a long time for this! So which one would you choose, Ah Xiu, my brother?” His lips brushed against ZiChuan Xiu’s ear as he said that.
The door was finally opened. With his head held high, Red Banner Master Di Lin walked out like a winner. He casually brushed the dust off his uniform and wiped his hands; it was clear that he had won the duel effortlessly!
Lying in a pool of blood, ZiChuan Xiu was wounded from head to toe and was left on the verge of death. Using his last bit of strength, he raised a finger and cursed as loud as he could: “Di Lin, you despicable bastard!”
“Di Du” was built in Imperial Calendar, Year 335 by the eleventh Emperor of the Empire of Light. It was originally intended to be a heavily fortified town for the purpose of denying the demons’ advance into the South Western Regions of the Empire. (Fort Warren wasn’t built yet at the time.) It was originally called Jia Shan Stronghold. In Imperial Calendar, Year 553, the Empire of Light’s last hold on the world of Western River had crumbled into pieces and ZiChuan Yun, the Garrison Commander of the South Western Regions of the Empire at the time, declared independence. He seized the opportunity and took control of Jia Shan Stronghold, renaming it to “Di Du”. Using it as his base of operations, he rapidly expanded his dominion over the surrounding regions and founded House ZiChuan. ZiChuan Yun became the first Headmaster of the House.
Ever since its founding year, Di Du had always been in the firm grasp of House ZiChuan. It didn’t matter whether it was the army of House Liu Feng or the furious demon horde, against the sturdy fortifications of the Imperial City and seven generations of ZiChuan soldiers’ sublime heroism and fierce resistance, none could bring the city to its knees. A string of glorious names were entwined with the history of this city: ZiChuan Yun, Sha Jia, ZiChuan Xing, Yun Shan He, Ka Miao… and later, ZiChuan Xiu. The Imperial Capital endured three hundred years of war, and is still standing.
After hundreds of years of war, House ZiChuan’s territory had vastly expanded and the Imperial Capital was no longer the frontline. It is now the biggest of the three capital city in the world of Western River, ahead of “Yuan Jing” of House Liu Feng and “He Qiu” of House Lin. As the center of the world’s politics, economy, and culture, this prosperous city was the pride and crown jewel of House ZiChuan.
…
Someday in Imperial Calendar, Year 778 August, a group of riders arrived in Di Du after returning from the Far Eastern frontline. Its members included the recently promoted Deputy Commander – ZiChuan Xiu, Captain of the Guard – Gu Lei, the forty personal guards under his command, and another three “unlucky bastards”.
Bai Chuan: “Sir, when will you grace us with your benevolence and let us return to the Far East?”
Luo Jie: “Yes, come on. We have known each other for so long. You can just pretend doing us a favour. Serving under you… I mean I’m still a virgin; I’m not ready to die yet!”
Chang Chuan scolded Luo Jie: “Idiot! What are you saying, is that how you speak to your superior officer? Don’t you have manners?! You have to be polite and respectful when asking for favours!”
Chang Chuan turned towards ZiChuan Xiu, face in tears and snot: “Please Sir, in the name of my eighty year old mother and three year old child, please show us mercy!”
ZiChuan Xiu pled for his innocence: “Come now, you guys have been complaining the whole way, aren’t you tired? There is nothing I can do; the order for your redeployment is given by the Chief of the General Staff, Luo Bo.”
“Your eyes are betraying you… and that evil laughter… we know you are lying!”
“That is right. Luo Bo is clearly your accomplice!”
“I heard that you bought us from Luo Bo with mere two bottles of wine, such humiliation! At the very least, we are worth one bottle each!”
“The two bottles of wine was to cover the cost for your equipment… as for you, Luo Jie, you are worth the bottle cap at most!”
…
The party arrived at the Wagon Depot in Di Du.
“Yo, I’m back! Di Du, you’re as magnificent as I remembered!”
ZiChuan Xiu reminisced; six years ago, in order to protect the city, his younger self led an army for the first time, battling against the powerful army of House Liu Feng… A long time had passed since then. He couldn’t help but wonder how many citizens of Di Du still remember him?
“The past is like a dream!” ZiChuan Xiu bewailed passionately…
“Stop daydreaming! We are starving!”
“If you don’t provide us with food, we are going back to the Far East!”
“And we want an inn of the highest class!”
He didn’t need to look to know who it was.
…
After making accommodations for Gu Lei and the personal guards, ZiChuan Xiu and the three went out shopping. Coming from a place devastated by war to a bustling city like this, it didn’t matter where they looked, everything seemed interesting. Luo Jie grabbed hold of a young man on the street, asking: “Where can I find a restaurant?”
The young man eyed him up and down, considering his worn-out uncivilized look and his heavily accented Far Eastern speech. Then replied harshly in local slang: “Hicks!”, and ignored him.
Luo Jie didn’t understand, turning to ZiChuan Xiu: “Sir, what does Hicks mean?”
ZiChuan Xiu acted as if nothing out of the ordinary: “It is a word the town folk use to describe someone from the countryside, and usually not in a positive way.”
Luo Jie: “…I still don’t understand.”
ZiChuan Xiu sighed: “Do you at least remember what we used to call those barbarians in the villages near the frontline, the ones wearing only animal skins who never washed their faces and had only taken three showers in their entire lives?”…
Luo Jie eyes flared with anger: “I’m a bloody Banner Master, how dare he look down on me? I will teach him a lesson!”
Not even five minutes, Luo Jie came back looking down in defeat.
ZiChuan Xiu asked casually: “Well? Did you teach him a lesson?”
Luo Jie: “He taught me a lesson… He was a Red Banner Master.”
Chang Chuan strolled along looking around curiously: “People say that the girls in Di Du are all very bold and modern. Just look at what they are wearing, it has to be true. Wow! That one is hot!”
He approached a girl passing by, using his most charming gesture and most gentle voice: “Miss, do you believe in love at first sight? The moment I saw you, it was like an arrow through my heart…”
“Rapist! Help!” The young lady didn’t hear a word he said and ran away!
Chang Chuan dared not to meet the gaze of his comrades.
“I’m certain that every girl in this city has androphobia… there is simply no other plausible explanation!” Chang Chuan stated vehemently.
Bai Chuan: “We know, we know… they are all lesbians ok? The handsome, gentlemanly and extraordinary Lord Chang Chuan, can you please spare us? You said the same thing forty times already; even my ears are bleeding!”
Luo Jie: “Yo, another hottie over there… Unparalleled beauty and an aura of elegance… I give her a 9.8!”
Chang Chuan: “I give her a 9.9. An absolute goddess! Just a little bit too young.”
Frowning at the two jerks, Bai Chuan sniffed with disdain: “Look at yourselves; you are acting like you just came out of prison or something, complete lack of manners! Now take a good look at Commander Xiu, do you see how composed he is? He never even so much as mentioned…”
Without saying a word, ZiChuan Xiu rushed forward.
“Wow, he is in even more of a hurry than I expected… He couldn’t help it I guess, holding back for six long years in the Far East. He is a bloody man after all!”
“Ha, look at him go! Suddenly approaching the young lady like that saying nothing at all except staring at her like a hawk… I foresee a slap coming!”
“Look, he is scaring the girl… even her face turned pale.”
“Indeed, she even dropped her bag in shock… Such a pitiful fellow, no woman in his life at all; no wonder he is always so eccentric! Bai Chuan, you should take better care of him in the future!”
“Why are they still staring at each other? It is time to cry for help!”
Whatever happened next made them doubt their eyes: The gorgeous noble lady leapt into ZiChuan Xiu’s arms in tears!
ZiChuan Xiu gently but firmly, held on to her shoulders and gazed into her watery eyes. He slowly dropped down to one knee and kissed her on the back of her hand.
Luo Jie watched in bewilderment: “He is proposing to her already?!”
Chang Chuan uttered regretfully: “If only I knew… I totally would have hit that… I see, so the girls in Di Du are indeed very open-minded!”
“Stop your rubbish!” The three was taken by surprise: He somehow overheard their whispers from dozen of meters away? Even though he barely raised his voice, they could hear him clearly as if he was right next to them.
ZiChuan Xiu’s voice was filled with the kind of sternness he had never shown before: “She is the only daughter of former Headmaster of the House – ZiChuan Yuan Xing, the niece of current Headmaster of the House – ZiChuan Shen Xing, and the first heir to the seat of the House – Lady ZiChuan Ning! Show your respect now!”
Luo Jie, Bai Chuan, Chang Chuan instantly dropped to their knees, bowing their head in respect.
ZiChuan Ning’s beauty was the otherworldly kind: elegant long hair, smooth and flawless jade-like oval shaped face, arching eyebrows in the shape of a moon, but her most alluring feature was her pair of bright eyes. Even though they were glistering with tears at the time, it did nothing to diminish her exquisiteness, and instead, it added another layer of heart-gripping charm.
She went up to ZiChuan Xiu; her refined posture was nothing short of perfection. Chang Chuan gazed in bewilderment, Luo Jie’ drool trickled from the corner of his mouth and Bai Chuan was simply in a bad mood (Jealousy obviously).
ZiChuan Xiu exhaled under his breath: Only sixteen years old and already so elegant and alluring, how will the world resist her charm once she grows up?
ZiChuan Ning: “Brother, you came back!” She got a hold of herself, the complex and unspoken feelings she managed to convey with the few simple words made ZiChuan Xiu shudder to even contemplate.
ZiChuan Xiu smiled uncomfortably while replying in a respectful tone: “ZiChuan Xiu pays his respect to Lady Ning! Has my lady been well?”
ZiChuan Ning was dumbfounded, not expecting ZiChuan Xiu to answer her in such formal manner. She regarded him for a few seconds with her sparkling eyes before she adjusted her tone: “All is well! How has Deputy Commander Xiu been holding up? When did you return to Di Du?” Her voice lacked the joyfulness from before.
ZiChuan Xiu: “I arrived in Di Du earlier this morning; I haven’t found the time to pay my lady a visit, I hereby express my deepest apologies.”
“I see. Deputy Commander Xiu must have been weary from the journey!”
“My lady is too kind; it’s my honour to serve the family.”
ZiChuan Ning fell silent, not knowing what to say next. ZiChuan Xiu was the same. Everyone else, including the dull-brained Luo Jie could tell that ZiChuan Xiu had lost his usual EasyGoing and quick-wittedness… None of them would speak out and break the silence. It was their greatest pleasure to watch ZiChuan Xiu suffer!
Bai Chuan thought to herself: “Something is wrong with this pair of siblings…”
…
“So who are they?” ZiChuan Ning[1] only just realized there were others with him.
“They are my fellow Far Eastern Army companions, and like me, they have also been reassigned to the Capital. Come, introduce yourselves to Her Ladyship.”
Holding his head up high, Luo Jie introduced himself: “My name is Luo Jie, Luo Yan Ge[2], born in Sha Jia, rank Far Eastern Army Banner Master. I’m young, hardworking, capable and have good prospects. Currently 24 years old, single, and in search of a kind, virtuous and understanding single lady… Ouch!”
Both Chang Chuan and Bai Chuan retracted their fists without even looking his way, as though the vicious blows had nothing to do with them.
Chang Chuan gave her a handsome salute: “Chang Chuan, De Li An, rank Far Eastern Army Banner Master, currently serving under the command of Commander Xiu. I’m honored to have this opportunity to meet my lady, please allow me to pay you my respect!”
Chang Chuan saluted: “Bai Chuan, Jia Na Ming, Born in Northern Sea, currently serving under the command of Commander Xiu, rank Banner Master.”
“Woah.” ZiChuan Ning didn’t seem to care about Luo Jie and Chang Chuan, but was very interested in Chang Chuan: “Sister, you are so young and already hold the rank of Banner Master. I’m impressed, and besides, you are very pretty as well…”
Bai Chuan bowed tactfully: “It is all thanks to Commander Xiu’s guidance!”
“So where is Sister Bai Chuan going to stay in Di Du?”
“I just arrived and haven’t settled in set. We will most likely stay at the barrack.”
“Barrack is no good; it is old and dirty… Why don’t you stay at my place?”
“But…” Bai Chuan looked towards ZiChuan Xiu. He coughed slightly: “I don’t think it is a good idea, there are forty of us…”
“My home is very spacious… More are welcome, I love having a crowd!”
While ZiChuan Xiu tried to come up with another excuse, Luo Jie had already lost his patience: “Since my lady insisted on having us, why don’t we just do as she says?”
“That is right.” Chang Chuan couldn’t wait either: Former Headmaster’s home, it has to be lavish and magnificent, besides, we will have the company of a beautiful lady… who wants to stay at the barrack must be an idiot! “She is very sincere!”
ZiChuan Xiu nodded grudgingly, thinking: I have to move out the moment I find another place, declining her now will only embarrass her. “Then we will have to trouble my lady!”
ZiChuan Ning joyously scowled at him, as if she was blaming him for calling her my lady. That kind of indescribable amorous flirtation made a battle hardened warrior like ZiChuan Xiu’s heart skip a beat.
…
Bai Chuan waited till the others had left before whispering to ZiChuan Xiu: “Sir, I assume Her Ladyship is not your sister by blood, right?”
ZiChuan Xiu nodded bitterly: “She is ZiChuan Yuan Xing’s only daughter, I’m Sir Yuan Xing adopted orphan… Without him, both I and my mother would have starved to death, and thanks to him my mother could live out her days in peace…”
Bai Chuan felt touched: She didn’t expect someone like him who seemed so care-free all the time, would have such a sad past…
…
“How did you know?”
“Well, from the genetic point of view, it was pretty obvious… Lady Ning is like a living Goddess, while you, Sir on the other hand…”
ZiChuan Xiu was flabbergasted when he saw ZiChuan Ning’s ride! “Huh, this… this is…!”
ZiChuan Ning: “Oh, it is called an automobile… or more correctly, a car! Mercedes-Benz, made in Germany, original parts, powerful engine, rides super smooth, the commercials claim not a single drop of water would spill from a full glass of water even when going at the speed of hundred twenty miles per hour…”
“That is not what I meant… why is someone driving a Mercedes in the era of horses and swords? Surely this is not the time or place, readers will complain.”
“Pretty lady needs her expensive car, author likes it that way! If the readers complain… just threaten them with no update for a month! That will shut them up!”
…
Inside the ride, ZiChuan Xiu admired the feasting and revelry of the prosperous city, a total opposite of the Far Eastern Regions. He deplored to himself: “This is what we risked our lives for, to protect this place of peace and happiness.”
Luo Jie and the rest followed closely behind while he and ZiChuan Ning drove in the car.
ZiChuan Ning: “So many years, how have you been?”
ZiChuan Xiu Sighed under his breath: “Six years, other children of his age enjoyed their care-free and cheerful childhood, while he had to endure the numbing pain and sorrow of the battlefield. He had to watch his closest comrade being torn apart and eaten alive by the demons; their horrifying screams constantly haunted his nights. The time he had to escape Demon’s pursuit, he had to hide neck deep in the muddy quagmire for a whole day and night, not daring to move even an inch. And the time he had to cannibalize the dead in order to survive when he was trapped without food or weapon; not to mention the unbearable pain that kept him awake in the night from the dozens of times he was wounded… How do you even begin to convey this kind of suffering to a little girl whose biggest worry in life was having a pimple on her face?
ZiChuan Xiu nodded, speaking coldly: “It is ok, just the food was terrible.”
Let’s talk about something else: “How is the situation over here?”
“Great, under the leadership of Supreme Commander Yang Ming Hua, we are racing towards hell at full speed.”
“Oh? What happened?”
“His lust of grandeur; he launched three invasions against the House Liu Feng, and Liu Feng Shuang kicked the crap out of him every time. When the Council of Elders asked for his explanation, he shamelessly gave a speech saying that loyalty was his only fault…”
ZiChuan Ning mimicked Yang Ming Hua’s voice: “We must destroy the House Liu Feng at all cost… If that was a mistake, then I will gladly make that mistake. I will not deny it, nor regret it!” And thus it was enough to fool the Council of Elders, and they let him go.”
ZiChuan Xiu wasn’t surprised: “A bold speech. Without the first part, I almost thought it was some confession from a girl who is having an affair with a married man.”
ZiChuan Ning laughed so hard she almost drove into someone.
…
Our Supreme Commander sure is brave and crafty… What about the House Liu Feng? If we kept losing, why didn’t they come and pay us a visit? It’s not Liu Feng Shuang’s style.”
“You must have been out of the loop. Liu Feng Xi Shan has fallen gravely ill. His three sons are busy fighting for the seat of the House. Liu Feng Shuang is his daughter; she is not in the line of succession, but they are all wary of her. So they sent her far away from where the decisions are being made, all the way to Fort Xi Bing. She is now a Commander on the frontline.”
“That was ill considerate of Supreme commander… Why was he trying to interrupt them when House Liu Feng was about to make a grave mistake? If he wanted to destroy House Liu Feng he could easily waited till they are done fighting themselves then pay them a visit.”
“Not at all! Our Supreme Commander has no intention to destroy the House Liu Feng. In contrary, he couldn’t be happier for having an enemy like Liu Feng Shuang!”
“Why is that?”
“Before that, if he wanted to have someone removed, he had to at least come up with a valid excuse, like corruption, negligence or something of the sort… But now he just needs to give them a pep talk: “Go attack Fort Xi Bing!” And that unlucky bastard is done for. No one has ever managed to come out ahead against Liu Feng Shuang. For the past half year, the Commander position of the Border Army has been changing faster than the facet on a revolving lamp. All of them were demoted after losing to Liu Feng Shuang, and all of them were the ones Yang Ming Hua had problems with… So you tell me, does he not love Liu Feng Shuang to death or what?”
“Then… Is Stirling all right? He is definitely against him.”
“Yang Ming Hua can’t wait to let Stirling “talk” to Liu Feng Shuang, and have him battle it out with her, face to face. I heard they even met during the second invasion, but before the battle was decided, due to Uncle ZiChuan Shen Xing’s protest, Stirling was reassigned to the Imperial Guard Army as Deputy Commander. So he never had the chance.”
ZiChuan Xiu thought to himself: Everyone kept saying what a fool ZiChuan Shen Xing was, but that decision was very wise.
…
“Then your Uncle… His Excellency, does he not care what Yang Ming Hua is doing?”
“He has bloody Alzheimer… I think so anyway!” Annoyance flared inside her at the mention of her Uncle: “I told him several times to watch out for Yang Ming Hua, but before the day had even passed, he already…”
ZiChuan Ning spoke using ZiChuan Shen Xing’s feeble mannerisms: “About that, leave them to Yang Ming Hua. Eh? What did you say? I can’t hear you, speak louder… Oh, I don’t feel so well today. I’m getting too old for this, I should retire soon!”
Her vivid imitation brought forth much laughter from ZiChuan Xiu. But he knew things were much more complicated than ZiChuan Ning had thought. He could still recall the vigorous new Headmaster, ZiChuan Shen Xing from six years ago. There was no way someone like that could turn into a useless coward in the short span of a few years.
“You should stop saying things like that to him from now on.” It didn’t matter whether ZiChuan Shen Xing was really a fool or it was merely an act, ZiChuan Ning would get in trouble if Yang Ming Hua got wind of this.
“Sure!” ZiChuan Ning nodded meekly while speaking in an even softer voice: “I’m glad you are back, now I can just leave everything to you!
Sudden wave of emotion came over ZiChuan Xiu: ZiChuan Ning was only sixteen years old, yet she had already demonstrated a sense of matureness not often found for someone her age… Clearly, growing up alone in a place surrounded by enemies had to have taken a heavy toll on her. He spoke softly as well: “You can count on me.”
In that moment, both of them were silent… and an aura of tenderness filled the air. They no longer tried to stay aloof.
…
“Oh right, almost forgot to ask you something important!” ZiChuan Xiu suddenly remembered: “You’re only sixteen, how did you get the driving license?”
“Driving license? Well, the author says he doesn’t believe in that kind of stuff. So in our book, there is no such thing.”
“…So you are driving without license?! Stop the car; I want to get out right now! I’m not ready to die just yet!”
“Don’t be hasty, let me find the break… where did it go I wonder? Is it this one?” ZiChuan Ning pulled…
“It is going even faster! That was the acceleration… HELP, you really don’t know how to drive!”
“That doesn’t make sense! I obviously can drive… surely the bloody author knows a car needs to have breaks, right?”
“Woah! What a lavish mansion! Awesome!” Seeing ZiChuan Ning’s manor villa with garden and pools, Luo Jie sighed in resignation: “With my salary, I won’t be able to afford this even if I stop eating and drinking for thirty thousand years.”
Chang Chuan turned to ZiChuan Xiu: “Sir, does your sister have a boyfriend? Would you mind hooking us up? I have followed you into battle for so many years… Ouch, why did you hit me, Luo Jie?
Luo Ji: “Sir, hook me up instead… Sir, you mustn’t trust him, he talks bad things about you behind your back all the time… Only I have always stayed true and loyal to you, Sir!”
“Horseshit! You are always saying bad things about him. Like last time when we were still in the Far East, weren’t you the one saying Master Xiu thinks through his arse? I scolded and corrected you right on the spot!”
“No you didn’t. You said that “It is because his head was stuck in his arse.” You even laughed hysterically… Sir, you mustn’t believe his lies!”
“Please, Sir, if you introduce Lady Ning to the perverted douchebag Luo Jie over here, it will be a nightmare…”
“Chang Chuan is a womanizer… Sir, I’m telling you: “The few nights we stayed in Sha Jia, he was gone every night. You would only see him the next morning, barely able to stand, as if he just went through several Battles of Heng Chuan. Even his shirt was covered in lipsticks… Chang Chuan, confess now. Where were you?”
“I went to take care of the lost young ladies; I wanted to show them that there was still true love in this world… I wished to make the world a better place… Sir, now that it comes to this, I may as well tell you: Luo Jie is a pervert. He often goes to the female barracks to peep on them… You know their underwear that often went missing… Just search Luo Jie’s backpack and you will know. They are all there, every single one! If you really let Her Ladyship be with someone like him… can she really be happy?”
“It is just a regular and normal hobby… In my opinion it is not that much different from collecting stamps really… I can provide happiness to Her Ladyship just fine! Sir, please listen to me, I know Chang Chuan’s darkest secret… Sir, hold on.”
“Sir, where are you going? I haven’t told you about the shit Luo Jie has done yet, he…”
…
Compared to six years ago, the manor hadn’t changed much. ZiChuan Xiu walked towards the old oak tree, surveying the strange yet familiar manor along the way. The knife mark could still clearly be seen. Everything was exactly the same as it had been before he left six years ago, only people changed… In that moment, ZiChuan Xiu felt it deeply: One does not mature from the passing of time, but experience. He had already crossed the stage of youth. From a boy, he had become a man, or even an old man.
He stepped into the room and the servant respectfully welcomed him: “Young master, you have returned!”
ZiChuan Xiu gave him a friendly nod, but sneered at the thought: “Tch, nothing has changed, even the way I’m addressed.”
As he entered the room where he lived as a child, he was stunned: It was exactly the same as it had been six years ago! Books, bedding and even pillow cover, everything was the same. He sat down in front of his desk, reaching out with his right hand with a customary movement, and a block of ink appeared in his hand… even the positioning stayed the same!
Has no one been to his room before? ZiChuan Xiu wiped his hand over the table, found no sign of dusts. Clearly someone had been cleaning the room on a regular basis. He was confused…
“Everything was the same, right?” Not sure when or how, ZiChuan Ning had already appeared at the door.
“Not even a speck of dust.” ZiChuan Xiu spoke casually: “How did my lady manage such a feat?”
“I have forbidden anyone from entering this room. I would clean it once a week myself, then put everything back the way it was before.” ZiChuan Ning tilted her head slightly; her beauty was beyond words: “But I really can’t stand that pair of smelly sneakers anymore; even though I wash my hand eight times every time I touch it, I can’t get rid of its smell!”
ZiChuan Ning’s word came easily, but ZiChuan Xiu felt the weight in his heart: How can I possibly repay her feelings…
He instinctively tried to avoid that conversation, seeking for an excuse…
“Lady, I…”
“Your stomach is acting up again and you want to go to the bathroom? Your stomach always does that when things get heavy… I can tell from your eyes… Six years, you are still using the same excuse; it is getting old!”
ZiChuan Xiu’s new revelation came as a disappointment: ZiChuan Yuan Xing’s ability to see people for what they really are has not only survived, but flourished in his daughter, ZiChuan Ning.
…
“Lady Ning, you have misunderstood. There is nothing wrong with my stomach… just that my head really hurts. Ouch… I must have caught a cold! I have to lie down for a bit…”
“Tch!” ZiChuan Ning walked out of the door: “I knew you would do that! Useless… Right, I have confiscated all the porn magazines under your bed! If you want new ones, there is a bookstore across the street. The owner usually hides them; just tell him that I sent you… I’m one of his regulars… He has all the latest editions.”
ZiChuan Xiu’s headache suddenly got worse… much worse.
House ZiChuan's highest commanding structure is divided into two levels and four departments. The first level includes the House of Headmaster (who has the highest authority in the family), and the Council of Elders (which is formed by representatives chosen by the public from every province).
The second level includes the High Command (led by the Supreme Commander and the six Commanders under his command, its mostly responsible for the implementation of specific administrative affairs.), and the Ministry of Supervision (The Chief of Supervision also holds the title of a Commander, but he is ranked higher than the other six Commanders and lower than the Supreme Commander. However, the Ministry is not under the jurisdiction of the High Command. It is mainly responsible for supervising the other executive offices, and reports directly to the Headmaster).
Officially, members of High Command are appointed by the Headmaster (with the Council of Elder's approval) and are under the direct command of Headmaster and the Council of Elders. In essence, the Supreme Commander is just a high-ranking official serving in the House of Headmaster. But in reality (due to the current Headmaster ZiChuan Shen Xing's incompetence and Supreme Commander Yang Ming Hua's wild ambitions), the real power of the House has gradually fallen into the hands of the High Command. Therefore, when high-ranking officers like ZiChuan Xiu return to the Capital, the first place they must visit is the High Command and not the House of Headmaster.
…
The guard on duty replied in a polite but aloof manner: “Supreme Commander Yang Ming Hua is very busy. If a newly appointed Deputy Commander wishes to see him, you better make an appointment several days ahead of time.”
“I understand.” ZiChuan Xiu said: “So can I make an appointment now?”
The guard browsed through his registration list: "Supreme Commander's schedule is full until next Monday. Can you come by at three o'clock that afternoon? Supreme Commander has about five minutes for you."
“Great!” ZiChuan Xiu smiled. He wasn’t really in a hurry and this way, he could get a few more days off.
…
Just then, a middle-aged high-ranking officer walked past the hall. Upon seeing ZiChuan Xiu, he halted his steps.
“Hey, isn’t that Ah Xiu? You’re back?”
ZiChuan Xiu nodded and saluted politely: “Sir Fang, how have you been? It has been a long time!”
Fang Jin was the Black Banner Army Commander, and was also his childhood strategy teacher. Later on the two had fought side by side during the counterattack against House Liu Feng; they were well acquainted. ZiChuan Xiu was glad to be able to see a familiar face in a place ridden with hostility like the High Command.
“Terrible! My best disciple didn’t even come to see me after he got back. How well could I be?”
ZiChuan Xiu could feel the warmth swirling in his chest. Fang Jin knew all too well how much Supreme Commander Yang Ming Hua distrusted him, and yet he still came to talk in the open. Even during this dangerous time when Yang Ming Hua was ruling supreme, he could still meet someone who cared for him. It was rare.
“I only came back to Di Du yesterday. My plan for today was to report to the High Command first before I came to see you, but it just happens that—”
“Fine, there is no need to explain!” Fang Jin wrapped his arm around ZiChuan Xiu’s shoulder. “Well? Do you have a place to stay yet? How about my place? My two stupid girls just happen to be at that age as well. They are always horny thinking about boys every day. How about I bring you home to them as a gift?” He sized ZiChuan Xiu’s well-built body up and down before complimenting, “You have turned out to be quite handsome indeed! Are you interested in becoming my son-in-law? You may choose either one of my girls…”
“Sir.” ZiChuan Xiu interrupted abruptly. “I’m already staying at Lady Ning’s place.”
“Oh!” Fang Jin cracked a smile: “No wonder…compared to Lady Ning, my two stupid girls are no match at all… Not bad, I approve of your choice!”
ZiChuan Xiu didn’t know if he should laugh or cry.
…
“The High Command is scheduled to be in a conference today, what are you doing here?”
“Oh, I just came back yesterday. I wanted to report in, but I was told that I needed an appointment in order to see the Supreme Commander…”
“I see…” Fang Jin took ZiChuan Xiu by his arm: “I will get you in!”
ZiChuan Xiu hesitated: “But if the High Command is in conference, with my stature…”
“What are you afraid of?! I have your back!” Fang Jin pushed and dragged ZiChuan Xiu into the conference room.
The conference had yet to start, so only a few people sat loosely across the long table.
…
“Come, let me introduce them to you!” Fang Jin pushed ZiChuan Xiu forward: “This one is the Border Army Commander – Ming Hui, my old partner!”
Ming Hui looked nothing like Fang Jin. He was well educated, tidily dressed, suave, and wore a pair of golden laced glasses like a well accomplished scholar. He politely shook ZiChuan Xiu’s hand: “Defeating eighty thousand demon forces with an army of thirty thousand during the Campaign of Heng Chuan was very impressive, Deputy Commander Xiu!”
“It was nothing. Your fame on the other hand is spread far and wide. I admire it wholeheartedly.” Not everything ZiChuan Xiu said was out of courtesy: Despite Ming Hui’s meekly and scholarly look, his forces had always been the ones to lead the charge during the recent invasions against House Liu Feng (And he was always the one charging ahead of everyone else). His unit was the first one to breach House Liu Feng’s Fortress – Lan Ling. But then the terrifying Liu Feng Shuang appeared, and he was the first one to run as well. In fact, he ran so fast that Liu Feng Shuang even praised his unit. “When you first saw them, you thought you could cut them down with your sabres; but when you reached for your sabres, you thought you needed spears; and when you grabbed your spears they had already gotten so far that you needed bows and arrows; by the time you readied your bows and arrows, they were already at a distance you could only hit with cannons!” Recently, almost every officer in the Border Army had suffered losses at the hand of Liu Feng Shuang, except Ming Hui. That was the reason behind his promotion to the Border Army Commander a month ago.
“And this one is Commander Lei Xun, the Central Army Commander, also known as the “Number One Fighter” of House ZiChuan!” When Fang Jin used the words “Number One Fighter,” his tone was filled with sarcasm.
ZiChuan Xiu knew him to be Yang Ming Hua’s most trusted confidant. His “Divine Arts of Wind and Thunder” had won him the title of “Number One Fighter” for five years straight in the annual martial competition of House ZiChuan. There was also another thing that he was known for. Before the final match of every competition, something would always happen to his opponent. They would either get diarrhea, get into a car accident, have family emergencies, or even get beat up by thugs in some dark street corner. All of them resulted in his opponent forfeiting the fight.
He faked a smile as he shook ZiChuan Xiu’s hand: “Not bad for a kid, so young and already a Deputy Commander.” Secretly, he channelled his “Divine Art of Wind and Thunder,” purposely trying to humiliate ZiChuan Xiu by forcing him to scream in pain or to cripple his hand completely.
Standing next to him, Fang Jin could feel something was wrong. Just as he was about to intervene, ZiChuan Xiu spoke concisely: “Thank you for your guidance, Sir!” He then retracted his hand effortlessly as if nothing had happened.
…
“This one is Commander Luo Ming Hai, Chief of Staff at the High Command.” Luo Ming Hai always kept a straight, cold, and emotionless face. It was almost as if everyone in the whole world owed him two hundred dollars or something. He was also a close confidant of Yang Ming Hua.
ZiChuan Xiu was planning to shake his hand, but seeing how little interest the man had showed him, he hesitated and decided to introduce himself instead: “ZiChuan Xiu at your service, Sir.”
Luo Ming Hai kept his icy cold expression, and took his time before he hummed through his nose: “Hmm!” He didn’t show any more interest.
“Just ignore him; he is always like that, no matter who he talks to.” Fang Jin spoke without reservation, disregarding Luo Ming Hai who sat right next to him.
Strangely, Luo Ming Hai did not get mad and just made another deep hum through his nose: “Tch!”
Next up, he was introduced to the Imperial Guard Army Commander – Pi Gu, an eighty year old elder. His age had long robbed him of his senses. When ZiChuan Xiu greeted him, he had to repeat himself three times before he got through to him: “Oh, right… so you are ZiChuan Xiu? So young… I’m Pi Gu.”
Everyone else had to try their very best to not burst into laughter. His accent was so blurry that the way he said “Pi Gu” sounded almost like “PiGu”[1]!
ZiChuan Xiu thought of the worst: Yang Ming Hua chose such an idiot as the Imperial Guard Commander; was he paving the way for his future coup?
…
“And this one is like you. He just came back from the Far East, Commander Ge Ying Xing. You should know him right?”
It was the first time ZiChuan Xiu met Ge Ying Xing. He was instantly intrigued by his unique features.
He was quite handsome, and had definitely been a pretty boy when he was younger. His soft and already slightly yellowish hair draped disorderly over his forehead while his two curved and thin eyebrows made him appear incredibly gentle. It was obvious he had been ill. Even though it was the hot summer in August, his face was as pale as paper, and his body was wrapped tightly in the thick army coat meant for the winter, exposing only his shaking head. The struggle with his illness had robbed the last bit of his life but his eyes were still as clear as the stars, filled with a deep wisdom and tiredness as though he had long seen through everything the world had to offer. When he looked upon ZiChuan Xiu, his eyes were so incredibly warm and caring. What kind of eyes were those? ZiChuan Xiu was stunned. Only then did he realize that a man’s eyes could be like that; so indescribably beautiful.
It was the first time ZiChuan Xiu saw someone so charismatic like that.
A wave of respect surged forward inside ZiChuan Xiu: This patient on the verge of death was the only pillar holding the entire Far East and the wall shielding against the ferocious Demon invasions.
It was thanks to this patient, who carried the House on his shoulders, that the ambitious and overbearing Yang Ming Hua had been kept at bay for the last six years.
Without this patient’s shelter and protection, ZiChuan Xiu would have been killed by Yang Ming Hua before he could come of age…
Painful feelings bubbled up inside ZiChuan Xiu’s heart: Ge Ying Xing looked so lonely and vulnerable.
The two shared a look, and Ge Ying Xing revealed a slight smile: “Luo Bo told me about you.” His voice was as heavy and magnetic as he was: “Do your best while you are here; live up to the name of the Far Eastern Army, understand?”
He spoke in a rigid way a superior would when addressing a subordinate, yet it sounded very natural to him. Many unsaid things were conveyed through the pair of magical eyes: We are on the same side, be careful!
ZiChuan Xiu felt inexplicably moved by his words, like a lost child finding his father. He bowed deeply: “Yes, Sir!”
The two men understood each other; there was no need for words.
…
“Yo, Ge Ying Xing.” Fang Jin nonchalantly patted his shoulder: “What happened to you? What did you do to look like a dead man?”
Ge Ying Xing smiled slightly: “The journey has taken its toll; I’m not feeling too well.”
Fang Jin: “No shit! Those who know you would praise you for your diligence and dedication, but those who don’t will have to wonder: Didn’t everyone say the girls in the Far East were all dark skinned dwarfs? How come our Commander Ge Ying Xing didn’t seem to mind, and still worked so hard every night?”
He spoke with concern. “Buddy, take it easy alright? Even if your body can handle it, seeing a Commander of the House ZiChuan like this on the street… it may tarnish the family honour!”
Everyone laughed in unison, except Luo Ming Hai who smirked, showing that he was laughing in his own way. Ge Ying Xing scowled while laughing: “Jerk!”
…
The door opened soundlessly and the guard shouted: “The Supreme Commander has arrived!”
Everyone stood up, waiting in anticipation.
Yang Ming Hua was a rather handsome man.
With an upright and dignified look, a sense of righteousness in his eyes, and mastery in the rippling inner force technique, he still looked like a man in his thirties, despite being over fifty years old. So naturally, he had an air of elegance about him. His pair of very bright eyes was filled with care and love. When this was combined with his respectable and amiable smile, he looked like a reliable and righteous elder in every way.
ZiChuan Xiu smiled slightly, recalling the appraisal ZiChuan Ning gave Yang Ming Hua: “He was so despicable that you couldn’t even entrust him with your toothbrush!”
Yang Ming Hua waved his hand, merely acknowledging everyone’s presence, except ZiChuan Xiu’s. He approached him directly, smiling, and like an old friend he patted his shoulder saying: “Our handsome lad is back!” He looked him up and down, smiling: “Not bad, I hope Luo Bo didn’t let you starve? When did you come back? You should have told me and I would have given you a warm welcome!” His enthusiasm could rival that of a caring father or brother.
ZiChuan Xiu saluted: “I came back yesterday and today I’m here to see you, Sir. I didn’t intend to intrude while the High Command is in conference. I sincerely apologize. Please allow me to excuse myself.”
“Well, now that you are here, you may as well sit down and listen in!” Yang Ming Hua replied bluntly: “You are a Deputy Commander now; it is only a matter of time before you have to join us at the High Command!”
“You would kill me first before you let me into the High Command!” ZiChuan Xiu was not blinded by his ardor, acting flattered: “You are too kind, Sir. I’m not worthy of such praise. The rank of Commander is the highest of honors bestowed upon a soldier of ZiChuan, the perfect combination of the three virtues, benevolence, wisdom, and courage. How could a lowborn like me hope to reach such important position?”
“Hahaha.” Yang Ming Hua was delighted; it looked like ZiChuan Xiu’s flatteries managed to hit the mark: “Come, sit down!”
Though ZiChuan Xiu wouldn’t dare to sit at the table, he grabbed a chair and sat against the wall instead, while keeping his mouth shut.
…
The first topic to be discussed during the conference was raised by Commander Ming Hui – How to handle the conflicts at the border with House Liu Feng.
But the discussion was actually just Yang Ming Hua’s soliloquy. All the other commanders simply chose to abstain from voicing their opinion. Commander Ge Ying Xing even closed his eyes, napping. But he was sick, so nobody blamed him.
The next topic was rather trivial. Black Banner Army Commander Fang Jing questioned the Chief of Staff Luo Ming Hai on the issues plaguing the Black Banner Army, like unpaid wages, bad food, lack of vegetables, etc.
Luo Ming Hai replied nonchalantly: “I have already filed an inquiry to the logistic department.” Despite Fang Jing’s fierce protests, that was the only reply he gave.
Central Army Commander Lei Xun demanded that the Central Army should have the priority this year in choosing graduated officers from the Far Eastern Army Academy. His reason was that the quality of Central Army was worse than the other armies. But his suggestion was quickly and vigorously refuted by Fang Jing and Ming Hui.
Fang Jing raised his voice: “The lack of quality in an army is the result of having idiotic commanders!” That was just short of accusing Lei Xun straight to his face.
Ming Hui calmly elaborated on his reasoning: “Border Army is the front line against House Liu Feng. There is simply no reason to not give us the best qualified officers!”
The discussion quickly escalated to a shouting match, and in the end it was Yang Ming Hua who put an end to it by voicing his support for Lei Xun.
Throughout the entire debacle, Luo Ming Hei didn’t say a word and Ge Ying Xing didn’t open his eyes. No one knew if he was really asleep. Pi Gu was so far gone that he started drooling.
Afterwards, a few more topics were discussed, and for quite a few times, Yang Ming Hua had asked ZiChuan Xiu: “Ah Xiu, what is your opinion on this matter? Tell us.”
Every time, ZiChuan Xiu would firmly reply: “Thank you Sir, for allowing me to participate, and bear witness to the wisdom and greatness of our commanders. How could I dare blemish their calculated foresights with my ill-educated opinion? It would be an atrocity!”
ZiChuan Xiu knew very well that given his current inappropriate position, no matter what he said, right or wrong, it would be wrong! All Yang Ming Hua needed to do then would be to accuse him of “obstructing military operations”, and he would be done for!
Ge Ying Xing, whom everyone thought was sound asleep, peeked at him and smirked in approval.
…
“I’ve got a question.” Ge Ying Xing finally spoke in a drooping fashion after everyone else was done talking: “During the Campaign of Heng Chuan, Deputy Commander Xiu captured over ten thousand Demon soldiers, including the third Princess of Demons, Ka Dan. She has already been escorted to Di Du. As to what we should do with her, I leave that to the Supreme Commander.”
Yang Ming Hua: “What do we usually do with the Demon captives?”
Ge Ying Xing replied: “We usually send them to the Wagela work camp as laborers. We sometimes let the captor keep the goblins and dwarves as a reward or sell them at the slave market.”
“But this girl is different. So far, she is the most important POW we have, and she is royalty. If we deal with her like we usually do… It may cause repercussions…”
Ge Ying Xing didn’t specify, but everyone knew what the repercussion entailed. When the Great Demon God King found out that his daughter was sold to the slave market, he would come with several millions of Demon forces at his back… No one liked the thought of that.
Fang Jing spoke in a serious tone: “So what, we just give him his daughter back on a silver platter, and say – Your Majesty the Great Demon God King, here, this is your daughter in pristine condition, even her hymen is still intact. Please check if everything is in order, and don’t let her run off next time. There are many bad guys out there; it was fortunate that we found her first and not them!”
Laughter erupted from inside the room and even Yang Ming Hua had a hard time catching his breath. He pointed at Fang Jing: “You… you are the number one troublemaker here in the High Command!”
“It is definitely a delicate matter. If we just hand her over, we will have tarnished the family honour, because everyone will think we are scared of the demons. But if we keep her, we may cause problems for later…” Border Army Commander Ming Hui lowered his head, deep in thought.
ZiChuan Xiu’s head started to hurt. When he first captured Ka Dan, he thought it had been a great accomplishment. But as it turned out… he seemed to have brought more problems for the High Command than it was worth.
…
Yang Ming Hua asked: “Did we get anything useful from her? How is she, anyways?”
Ge Ying Xing smiled wryly: “She didn’t tell us anything… and without permission, we didn’t dare torture her. Every day she just ate, drank, and slept. She only eats things like sparrow liver, agave root, and bird’s nest; she drinks only three hundred year old honeydew and morning rain water after being filtered seventeen times… And she sleeps in a way even more demanding. We had to hunt over three hundred peacocks and pluck out their feathers to make her bed. When she sleeps, there can’t be any noises within fifty meter of radius. If we fail to comply with any of her demands, she will commit suicide. In fact, she has already tried twice. One of the guards died from a heart attack because of it.”
“By now I don’t hope for anything, as long as the Demon God King is willing to take his daughter back; I would even pay him a year of my salary!”
A wave of laughter later, Ming Hui spoke: “Perhaps the Great Demon King let us capture her on purpose, because he couldn’t stand her anymore and wanted to get rid of her.”
Fang Jing: “Surely we can’t give her up for free? How about this, why don’t we use her as leverage and initiate a peace talk with the Great Demon God King? The truth is, if we wish to exert our dominion over the great plains of Western River, our foremost enemy is the House Liu Feng. Fighting against the Demons drains our resources greatly.”
Lei Xun: “Great idea! Why don’t we send you to talk to the Great Demon God King?”
“You asswipe! I knew you would say that, why don’t you go?” Everyone in the room was amongst the best fighters of House ZiChuan, but neither the courageous Fang Jing nor the braggart Lei Xun would dare volunteer to meet with the invincible Great Demon God King.
“I have a suggestion.” No one knew when the feeble Pi Gu had woken up from his slumber, but he spoke, trembling: “Why don’t we select a few from the demon captives and let them deliver the news to the Demon God King?”
“Good idea! Wisdom does come with age!” Yang Ming Hua cheered in approval, and everyone else did the same.
Only Ge Ying Xing opposed the idea: “Tomorrow, I’m going back to the Far East. All the negotiations for peace will take at least half a year. I can’t just sit here and wait! Someone else will have to watch over Ka Dan.”
ZiChuan Xiu suddenly got a bad feeling about all of this…
…
Of course, everyone, including Ge Ying Xing, then fixated their gaze on him.
“I’m not ready to die yet!” ZiChuan Xiu resented the idea, teeth chattering. He hurriedly declined: “I don’t think this is a good idea! I just came back to Di Du; I don’t even have a place to call my own. I’m not suited for this task.”
“Aren’t you staying at Lady Ning’s place?” Yang Ming Hua’s smile was gentle and kind: “Let Ka Dan stay there as well; it will be a place worthy of her royal stature!”
Everyone echoed their approval in unison. Fang Jing even winked at Ming Hua: “I’m so jealous of his position!”
Ming Hui laughed evilly in kind: “Indeed. I heard that girl is super hot!” In that instant, he didn’t look like a prestigious Commander of the three hundred thousand soldiers of the Border Army. He sighed: “Why do I never get easy tasks like that?”
“Commander Fang.” ZiChuan Xiu wanted to bite him: “If you like it so much, I’m more than willing to let you have her!”
“I can’t do that, man! I have an angry lioness at home!”
…
Ge Ying Xing spoke, smiling as well: “Ah Xiu, since it was you who captured her, it is only fitting that you should be the one to guard her. A man has to wipe his own ass!” Clearly, his biggest concern at the time was finding a scapegoat… He didn’t care if ZiChuan Xiu was even on his side!
ZiChuan Xiu stared at him bitterly, but Ge Ying Xing pretended to not have noticed. Pulling his head back inside his cotton coat, he was once again that sickly person on the verge of the death.
“Very well, as the Supreme Commander, I hereby approve of this suggestion!” Yang Ming Hua smiled: “It is an order!”
“But Sir…” ZiChuan Xiu wanted to cry, but he didn’t utter another sound… Once the order was given, disobeying it would be a serious offence.
“Don’t be the guard and the thief at the same time!” Lei Xun hinted at the underlying malicious intent.
“It is ok if you do!” Fang Jing seemed to have forgotten about his dispute with Lei Xun earlier:
“Who knows, perhaps you can become Demon God King’s son-in-law, and the war will be over in an instant!”
“That’s right. For the greater good of House ZiChuan, Ah Xiu, give her your best!” Ming Hui burst into laughter.
Soon the entire room was filled with a sneaky sound of laughter typical from a bunch of good-for-nothing boys. It made ZiChuan Xiu wonder if he was in a private room at the local brothel and not the conference room of the High Command…
Suddenly, the door opened soundlessly and an icy cold voice pierced through: “ZiChuan Xiu, are you still alive?” The voice permeated bone-wrenching hatred and killing-intent…
Who dared to offend the non-voting delegates while the High Command was in congress?!
Even the usually composed Yang Ming Hua seemed agitated: “Who?!”
ZiChuan Xiu was already on his feet, staring in anger; he could tell it was Di Lin's voice!
Everyone could feel the sudden chill in the room when one of the three Heroes of ZiChuan, the Red Banner Master Di Lin, walked into the room.
Di Lin was quite tall and walked in large strides. Despite his imposing size, his face was rather feminine. He had crescent eyebrows over sparkling eyes, thin lips, a handsome nose and smooth skin. Just walking down the street, all sorts of perverts would have hit on him, were it not for his large, broad shoulders. In fact, when he was younger, he had so many admirers that they could fill up his entire backyard… But sadly, most of them were men, and the only girl among them was a lesbian. Perhaps one might wonder how his delicate features could fit so well with his unruly arrogance and cruel demeanor, but that was exactly his unique charm..
However, at that very moment, no one would treat him like a girl, because no girl would ever appear so threatening and overbearing at the same time. At that very moment, every follicle of his skin reeked the scent of provocation.
He was a capable general under Yang Ming Hua’s command.
…
He glanced at ZiChuan Xiu in disdain as he apologized to Yang Ming Hua: “Upon hearing about my good friend Master Xiu’s return from the Far East, I was so excited that I couldn’t resist, and I had to come see him for myself. I’m terribly sorry for interrupting the Conference. I will gladly accept any punishment you deem fit, Sir!”
Even though Di Lin spoke to Yang Ming Hua the whole time, his ominous gaze never left the face of ZiChuan Xiu, as if he would suddenly disappear from his sight given the opportunity. Clearly he hated his “good friend” ZiChuan Xiu very much.
All of the commanders present knew the story. A couple of years ago, when the three young heroes of ZiChuan: ZiChuan Xiu, Di Lin and Stirling were still in the Far Eastern Army Academy, they were the closest friends, before they all fell in love with the same girl, Lin Xiu Jia…
A fierce contest later, Di Lin successfully won over the girl, but the friends became enemies, like water and ice. With ZiChuan Xiu and Stirling on the losing side, and Di Lin on the winning side, they had fought each other many times in secret, with no clear victor. Their grievance had only deepened since then.
In the end, Stirling went to serve the Headmaster of the family: ZiChuan Shen Xing, while Di Lin went to join the Supreme Commander Yang Ming Hua. Thanks to his talents, he easily won Yang Ming Hua’s favor, which led to his career on a fast track. By the age of 24, he had already been promoted to the rank of Red Banner Master and had become a capable lieutenant under the command of Yang Ming Hua.
…
“Di Lin, you are out of line!” Yang Ming Hua snapped at him, as though he could barely suppress his anger: “Where do you think you are? Take a close look around you. This is the High Command! It is not a place where you can just come and go as you please!”
Di Lin apologized again more sincerely: “I was too excited to see my “good friend” Master Xiu and I couldn’t control of myself… I deserve to be punished by death!” Even though he said “death”, he was not worried in the slightest for someone in his position. His tone revealed an aura of arrogance.
“I suppose it is understandable!” Yang Ming Hua instantly softened his voice: “The downside of being young is being often too emotional. What wouldn’t you do in the name of friendship? Since you are being such a good sport, I will spare you this time… Remember to not do it again!”
“Yes Sir! I will not repeat the same mistake again!”
Just like a pre-rehearsed script, the two echoed each other, turning a death penalty for interrupting the Conference held in High Command into something insignificant, and then into nothing at all.
…
“Di Lin, after coming here in such hurry, what is it that you want with Deputy Commander Xiu?”
“I have not seen Commander Xiu for many years and I have missed him dearly. I wished to invite him over so we can talk and catch up on lost times… I wonder if Commander Xiu is willing to grant me this request.”
Di Lin stared at ZiChuan Xiu with his eyes unmoving, and his mouth smirking in a provocative way. The way they eyed each other was like two hungry wolves challenging each other for territory in the forest!
It was a duel invitation!
ZiChuan Xiu muttered under his breath, but didn’t answer him directly. He was probably thinking about whether or not he should accept the challenge, and how likely it was that he would win… It wasn’t too surprising, because after all, Di Lin’s fast sword technique was notorious for its deadliness. If there was an official ranking, he would probably be considered to be ranked in the top ten fighters of House ZiChuan.
…
Yang Ming Hua: “Oh come on, you’re being too hasty… Can’t you see Ah Xiu is here in his official capacity? Right now he is just going to politely refuse due to being on official business. And guess what, it will be a great excuse, especially when a “good friend” is asking to “speak” to you. In the end, we all treasure our lives! Ah Xiu, I’m sure you will do the right thing, no?”
Yang Ming Hua wasn’t trying to mediate; instead, it was more like he was adding fuel to the fire.
ZiChuan Xiu was getting nervous.
Di Lin smiled coldly: “Ah Xiu, my friend. I hope it is not because you have been fighting demons for so long and have even learned their favourite move… Actually, why don’t you get yourself a shell as well and wrap yourself with it, then you would be truly safe!” He was comparing him to a turtle.
Lei Xun commented in a peculiar manner: “Di Lin, don’t be so mean to Commander Xiu… What if he starts crying?”
Di Lin suddenly seemed to have realized something: “Right, I shouldn’t have assumed… I can't believe I thought he was a man all this time… Isn’t that stupid of me?”
Facing such humiliating insults, even ZiChuan Xiu couldn’t resist any longer!
Ignoring Fang Jin’s pull on his sleeves and Ge Ying Xing’s eyes hinting the obvious, he answered defiantly: “I humbly request permission to have an extended “talk” with Red Banner Master, Di Lin!”
“What a touching friendship!” Lei Xun chuckled: “What reason do we have to deny the reunion of such “good friends”?”
Yang Ming Hua nodded in agreement: “Very well then, I will allow Ah Xiu to excuse himself. You may find a room here in High Command to “catch up”!”
ZiChuan Xiu and Di Lin both bowed in respect: “Thank you for your understanding, Sir!”
…
Di Lin and Yang Ming Hua gave each other a look of understanding, and then walked towards the door before ZiChuan Xiu could.
Just as ZiChuan Xiu was about to follow, Fang Jin whispered to him from behind: “Be careful of his blade! Don’t let him take the initiative; close in on him first!” He added: “If things don’t work out, make sure to cry for help… We will intervene as fast as we can! There is no shame.”
ZiChuan Xiu nodded, showing that he understood. But his stubborn face clearly indicated the opposite: He had already made up his mind; he wouldn’t call for help even if he was about to die.
Ge Ying Xing kept his silence, but his gaze was filled with concern. They looked at each other, and everything was spoken without a single word… Ge Ying Xing nodded slightly, and ZiChuan Xiu bowed towards him in gratitude. His expression was exceptionally calm, as if he had nothing left to worry about. Ge Ying Xing had already sworn a vow that he would never break: If anything happened to ZiChuan Xiu, he would protect Lady ZiChuan Ning with his life.
Escorted by everyone’s gazes, Di Lin and ZiChuan Xiu went inside a room and closed the door behind them: Soon sound of curses, punching, kicking, weapons clashing and furniture breaking exploded from behind the doors…
When the door opened, who would be the one to come out alive?
“ZiChuan Xiu, today is your last!”
“ZiChuan Xiu, let’s settle all our grievances here and now!”
“ZiChuan Xiu, you didn’t see this one coming, did you? Hahaha, God is just. Your time has come!”
While Di Lin was shouting in the door’s direction, ZiChuan Xiu casually ate the chocolate cookies from the jar. Di Lin, clearly unsatisfied, turned towards him and whispered: “Stop sitting on your ass! My throat is hurting; it is your turn! And why are you eating?!”
Stuffing the last piece of cookie in his mouth, ZiChuan Xiu shouted inaudible words: “Di Lin, only one of us will leave this room alive!” Then he whispered to Di Lin: “I spent my entire morning listening to their boring speeches; how will I have the energy to put up an act if I don’t eat something? Anyways, how is Xiu Jia?”
“ZiChuan Xiu, you bloody pervert! I will rid the world of your filth!” Di Lin whispered again: “She is fine! But can you stop asking about someone else’s wife whenever you meet them? And since when are you on a first name basis with her? You should call her Mrs. Di or Sister-in-Law! Or I might just beat you up for real!”
“Tch, I'd like to see you try!” ZiChuan Xiu whispered: “Don’t be paranoid… If we didn’t lose that dice game back then, did you really think Lin Xiu Jia would want to marry you?”
Di Lin responded in a whisper: “That just means that it was God’s will. Lin Xiu Jia was destined to be my wife. Don’t be a sore loser!”
ZiChuan Xiu lowered his voice: “God’s will? Bullshit! When I cut open the dice later, it was filled with mercury and magnets… No wonder Stirling and I kept throwing ones and twos while you were getting triple sixes! Before the dice even came to a halt, you were already racing towards Lin Jia Xiu to propose! Even though everyone knew that she liked me!”
Di Lin whispered back: “All lies! Even if we fought for it fair and square, she wouldn’t have chosen you. You weren’t even sixteen years old at the time; you were still wearing diapers. Why would my wife have fancied you?
The two of them stared at each other, and suddenly, the mood changed.
“Vile lowlife!”
“Stupid shit!”
“Shameless turd!”
“F*ck you… son of a bitch!”
“Go to hell!”
“You first!”
…
Di Lin continued: “Yang Ming Hua is planning a coup!” With that, he sent the table flying with a kick, splashing the furniture all over the wall.
ZiChuan Xiu replied: “That's nothing new. I heard that same shit ten times a day back in the Far East, and now I’m hearing it two dozen times a day.” He quickly moved his own chair aside, afraid that Di Lin would kick his chair down as well. He didn’t want to sit on the table.
Di Lin: “You are ranked number three on Yang Ming Hua’s must kill list… Is that news enough for you?”
“Ha! Ha! Ha!” ZiChuan Xiu roared loudly, sending shockwaves throughout the entire building, as if a fierce battle was actually taking place… Then whispered: “Hmm. Who else is on the list?”
Di Lin answered: “Ge Ying Xing is number one, Stirling is number two, and the Headmaster ZiChuan Shen Xing who couldn’t get into the top three, is number four.”
“What about Lady Ning?”
“Don’t worry, Lady Ning is fine. Yang Ming Hua is planning to make her into a puppet after killing the Headmaster!”
“Should we try to inform Commander Ge Ying Xing? Perhaps he doesn’t know yet…”
“How could he not?! There is nothing that the old fox doesn’t know! Don’t be fooled by his sickly appearance… Let me tell you, Yang Ming Hua has tried four times and sent over seventeen assassins after him!”
“And?”
“Nothing. Those seventeen assassins never showed up again, as though they never existed in the first place! The next day when the sun rises, you will still see Ge Ying Xing with one foot in the grave, as if he will drop dead any moment. Who knows, perhaps when we are all dead, he will still be around for another hundred years! He is insanely crafty; the entire Far Eastern Region is his territory. Yang Ming Hua’s men couldn’t get near him at all.”
“But now that he is here in Di Du, doesn’t that make him an easy target?”
“Yang Ming Hua wouldn’t even dream of it. Ge Ying Xing brought with him six thousand personal guards. Every one of them is brave and loyal only to him. Unless you attacked with a whole army, you wouldn't even get within two miles of his mansion!”
“What about the number two, Stirling…”
“Stirling is currently the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard; he doesn’t leave the House of Headmaster except for emergencies… Besides, there is no one under Yang Ming Hua’s command capable of silencing Stirling without anyone noticing… I mean except me, of course! Deliver a message from me when you see him, the Deputy Banner Master Yun He and Fang Ge under his command have been bought by Yang Ming Hua.”
ZiChuan Xiu shattered a precious vase on the ground, showing the ones standing outside that the duel was still taking place!
Di Lin watched him curiously: “I don’t understand why a certain someone isn’t worried. He is not the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard, nor has he the protection of six thousand personal guards. He is however unfortunately listed in the must kill list, an unimportant person whom no one would care about even if he was killed, the insignificant Deputy Commander of the army reserve. I suggest you leave Lady Ning’s house while you still can. It is bad enough that you may get killed any moment, but it will be worse if you give Lady Ning a scare, not to mention that she will have to clean up your corpse as well.”
ZiChuan Xiu asked: “How much army does Yang Ming Hua currently control?”
“A lot! Lei Xun’s seventeen hundred thousand-soldier Central Army is under his direct command. If a battle really does break out, Stirling’s Imperial Guards will be wiped out in under an hour!”
“Any strong fighters?”
“Central Army has historically always been House ZiChuan’s most elite force. There are many capable fighters amongst the Central Army. Even though their commander Lei Xun is notorious for his greediness and lust for grandeur, his technique of wind and thunder is not a joke. Every time someone calls him the number one fighter he would always crack a wide smile. Chief of Staff, Luo Ming Hai has always kept a low profile… Even now I do not know what he is capable of. And lastly, Yang Ming Hua himself is no slouch either; his inner wave technique is very scary…"
Holding his chin, ZiChuan Xiu considered the possibilities and asked Di Lin again in all seriousness: “So, do you think I can just talk to Yang Ming Hua and work out our differences, you know, like friends…”
…
“If Yang Ming Hua has so many forces at his beck and call, what is he waiting for?”
“He is afraid of Ge Ying Xing, Ming Hui, Fang Jing and the other Commanders who command large armies in other regions… If Ge Ying Xing raises the banner and calls for support in response to his open rebellion, a million soldiers of the Far Eastern Army would arrive at his doorstep. Even with the Central Army’s support, Yang Ming Hua would not be able to fight against that.” Di Lin exercised the swift slash of his sword, and the sound of his blade carving through the air echoed throughout the room.
“What is he planning now?” ZiChuan Xiu asked, while breaking another antique folding screen.
“He has a two-step plan. Step one, rope Fang Jing and Ming Hui into his scheme… Once he manages to bribe either one of them, Black Banner Army and Border Army will have to contend with each other, and will be thus unable to respond to any disturbance in the Capital. Step two, he is sending me to the Far Eastern Army, to take over your former position. He wants me to destroy the Far Eastern Army from within.”
“Should I tell Commander Ge Ying Xing of your true allegiance? The Far East is his territory. If you don’t tell him, you won’t be able to accomplish anything over there; he will have you on a complete lock down.” Having said that, ZiChuan Xiu broke another antique vase; the shattering sound pierced through the air loud and clear.
“Fine, but only him… My position is very dangerous as it is; nobody else can know! Right now even I don't know whom I can trust.”
…
During the three years that the three friends, who would die for each other, were separated, one had to fight for his survival in the field of battle, one had the go undercover and nest with the tiger, and one had to fearlessly face Yang Ming Hua in the open… And now Di Lin was about to enter the field of battle, while ZiChuan Xiu and Stirling had to fight a different kind of battle in this peaceful and prosperous Capital City, a battle without sound nor form, but deadly nonetheless.
They looked at each other, witnessing the deep concerns in other’s eyes. Joining hands, the warmth of their blood transmitted their brotherly love from one to the other! They were deeply touched, but no tears were allowed, only a few unspoken words left stuck in their heart: “Brother, take care!”
They both had to risk their lives. They were both loyal to a fault, for that one vow they made many, many years ago, without regrets, to someone who had passed but had not disappeared, to someone whose had shielded the entire Capital City – ZiChuan Yuan Xing.
Di Lin suddenly remembered: “Ah Xiu, you can’t just go outside like this without any injuries; they will be suspicious. I think we have to…”
A bunch of punches and kicks later, Di Lin decided to leave a few more marks of battle behind on ZiChuan Xiu.
ZiChuan Xiu cried: “Hold on! Haven’t you done enough? Why are you getting more excited?”
Di Lin explained (painfully): “You don’t understand. Do you have any idea how difficult it is for me to inflict such pain on a brother of mine out of necessity? The kind of heartfelt pain I’m experiencing right now is much worse than the physical one you have!”
ZiChuan Xiu argued: “Then why are you smiling like that? How about we ease the pain of your heart, and let my conscience take the blame instead.”
Another wave of kicks and punches later…
Di Lin: “For realism's sake, we are still missing some cuts and blood…”
ZiChuan Xiu (almost dead): “I can’t take this anymore… why don’t you just kill me instead?!”
…
Di Lin sighed: "Now that it has come to this, I might as well…”
ZiChuan Xiu’ eyes widened as Di Lin grabbed a make-up box from his pocket and a coloured bottle…
“That… that is…”
“Correct, this is the paint actors use to appear being wounded. It's a type of red ink that looks like blood, and is super rare! I brought it on a business trip in Hollywood; it cost me a fortune!”
“That is not what I meant… If you had something like that, then why didn’t you use it earlier; why did I have to…?”
Di Lin smirked wickedly, leaning in close to ZiChuan Xiu, and whispered into his ears: “Answer A: Because I forgot! Answer B: Because I did it on purpose. Answer C: Because during my birthday party after I blew all the candles, someone stole a kiss from my wife. Answer D: Because I have waited a long time for this! So which one would you choose, Ah Xiu, my brother?” His lips brushed against ZiChuan Xiu’s ear as he said that.
The door was finally opened. With his head held high, Red Banner Master Di Lin walked out like a winner. He casually brushed the dust off his uniform and wiped his hands; it was clear that he had won the duel effortlessly!
Lying in a pool of blood, ZiChuan Xiu was wounded from head to toe and was left on the verge of death. Using his last bit of strength, he raised a finger and cursed as loud as he could: “Di Lin, you despicable bastard!”
