by Jeremy Bai
Sunan shook his head. I don’t even know what he’s talking about half the time.
He watched the fish for a bit longer until Tie Gangwen approached.
“Sect Leader,” he said, clasping his hands in front of him respectfully.
“Yes?”
“A bit of news. A large group approached Daolu from the west only a few hours ago. The sheriff sent a party out to meet them, then escorted them into the city.”
“A large group? How large?”
“Apparently a hundred or more.”
“Refugees?”
“It seems so. Normally I wouldn’t bother you with such a thing. A hundred people is a relatively large group but not unheard of in times like these. The thing is, the group was led by… someone you know.”
Sunan looked away from the fish. “Someone I know?”
“Yes, that group… it was the Pure Phoenix Sect, led by Chieftainess Bao.”
Sunan’s expression darkened. “What is she doing here?”
“I’m not sure, Sect Leader.”
Sunan looked back down at the fish swimming in the pond. “Send a message inviting her to the Heavenly Meat Palace for a welcoming feast. Tell her to only bring a few men, and that we’ll do the same. But make sure we have plenty of men in the restaurant ahead of time. Armed. And in the meantime, summon Smiling Luo. I have some questions for him about matters relating to magic.”
***
Some distance south of Daolu, the Love General was riding along on horseback when she noticed a cloud of dust off in the distance. Eyes narrowing, she was just about to ride off the road to conceal herself when her sharp eyes caught sight of who it was that was riding toward her.
It was a large group on horseback, and even if they had been farther away, she would have recognized their armor. They were Bone Slicers, and leading them was the Bone General himself.
What are you doing up here? she thought. Maybe it has something to do with that big group that entered the city as I was leaving.
Instead of moving off to the side, she waited in the very middle of the road. It didn’t take long for the Bone General and his men to arrive. They didn’t appear to be in very good shape. They were clearly travel weary, and some of the men were injured. The Love General was surprised to see such a small group.
“Don’t you usually bring more men with you to border regions like this?” she asked.
The Bone General reined his horse to stop next to her. “We ran into some trouble. A pesky tree demon that needed to be taken care of. What are you doing here?”
“I could ask the same of you,” she replied. “I was on a mission. It ended in failure, unfortunately.”
“I see. I’m chasing a fugitive. Someone very dangerous. A girl.”
“She just entered the city, I believe. I wouldn’t go after her if I were you. Not with this few men. This city has become a problem. There are too many powerful people inside, and they have no love for the King of the Pure Ones.”
The Bone General’s expression turned even grimmer than before. “Perhaps the time has come to crush this place.”
The Love General looked over her shoulder at the city, and somehow, she felt as if she could see Sunan on the city walls, looking south. Her heart twinged. “Perhaps.”
Chapter 37: Sit Down
Bao strode through the streets of Daolu, her head held high.
This place is like a dump compared to Yu Zhing. Even Tung-On was better.
Despite her show of bravado, inwardly her heart was pounding. Although the invitation from the leader of the Golden Dragon Sect, Sunan, had been worded politely, it felt more like a summons than an invitation. Not only was this strange city rumored to be a place of lawless violence, it was controlled by someone she knew could manipulate the strange energy just like she could, to fight in superhuman fashion.
Her hatred for the Demon Emperor burned as hot as ever, but she had to admit that the lands south of the Chezou River were much more orderly than this place. One thing that struck her almost immediately were the beggars. Although beggars did exist in the south, they were a rare sight, and they mostly slunk about in the shadows.
In Daolu, however, they almost seemed organized, as if they were an actual faction within the city, on par with the constables or the Golden Dragon Sect.
In compliance with the invitation from the Golden Dragons, she only brought five of her people with her. Mao Yun was there, of course, as was Li Runfa. Of the other three, two were women and one was a middle-aged man. All three were disciples who had excelled in training over the past months.
The entire group wore silver headbands embroidered with a phoenix, an embellishment suggested by Li Runfa after they noticed that the members of the Golden Dragon Sect all wore the same type of clothing, almost like uniforms.
Considering they only had a few hours to prepare for the dinner, headbands were the best they could do. However, the zeal that had burned in the eyes of her people when they first laid eyes on the silver headbands left Bao a bit taken aback.
If I’m going to stay in charge of this group, I need to act like a leader.
Thus, it was with an air of complete confidence that she led the small group toward the dinner location, a place called the Heavenly Meat Palace. Under her left arm she carried her wooden box, while her right hand was wrapped around a cloth bundle, within which was a saber, some daggers, and a club. Technically it was illegal to carry weapons within the city itself, but Bao felt that a bit of bravado would go a long way to impressing the Golden Dragons, so she’d decided to take the risk.
Leaning close to Mao Yun, Bao asked, “You sent some people there ahead of time?”
He nodded. “Yes, but not very many. We’re new in town and stick out too much. Besides, according to word on the street, Sect Leader Sunan and Chief Minister Sun Mai actually own the place and have even summoned demons from the Lower Realms to protect it. Doesn’t surprise me that blasphemers like them would do such a thing.”
Not too long ago, Bao would have dismissed claims of summoned demons, but after the fei beast and the tree demon, the idea didn’t seem too far-fetched.
As they approached the Heavenly Meat Palace, Bao saw someone in the robes of the Golden Dragon Sect waiting out front. It appeared to be a young man, with his face turned to look in the opposite direction. When he turned and saw them, his eyes went wide, and he quickly clasped his hands and bowed low. The depth of his bow was almost ridiculous, leaving him bent over so low that his face wasn’t visible.
“Greetings, Chieftainess Bao,” the young man said.
She bent her head to the side to try to get a look at the young man’s face but failed. “Greetings. We’re here at the invitation of Sect Leader Sunan.”
Before she even had a chance to pull out the invitation card to give him, the young man said, “I know, I know. Please follow me.”
Remaining in a bowed position, he turned and led the way into the restaurant.
Bao turned to Mao Yun. “What was that all about? Is that some Golden Dragon custom, to bow in such ridiculous fashion?”
Mao Yun was frowning. “I’m not sure. But something about that young man seemed familiar. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I feel like I know him.”
There was no time to discuss the matter further. They were led into the Heavenly Meat Palace to a table in the common room, where Sunan was already seated. Bao recognized Sun Mai from their initial meeting, but the others were strangers to her. One of them was a frightening-looking man who appeared to have a blue birthmark stretching from his cheek all the way down his neck, and another had the look of a soldier. Surprisingly, the next person at the table wasn’t dressed like a Golden Dragon. A deep frown covered his face, and from the way he dressed, Bao guessed that he must be a magician or sorcerer of some sort.
Maybe they do have demons…
The young man who had led them in took the place next to Sunan, although he kept his hands clasped high, and his head bowed, maki
ng it difficult to see his face.
As soon as she entered, Sunan rose and clasped his hands respectfully. “Greetings, Chieftainess Bao.”
“Greetings, Sect Leader Sunan.”
“Please, have a seat.”
After they were seated, Sunan immediately made introductions. “Chieftainess, as I’m sure you know, this is Chief Minister Sun, who is also a scholar and philosopher of some note.”
The frowning man let out a loud snort, causing Sun Mai to glare over at him. Sunan cleared his throat. “Next are my two top lieutenants, Tie Gangwen, and Yuwen Huo, who is called the Blue Devil. Last is Smiling Huo. He is not one of the Golden Dragons but a local demon hunter and master of the magical arts.”
Bao hid her frown. Demon hunter? Why would he have a demon hunter working for him if he summons demons? Perhaps it’s a lie, and this is actually their demon summoner!
Another thing Bao realized was that her so-called Pure Phoenix Sect was really just a loose band of fugitives and fighters, whereas the Golden Dragon Sect was organized and well-disciplined, almost like an army.
We haven’t even assigned any official roles to anyone! Dammit, I’m going to look like a fool if I just introduce everyone by name.
After offering the appropriate platitudes, Bao introduced her people. “This is Grand Chief of Martial Studies, Mao Yun, whom you’re familiar with. Next is Li Runfa, my… Viscount of Operations. Next are my top three fighters, who are also known as the… as the Claws of the Phoenix. They are the most elite fighters in the Pure Phoenix Sect, whose each and every move is as deadly as the swiping talon of a phoenix demon.”
“You’ve seen a phoenix demon swipe its talon?” Sun Mai asked, chuckling.
Bao slowly turned to stare him in the eye. “Yes,” she said. “I have.”
Sun Mai’s chuckle turned into somewhat of a gurgle, then faded away.
“As I was saying,” Bao continued, “these are the Claws of the Phoenix. Liu Jiahui, also known as Flying Death. Lin Qingxia, who is called the Throat-Slitting Phoenix Ghost. And Yang Ziqiong, also known as the Blood Drinker. All three of them are killers the likes of which would cause even the phoenix demon I tamed to tremble in fear.”
A profound silence filled the room after her introduction. Bao felt somewhat proud of herself for being able to think so quickly on her feet. Although she had literally made up everything on the spot, it all sounded very impressive as far as she was concerned.
If Sunan and his people hadn’t been so focused on Bao’s introduction, they might have noticed the odd looks on the faces of Mao Yun and the others. For them, it was the first time hearing such titles and descriptions.
Now that the formal introductions were out of the way, they moved on to eating and drinking. Mounds of meat and prawns were served, along with jugs of alcohol.
“These blue prawns are new,” Sunan explained. “They’re especially tender. But I still favor the original spicy version.”
The conversation was light and didn’t touch on anything such as politics or philosophy. One odd thing that Bao noticed was that the young man who had escorted them in from outside was almost always stuffing food or wine into his mouth, making it very difficult to make out his facial features.
After about an hour passed, the topic of conversation shifted to the martial arts.
“Sect Leader Sunan, I heard people on the street talking about something called Wu-Sunan,” Bao said. “I suppose that has something to do with you.”
“Yes, that’s right, Chieftainess Bao. Based on our initial… meeting… it seems you’re aware of the energy which surrounds us in the world and how to use it?”
“That’s correct.”
He nodded. “I’ve developed a method to cultivate that energy, which we call qi.”
“That’s Classical Fei,” Sun Mai interjected.
“I know,” Bao said. Like most youngsters in her clan, her extensive education as a youth had included Classical Fei, the most ancient language in Qi Xien.
Sun Mai’s eyes went wide. “Really? You know Classical Fei?”
“Dang ran,” she replied. “Ni ne?”
Sun Mai slapped the table. “Tian a! Ni tai li hai le!” He turned to Sunan. “Can you believe this? She actually speaks Classical Fei!”
Bao chuckled at Sun Mai’s enthusiasm. “Sect Leader Sunan, my apologies. Please continue.”
“Of course. We took the specific movements and methods of how to cultivate qi, as well as how to use it for combat purposes, and compiled them into a manual of sorts. We called it Wu-Sunan.”
“In Classic Fei, Wu means—” Before Sun Mai could finish, Bao interrupted him.
“Martial. I know.”
Sun Mai laughed and slapped the table. “I like this Chieftainess Bao more by the second!”
“What about you, Chieftainess Bao?” Sunan asked. “Have you thought about codifying the fighting techniques of your Pure Phoenix Sect?”
“Yes, we have,” she lied. “Let’s just say it’s a work in progress. When it’s complete, it will be something to fear. After all, my techniques enabled me to kill an ogre, tame a phoenix demon, and slaughter a fei beast. What have you done with your Wu-Sunan?”
“Well…” Sunan responded, seemingly taken aback. “Well, we defeated Iron Awl Hu.”
“I remember you mentioning him last time we met,” Mao Yun said, chuckling a bit. “Wasn’t he just a local criminal?”
“Yes,” Sun Mai said. “But he was strong. A lot stronger than you, probably. And then there was Ritual Master Zhen and his rats! You wouldn’t believe how that fight went! There were—”
“Wait,” Mao Yun interjected. “Your Wu-Sunan has been used… to defeat thugs, priests, and rats?” He threw his head back and laughed uproariously. “Just what I would expect from a bunch of blasphemers.”
“We’re no blasphemers,” Sun Mai shot back. “I’m working on a classic scripture that’s going to revolutionize how people think of the Perfect Realm! You just wait and see what happens when people learn the truth! And by the way, we used Wu-Sunan to single-handedly take down one of the Lions of Peace.”
Mao Yun nearly spurted wine out of his mouth. “This story again? The two of you single-handedly took him down? Two on one, eh?” He laughed again. “I could probably beat you with both hands tied behind my back, scholar.”
Sun Mai leapt to his feet. “I don’t think so, you brainless ox! I could beat you with both hands tied behind my back! And my eyes closed!”
Mao Yun jumped up. “Oh, really? What are you going to do, write a book of poetry and drop it on my head?”
“Mao Yun—” Bao said, reaching out toward Mao Yun.
“Sun Mai—” Sunan said, reaching out toward Sun Mai.
Sunan and Bao’s gazes met, and somehow they both knew that they were thinking the same thing.
“Sit down,” they both said. It was hard to tell whose voice was colder and ironlike. Somewhat startled, both Mao Yun and Sun Mai sat back down immediately.
After a moment of silence, Bao smiled. “Sect Leader Sunan, what do you say to a little exhibition match? I hereby challenge you to a friendly competition. Let’s see who is stronger, the Phoenix or the Dragon.”
Chapter 38: Dianxue v. Cathartic
“Come on, Sect Leader Sunan, you show her a thing or two!”
“Yeah, that’s right, Sect Leader, there’s no way she can stand up to the Rebuke of the Dragon!”
Sunan rolled up his sleeves as he stepped out into the middle of the room, which had been cleared of tables. He tried to put on a brave face, but the truth was that his heart was pounding in his chest.
The last time he had fought Bao, he’d had the upper hand at first, only to fall victim to her witchcraft, or whatever it was. The last thing he wanted was to be humiliated in front of his entire sect. However, backing down wasn’t an option either. She’d openly challenged him, and to refuse would have been a clear act of cowardice.
In the traditional culture of Qi Xien, it
would be unheard of for a man to fight a woman. But qi was the great equalizer. During Golden Dragon training sessions, Sunan had seen some female disciples defeat male disciples who were twice their weight.
“Chieftainess Bao, you can’t show this guy any mercy!”
“Cut him down like that ogre you crushed!”
As Bao stepped into the makeshift fighting arena, she looked Sunan in the eye and smiled confidently.
“Sect Leader,” she said, “this is an exhibition match only. No fatal blows. Agreed?”
He nodded in return. “No weapons, either. Agreed?”
“No weapons.” With a dramatic flourish, she produced two knives from within her sleeves, which she sent flying with blinding speed back to her table.
Both knives pierced deep into the wood of the table and stood there vibrating slightly.
I should take her out as quickly as possible. I can’t give her a chance to use that magic of hers. And if her eyes start to turn white…
Sunan’s fingers began to curl into dragons’ claws. “Chieftainess Bao, please, go ahead and make the first move.”
“Sect Leader, I’ve killed ogres and fei beasts. I don’t need your permission to go first or second. Try to hit me, if you dare.”
She’s intentionally baiting me, isn’t she? Sunan gritted his teeth.
“Fine, I won’t be polite. Rebuke of the Dragon!”
Two blasts of qi that resembled fierce dragons flew through the air toward Bao. Shockingly, she dashed directly toward them and then spun between them. The two dragons completely missed Bao and smashed into a table off to the side, reducing it to splinters.
Bao’s dash had brought her within arm’s length of Sunan, but he wasn’t about to give her the initiative.
He immediately unleashed a new technique that he had been working on in the previous weeks. His fingers straightened out as he thrust his palm directly toward the pit of her stomach. Wanting to end the fight as quickly as possible, he drew deeply upon his qi, pouring extra power into his palm. If it connected, she would be sent flying through the air with significant wounds to her torso.
