Fox Volant of the Snowy Mountain by Jin Yong

by Jin Yong

  Utterly crushed, Commissioner Sai felt all his bright, ambitious hopes for the future turn into dust and ashes. Completely devoid of ambition and hope, he was heard to mumble, "It is entirely up to you what to do with me. Why do you bother to ask me?"

  Fox put forward his terms, "Set Phoenix the Knight-errant free immediately."

  The Commissioner motioned to two of his guardsmen with his hand to free Phoenix. The two subordinates at once unfettered the chains on the captive.

  * * *

  Commissioner Sai was the one who had piqued Phoenix on his paralytic points. The two guardsmen were at a loss as to how to revivify him. Just as Fox was reaching out his hand to invigorate him, Phoenix channelled energy appropriately within his internal system, thus taking the lead in resuscitating his own body. His limbs having been set free, Phoenix drew in a deep breath. By tucking in his midriff slightly, he had his paralytic points reinstated in a moment. Suddenly, without warning, his left foot swept up from the floor towards Spirituality the Buddhist Devotee and sent him soaring like a rocket. Thrusting out his fist at the same instant, he threw a straight punch at an opponent, propelling him forward.

  Fan the Ringleader, it may be remembered, who was sent plunging through the wooden partition by Sai the Commissioner a while before, struggled to pick himself up, after some time had lapsed. Just as he was making his way back into the room through the hole in the panel, he was smashed head-on by a flying comrade whom Phoenix sent plunging straight into him. Taking their comrade as adversaries, they each at once paraded their respective killer tricks, engaging themselves in a death grapple.

  Though Spirituality the Buddhist Devotee had been sent flying by Phoenix whipping out his leg, he managed to survive the ordeal. After all, he was a renowned hero fighter of the Kunlun School, who had attained a unique level of martial ability. Whilst his body was in mid-air, Spirituality reversed his position by twisting around at the waist, pointing his head again upward and his feet downward. In a flash, he landed on his posterior with a thump, sitting himself on the edge of the bed.

  This acrobatic feat, brought off by Spirituality, inspired terror in Fox. As he was on the verge of rushing forward to shoulder Spirituality aside, a strong gust of air suddenly swept across his front. Blades soon came hurling down on his right. Jiang the Senior Mentor in Pugilism and one of the guardsmen were now setting themselves against Fox. Fox easily warded off all the blows coming from the sentry, but had great difficulty absorbing the Dipper's Handle Pointing East emanating from Jiang the Senior Mentor in Pugilism. Planting his feet firmly on the ground, Fox channeled the strength in his body, thereby cushioning the move thrown at him by his assailant. But moves of Unfathomable Pugilism unfolded by the elderly pugilist of the Absolute Lodge came plunging like a toppling wave, rippling in endless lines, one immediately following on another. Fox was baffled, unable to draw on any of his limbs to mount an offensive.

  After plumping himself down on the bed's edge, Spirituality ripped off the half drawn gauze curtain with a swish, then bounded up in a leap. His right leaping foot chanced to catch the coverlet snugly wrapping round Orchid, causing it to scrape aside and baring Orchid's maidenly bosom to manly eyes.

  While engaging himself feverishly in a battle raging fast and furious, Phoenix suddenly glimpsed a young lady sprawling on the bed, scantily clad in a chemise, staring at him with a scarlet, shamed-filled face, but lying there still and motionless. It was his only child, his darling girl. This gave Phoenix the fright of his life, causing him to cry out, "Orchid, my child, what is the meaning of this?" Not a word could Orchid force from her mouth. She only stared up helplessly at her father, seized with a sudden attack of shame and frustration.

  Phoenix lashed out his arms, fought his way through four enemies and pulled up Orchid, only to find her utterly limp and immobilized; without a doubt the piquing she had received was the work of an expert fighter. As Fox had been seen springing out from the quilted cover a short while before, Phoenix strongly suspected that he was the one guilty of brutalizing his daughter. Phoenix was thrown into an evil temper. The palpable evidence of his own eyes now gave him a spasm of wrath which almost made him swoon. Before he could start revivifying the paralytic points of his daughter, Phoenix thundered at Fox, "Dastardly coward!" Thrusting out his fists, the father pummelled mighty punches straight at Fox.

  Phoenix's face was white with anger and his eyes wild and dangerous, almost darting fire. His fists, mustering all the might accumulated through the vigorous training of a life-time, showered horrendous blows, all aimed fast and furious at Fox. Oblivious of the other goings-on around him, Fox failed to notice how Phoenix had pulled Orchid out of the bed. Curiosity gripped him. He failed to understand why Phoenix should rage in battle against him, after he had rescued him from danger. The situation was becoming dangerous. In the confusion, Fox ducked to the left without time to demand an explanation. Suddenly there came a resounding snap: Phoenix had buried his punches in the back of a pugilist instructor.

  The victim had vigorous training in footwork and was able to plant his feet firmly on the ground, like a pedestal. He would stand fast, assuming a horse stance, not giving way even to the combined efforts of several burly fighters. This unfortunate fighter was standing with his back to Fox just as Phoenix was advancing, pummelling with his fists. By a stroke of bad luck, Phoenix moved slightly too fast in delivering his punches while Fox reacted too quickly in dodging his blows, hence the unfortunate who stood in their way received a solid pair of brawny fists on his back. Had another victim been dealt these two punches, they would have been sufficient to throw him instantly to the ground. But so endowed was this pugilist instructor in his footwork that when the blow came, his ribs snapped with a cracking sound; thereafter, his body dropped limp as if in two halves and yet his two feet remained still nailed to the ground. The pugilist instructor was never able to stand erect again in his life.

  Phoenix's might put the group in a state of apprehension. His howls froze their blood and dispersed the crowd in a flash. Presently, Phoenix swept up his left leg from the floor and it flew at Fox.

  The light from the candle exposed the nakedness of Orchid instantly to curious eyes. Amongst the group, the eyes of those who harboured secret lusts were ogling her nudity. For Fox, preventing this decent, respectable young lady from being contaminated was a matter of burning importance. Thereupon, he grabbed a guardsman standing nearby and stood him like a screen between himself and Phoenix. Having warded off his foe, Fox then tilted his body sideward and leaped to the side of the bed, snatched a quilt and threw it over Orchid. So deft and swift were his moves that before anyone knew what had happened, Fox had vanished through the hole in the wall, clasping Orchid to his bosom.

  Torn between anguish for his daughter and anger with Fox, Phoenix immediately flung his leg into the guardsman and sent him flying to the roof. Phoenix saw Fox grab his daughter and take to his heels. Seized by both fear and fury, the father howled out, "Dastardly coward, release my child!" Just as he was about to go in pursuit, the enemies crammed inside the tiny room held him fast. Try as he might to lash out with his arms and snap up his feet, Phoenix could not extricate himself from this tangled mess.

  Chapter Ten: Duel

  Phoenix's fierce temper inspired a deadly fear which aroused terror in all. Fox felt a sudden chill run through him and clutch at his heart. Not daring to delay, the young fighter raced towards the edge of the cliff, clasping Orchid to his chest. Then he seized the rope with one hand and glided down the precipitous slope. As he knew there was an abandoned cave not too far from the foot of the mountain, he immediately exercised his levitational skills, sailing towards the cavern. Though he was carrying Orchid in his arms, he found that she was as light as a feather.

  In less time than it would take to drink a bowl of tea, Fox, with Orchid in his arms, found himself inside the abandoned cave. Wrapping the quilted cover snugly round her body, he left Orchid inert by the wall of the entrance. Then he slowly t
urned things over in his mind, reflecting, "If I were to revivify her paralytic points, I would have to touch her. Time is vital. If I do not revivify her now, injuries will result as she does not practise endomarts herself." Unable to decide what to do, Fox struck a flame and kindled firewood.

  The light from the burning branch played upon Orchid's eyes which were like autumn's limpid pools. A maidenly confusion covered her cheeks. Fox proceeded apologetically, "Miss Miao, I harbour no disrespectful intentions towards you. Yet how may I manage to invigorate the paralytic points on your person without touching your body?" Though Orchid could not nod her consent, she consented with a softening look in her eyes, half in abashment and half in appreciation. Not a trace of anger was on her face. Elated by her encouraging expression, Fox immediately blew out the fire. Then he stretched out his hand, reached inside the coverlet and softly massaged several paralytic points on her. Eventually her meridians were restored to their normal functions, allowing the pneuma to circulate cleanly.

  In no time, Orchid felt life renewed in her limbs. Her hands and legs gradually moved. Softly she said, "They are moving well, thank you!" Fox quickly withdrew his hands. He tried to bring himself to say something, but words failed him. After a considerable while, he began, "What happened a while ago was a result of an unintentional and innocent error on my part. Heaven above can testify that my conscience was at peace and devoid of offense. Would the lady please pardon my fault?" Demurely she replied, "I know all this."

  Pitch blackness shrouded the young man and the maiden. In silence they remained. Outside the crypt, the landscape was thickly blanketed in snow. But Elysian joy surged in the two hearts. The cave felt full of the balm of spring, with the sun radiating heat. A feeling rather warmer than admiration was kindled in both souls.

  Some time elapsed. Orchid broke the silence, "I wonder what is happening to my father now?"

  Fox answered, "Your respected father is an invincible fighter. Those people are not his match. Relax and do not worry yourself."

  A faint sigh escaped Orchid and she continued, "Poor father, he took you ... you for an indecent fellow."

  Fox tried to comfort her. "I do not blame him. It was certainly an embarrassing situation."

  Turning red, Orchid hastened to apologize, "A deep-concealed hurt consumes my father. The incident chanced to touch a sensitive spot in his heart. I hope that Master Fox will not take that as an offense." Curiosity got the better of Fox and he ventured to ask, "What is behind this secret?" The minute these words came from his mouth, Fox realized that he had been foolish to ask. He tried to cover up his mistake by thinking of another topic but he was bereft of speech. Fox Volant of the Snowy Mountain was the sobriquet conferred on him. He was normally clever and nimble-witted, and abundantly resourceful, but this day saw him an utterly different person. He was awkward and taciturn in front of this gentle and graceful maiden.

  Presently, Orchid confided, "I am ashamed of what happened in my family, but I will not hide it from you; my mother was involved in the story."

  Fox let out a surprised "Oh!"

  Orchid then continued, "My mother made an unforgivable mistake."

  To this Fox responded, "To err is human. You need not take this to heart."

  But Orchid shook her head slightly and went on. "It was a grave wrong, one that no woman can afford to pay the price for. Mother was ruined after the incident. Father was also shattered."

  In silence Fox listened to Orchid's story. But he was already able to form an accurate idea of what had actually taken place. Orchid picked up her story: "Father is a famed warrior fighter among the outlawry. But mother was the daughter of a family of officials. Father chanced to save her life once in an accident, after which they became husband and wife. They were never meant to be a couple. Father also committed a serious wrong. He often extolled the good virtues of your mother in front of my mother."

  In surprise Fox asked, "My mother?"

  Orchid replied, "That is right. During the five-day duel between my father and your respected father, your mother struck him as courageous and dashing, her bearing more imposing than that of a truly great Master. Your mother's name came up often in my father's daily talk and he never tried to hide his admiration for your respected father also, claiming, 'Gully the Knight-errant's living one day with such a wonderful spouse is more enviable than a hundred years spent by others.' Though these words of praise invited no comment from mother, they had sowed the seeds of a grudge in her heart. Years later, Pastoral Tian of the Dragon Lodge paid a visit to our house. His finely chiselled features, his gift of natural refinement in discourse, as well as a pliable tongue which spoke softly and tenderly were all destined to captivate women's hearts, which really did make him an arrestingly handsome man. Drowned by her senses in a moment, my mother abandoned me to run away quietly with Pastoral."

  Fox wanted to console her, and, though he was eager to say something, he was unable to utter a single syllable. He only let out a slight sigh. Her voice choked with grief, Orchid went on, "I was then only three years old. Father carried me in his arms and went in pursuit of mother day and night. He went without food and sleep for three days and three nights. Finally, he caught up with the eloping couple. When Pastoral saw father, did he dare to raise his hand against him? Mother sided completely with Pastoral, defending him. Seeing that mother was so deeply in love with this man, father could only resign himself, taking me home with him. He became seriously ill afterwards, almost losing his life. He admitted to me later that if only he could have borne to see me orphaned and living a lonely, hard life without being cared for, he would have given himself to death.

  "For the three years that followed, father locked himself inside the house, burying himself in grief and pain. Sometimes he would cry, 'Orchis, Orchis, how could you be so foolish?' I was named after my mother." At these words, she blushed. It must be remembered that at that time, women kept their names a secret. Acquaintances would only know their family names; only kin and folk very close to the family could learn a woman's full name. In telling him her mother's name, Orchid had in fact told Fox what her own name was.

  Although Fox could not read the expression on her face, he could sense the passionate earnestness of her tone. An ugly scandal, the greatest secret in her family she had poured out to him, withholding nothing. The listener appreciated the confidence which the maiden had placed in him. When she mentioned her first name to him, Fox could not help feeling drowned in a state of cheerful inebriation, as if he had drunk some strong wine. Thereupon, he said, "Miss Miao, that fellow Pastoral was full of evil intentions. It might just as well have been an affected love that he had for your mother."

  Orchid carried on the narration with a sigh: "Father also believed the same. However he kept blaming himself for failing to have been sufficiently affectionate and attentive towards mother, otherwise she would not have fallen into the hands of another man. Father's sobriquet is the Invincible Under the Sky. But he has never been Pastoral's match in dealing with human relationships and handling his personal affairs. That creature Pastoral's ulterior motive in pretending to fall in love with mother was to lay his hands on a map of the treasure, an esoteric drawing which has been handed down from generation to generation by members of the Miao family. Although Pastoral brought suffering onto my family, and robbed me of my mother from babyhood, all of his scheming designs fell on stony ground in the end. Mother finally perceived his true intentions. On the eve of drawing her last breath, mother took it upon herself to return to father the pearl-studded hairpin carved with an emblazoned phoenix motif, whose stem concealed the map." After finishing this part of the story, Orchid recounted once more to Fox what Hawk had witnessed with his own eyes inside Pastoral's room while hiding under Pastoral's bed. Finally she moved to the part of the narration of how Tree and his party had taken the map from her and also how the group had gone in search of the treasure, with both the map and the Dashing King's military weapon.

  Her story threw Fox
into a rage, causing him to remark angrily, "That rascal Pastoral has indeed harboured evil intentions in his heart. He feared your father, and failed also to obtain the map. Finally he resorted to enlisting the support of government officials. They had your father captured to prize the map from his hands. One would have guessed that the net of Heaven stretches everywhere and that nobody escapes its judgment. And it must have been decreed that this villain should receive his retribution. Hai! This treasure has played havoc with the lives of an endless number of people."

  After pausing for a short while, Fox continued, "Miss Miao, this very treasure also tied my father and my mother together in marriage."

  Orchid hastened to ask, unable to hide the curiosity in her tone, "Oh, is that so? Tell me quickly." Though the maiden carried herself with poise and reserve, she was still but a young girl in her teens. Happy at heart, she stretched out her hand to hold Fox's. Realizing she had done something deemed improper, she immediately tried to withdraw her hand. But Fox had already turned her palm round, holding it gently and not letting it go. Orchid blushed but made no further attempt to pull her hand back. She felt the warmth travel from Fox's hand, then penetrate to the innermost part of her heart. Although nothing serious had as yet passed between them, in their inclinations and affections they were already united as one.

  At length, Fox asked, "Do you know who my mother was? She was cousin of Master Wish, lord of the eyrie." Orchid grew curious at his words. Presently she observed, "I have known Uncle Wish since I was little. Father never mentioned this to me."