The Sage, the Swordsman and the Scholars

by Pierre Dimaculangan

  After the cannons had done their work, General He Jin and his captain swooped in with the mounted commando forces to cut down the survivors still trying to resist the attack. The battle was over in mere minutes. The Ming suffered no casualties. The rest of the Ming forces proceeded to overrun the outpost and begin the attack on the mutant army encamped at the heart of the forested regions of the peninsula. The army passed by ghost villages and townships that had once thrived in the land, but now had only charred stone and ash in their place. Skeletons and burnt bodies still lay along some of the streets and the smell of death still pervaded.

  “Of all the savages and barbarians in the world, there are none more evil, arrogant, and insolent as the Terukk,” commented Commander Feishen angrily. “They will be dealt with a thousand times more severity than what they have granted their victims!” He quickened his pace as the rest of the army hastened their march to keep up.

  Sun Xin pulled ahead with great speed to accompany the scouts who raced ahead to survey the terrain leading to the enemy encampment. It was hard to think that it was but a week and a few days ago that he led a mission into the same Terukk encampment to deal a decisive blow against them. He grimaced at the memory of his duel with Kurr. If he is to meet him in battle today, it would be a different outcome. Of that he was sure. He and the scouts dismounted and crawled to higher grounds that overlooked the mutant army. From there, Xin could see much more than he could ever have at ground level and in the cover of night. Countless trees had been cleared and just like what he had seen in the province. Fires of industry burned within the settlement. Many structures with water wheels, cranes, and smithies with plumes of steam rising from their jagged rooftops riddled the landscape. The mutants and their Terukk overlords were hard at work rebuilding what Xin and his team had destroyed several days before. From his spyglass he could still see their handiwork as mutant squads hustled and bustled about clearing debris in an effort to rebuild their structures and machinery. Terukk priests walked about directing orders and managing the mutants’ activities. They were completely unaware that a massive army of devastating Ming Imperial forces were about to descend upon them from the north and from the sea a few dozen li south east into the distance. The conditions it seemed were perfect for their victory, although Xin and the scouts have yet to spot the arrival of the Ming ships. At long last, scores of red sails soaring sky-high appeared over the horizon. The navy had come just in time. Xin and the scouts made haste towards Feishen’s approaching army to notify them of the arrival of the navy. The pieces were set and the time for vengeance was finally come.

  “The enemy encampment is within sight, Admiral!” shouted one of the Academicians on the Phoenix Spirit’s observatory platform. It was a little more until the first line of ships was ready to turn about and bring the cannons to bear. Meanwhile on land, Imperial Commander Feishen and General Jin led their forces through the broad pass and on to high ground that sloped directly onto the mutant army. Just like they had done to the outpost some distance back, the artillery was brought to the front and angled towards the crowds of unsuspecting mutant army. Cannons however, were not the only artillery present in the field. There was another weapon Commander Feishen was particularly eager to implement in the field— the batteries of rocket-propelled arrows.

  A set of signal flags and the pounding of large war drums signaled the battle’s commencement and the Ming Army’s advance. Two dozen cannons nestled at the top of the elevated field fired away onto the large crowds of mutants that had assembled in the forest clearing. Another dozen cannons fired from the other side of the field, their thunderclaps rolled over the forest as the bombs decimated through their nearest ranks and formations. Confusion overtook the mutant army as they desperately tried to regain order and discover the origin of their attacks. Those that were battle-ready were stationed to the rear of the encampment and made haste to meet the surprise assault as their commanders shouted orders with warbled and distorted voices. They braved the raining bombards and brought their forces into a defensive formation. The sound raised alarms and filled the air as horns blared all across the landscape. The cannons continued to fire their volleys at the enemy ranks even as they assembled to repel the assault. The mutants did not appear to have artillery present on the field. Superior firepower provided the necessary leverage needed by the Ming forces.

  The cannon bombs arced high over the field continuing to pour their devastation. Commander Feishen was sure to apply his artillery to its fullest potential considering how he had witnessed the ferocity, beastly strength, and tirelessness of the mutant forces in the battle under Mt. Tai. They did not feel pain and boasted a high capacity for bodily damage and he had kept it in mind since that day. Many of the infantry units present in the field however, were not raw recruits. He had trained them and fought alongside these battalions for years and has been with him through many campaigns. They were strong physically and mentally, very disciplined, and skilled in fighting, but today of all days, their strengths and experiences would be put to the test. He had personally known some of them over the years and it pained him greatly to know that not all of his men would be going home. Nevertheless, they were ready for that outcome and knew of these risks when they had joined his command. Feishen made an effort to emulate an aura of confidence and assuredness among his troops so they would not easily lose heart when the odds would be stacked against them.

  The enemy’s first battalions moved up towards the Ming troops and away from the cannon bombardments. Feishen’s flags waved their signal and the drums began to pound their mighty beat. Archers, gunners, and shield units moved up to meet the mutants. The two juggernaut armies maneuvered like two large colonies of ants about to settle their rivalries. It was quite a sight to behold.

  Out on the gulf of Beizhili, several warships from the Ming Imperial Navy brought about their new cannons towards the enemy position, angled for maximum range. They aligned themselves parallel to the shore and opened fire as soon as they came within range. Flashes of light spouted flames from the ship cannons and dozens of consecutive thunderous booms resounded from the ships. Plumes of white smoke engulfed their decks. The cannon shells and bombs arced over the sea and plummeted further inland. They crashed onto the enemy forces with great effect, decimating their ranks, causing chaos, and sending mounds of dirt flying into the air.

  Bodies and debris flew in every direction as fires spread like flood waters while explosions ensued. The Phoenix Spirit continuously fired the six long-range cannons from its starboard and the bombs came crashing into the heart of the enemy’s formations. Out from the shore, a series of loud whistles resonated through the air. Explosions detonated all around the ship, soaking the hull and deck, and rocked it back and forth. The enemy was returning fire with primitive mortar shells. It should have been impossible from their range and with such power.

  Tian Qiu spotted the puffs of blue flame bursting from the far side of shore. “Aim all cannons onto the mortar platforms!” he shouted. The crew of the Phoenix Spirit swiveled the cannons slightly to the left, reloaded, and fired precisely at the median of vertical and horizontal angles— the optimal placement for achieving maximum weapons range. The cannon shells hit their mark and the explosive rounds swiftly devastated the mortar position. With the sound of drums and the signaling of flags, the ships spun around in unison and ignited port cannons which continued to dispense devastation into the mutant camps. Though the improved cannons were largely effective, they did not suffice to decrease the enemy numbers fast enough. Yet another devastating weapons system was brought to the deck. Batteries of dozens of powerful rockets were primed to fire. The fuse was ignited and with the sound of a mighty typhoon, the rockets fired away with great velocity and raced high over the sky, leaving long trails of smoke. Hundreds upon hundreds of rockets rained down upon the mutants with twice the velocity and killing power of bow-drawn arrows. Fires raged and continued to spread while the trees that had not been felled were utterly splinter
ed by remnant cannon fire. Commander Feishen brought his own array of rocket-propelled arrows stationed right behind the cannons.

  “Bring out the Nest of Bees! Move! Move!” he spat.

  In one command, the soldiers ignited the fuse and launched them with great speed. Hundreds more of the hissing arrows descended upon the enemy, administering armor-piercing death.

  The tall, black-robed Terukk priests emerged from the chaos, and in unison, raised their hands to chant the oppressive incantations. With them emerged heavily armored squads of mutants that surrounded the priests with a wall of shields and polearms. After the fires had been extinguished, the mutants as if with a hive mind quickly reformed their ranks, reestablishing their battle formations in the large clearing outside the tree line where General He Jin’s mounted commandos were stationed in the shade. Beyond the clearing, over the fields, the Ming Infantry and their officers stood eagerly awaiting Feishen’s signal. Archers, gunners, spears, swords and shields, captains, garrison commanders, and lieutenants were about to engage in the battle of their lives.

  The war drums pounded their vigorous war beats, signaling the Ming forces to assume their battle formations. Archers, crossbow units, and gunners took positions from various angles from the tree lines and clearings. They initiated with salvos of arrows, bolts, and bullets that pierced through armor and tore through flesh. The mutants retaliated with showers of fragmentation bombs fired from mortars. Harpoon-pointed projectiles launched from spring-loaded mechanisms and flew in a graceful arc over their heads landing directly above the Ming. Dozens upon dozens from both armies fell with each volley as the bombards from the Ming warships continued to obliterate the enemy positions.

  The impacts shook the ground leaving behind scorched craters and fiery splinters of wood and chunks of stone. Ming shield units moved front to cover the ranged infantry from incoming enemy fire. Several battalions of lethal spearmen charged ahead of the ranged units as arrows continued to fly over and in-between their helmeted heads. Spears pierced through the enemy formations impaling, stabbing, and swiping through armor and flesh.

  The mutants answered with heavy polearms that cut clean through Ming scale and lamellar armor like paper. Many were swept off their feet and crushed while others fell to their knees and into their deaths. The fierce battle became unbearable for Famin Jie to witness. He sat atop a hill overlooking the battlefield. He cried out to Heaven to intervene.

  On the outskirts of the ferocious battle, four Terukk priests took positions on elevated platforms, and in unison, continued to recite their dark mantras with renewed vigor. They cast spells upon their mutant army to enhance their ferocity in battle. The Spirit of Heaven then spoke to Famin Jie and moved him to ascend a hill overlooking the battle. He brought with him his Guqin zither, and after he had sat, he set the instrument upon his lap to play a tune of lamentation and plea. In response to Famin Jie’s spiritual opposition, the Terukk priests increased their incantations. The fighting intensified as sword and shield units charged into the fray. Battalions of mutants at the rear of the battle hastily erected trebuchets and catapults and launched large fireballs into the Ming forces behind the hills and at the ships circling around in the Beizhili Gulf. One of the firebombs scored a direct hit on one of the vessels quickly spreading fire across the deck and pouring over the hull as the crew scrambled to douse the flames. The Phoenix Spirit waved their signal flags and the warships turned in unison and concentrated their fire upon the distant enemy artillery. It was not long however until their concentrated cannon fire had rendered the enemy artillery useless or completely destroyed. The Terukk priests continued pouring forth evil mantras from their mouths as Famin Jie intensified the notes he played upon his Guqin. With the music, he vouched for the troops seeking heavenly help in resisting the terrible opposition the priests were spewing from foul mouths.

  Sun Xin and the fellowship of Famin Jie led several companies of one hundred twelve Academicians each to destroy the Terukk priests who stood exposed, albeit surrounded by heavily armored mutants with long Terukk spears. Cannon fire, bullets, and arrows aimed at the priests completely missed, as if deflected or diverted by rogue winds. Before Xin could reach the priest, the company of mutants tightened their formation to defend him. They locked their shields creating an impervious wall of iron with protruding polearms. Sun Xin dismounted to engage them directly while the Academicians and Master Lo followed close behind on foot to join the fight. Jirgal and Buff Baby charged at the next nearest priest and so did Big Bang and Zuo Shilong with the last priest who stood at the far end of the ranks. He was rushed by powerful cavalry led by General He Jin and a detachment of his mounted commandos who trampled over, impaled, or slashed at the mutants. They lobbed short-fused grenades up and over the mutant armor formation. They landed right behind them and detonated in an instant devastating their shield wall and rendering their defenses broken. General Jin and his mounted commandos proceeded to finish them off with their lances and glaives with devastating effect. The mutant soldiers were by no means mere grunts and their resilience to lethal strikes became apparent to Sun Xin who bobbed and weaved his way through the horde while cutting and stabbing through openings in their armor. They were incredibly strong and fearless and easily tossed the Academicians like little children. Some had their swords broken while other Academicians were grappled and fatally struck with armored fists. Master Lo as well exerted extra effort into the fight trying to stay a step ahead of multiple attacks from the enemy. Sun Xin pushed his way through mutant horde and positioned himself for a swift assassination maneuver. He stepped up from the back of a mutant and leaped off with great force to land an aerial assassination on the priest. His blow however, was swiftly deflected by a familiar dark metallic blade. Kurr had made his reappearance.

  Up from the left, Master Lo charged in and engaged Kurr into sword combat. “I will take care of this demon, Xin. Destroy that devil of a priest!” shouted Master Lo. Kurr rushed in to defend the priest and engaged both swordsmen. He laughed menacingly and grinned with a sinister look upon his face. “This is going to be quite entertaining,” he quipped.

  ****

  “RAH!” Big Bang and Zuo Shilong struggled in the fight as well. Zuo Shilong spun and slammed his iron rod into the mutant hordes smashing helmets, shattering armor, and breaking bones. Very few could handle a staff with the same mastery displayed by Zuo. Big Bang stayed close behind though heavy-laden with gear, weapons, and ammunition. He lobbed grenades wherever the mutants clustered in large groups. He also brought with him an oversized hand cannon which he fired from the hip. It knocked him off his feet whenever he fired it all the while maniacally laughing in the process. It was not long before he resorted to insults and swearing upon the realization that the priests were immune to ranged weapons fire. The oversized hand cannon apparently also came in quite handy as a club which he used to great effect during close encounters.

  The Academicians kept the mutants occupied as Zuo Shilong swooped in to engage the devilish priest in hand to hand combat. His swings were evaded as the Terukk priest ducked and side-stepped his strikes even as he continued to recite the incantations. Shilong found himself quickly heavy-laden in his spirit and fought hard to ignore it. Not far from the others of the company, Buff Baby muscled through the fight using his massive strength to overwhelm the mutant hordes.

  “Aha! You are strong, but there are none here stronger than I!” he boasted loudly. He violently swung his heavy glaive, tearing through flesh and armor as if it were paper, and slashed away mutant brutes by the handfuls. Jirgal stood some distance behind him picking away enemies one shot at a time with a high-resistance recurve bow.

  “Curse this weapon, my shoulder is starting to cramp and my neck is going stiff!” he whined. He unslung his crossbow and continued to fire methodically at the heads of mutants engaging Buff Baby and the Martial Academicians. A large dagger was attached to the front end of the weapon which he used effectively.

  The incantations o
f the priests grew louder and more powerful as Sun Xin and Master Lo engaged Kurr simultaneously. Kurr laughed in mockery as he ducked, dodged, and parried their sword strikes with little effort. His blade resounded like a heavy bronze tuning bell every time it clashed with their steel. Master Lo took to the offense and engaged Kurr head on, with no restraint. Their blades were a blur; each strike already anticipated the next. Master Lo managed to land a large cut across Kurr’s chest armor. Another strike cut into an exposed area of his arm. Kurr had had enough and spat.

  “So that’s how it’s going to be, old man!?” he exclaimed. He feigned a forward thrust and launched a spinning back kick that sent Master Lo flying backward and tumbling into the dirt. He was barely able to stand after the blow.

  “You must kill the priest!” he shouted as he coughed up blood. Xin quickly reached into the compartment of his belt and tossed several smoke bombs into Kurr’s position blowing up into large plumes of white intoxicating smoke. Xin refocused his attention on the priest and dashed to perform a second assassination attempt, but was immediately thwarted by the spinning blades that Kurr had tossed into Xin’s line of attack. It nearly cut through Xin’s neck. The blades then spun back towards Kurr who arrogantly grinned as the blades spun back to his hand; he refastened them onto his hips.

  Xin knew that he was never going to be able to kill the priest if he could not get passed Kurr. If he continued to fight the same way he had always been, this duel could either end in yet another stalemate or in defeat. He then remembered the words of his master. His sword was still guided by brute force, power, and anger. It was the style that had failed him twice already. He remembered, however, that what truly prevailed in a battle such as this was the sword of effortless action which emulated the nature of the Way. Xin completely relaxed his stance and instead of being consumed by the darkness within himself, he allowed the peace, clarity, and control that come only from Heaven fill his spirit in its stead. He did not expect it, but he welcomed it nonetheless. What he was experiencing was brand new, but he decided to trust it. So, he completely relaxed himself, breathed, and assumed a low defensive stance. Kurr raised an eyebrow and was visibly puzzled by Sun Xin’s response to their encounter.