A Bond Undone

by Jin Yong

  “Brother Viper, you have come such a long way; do allow me to play the host for a few days.”

  “Uncle, I am sorry I failed to win the lady’s hand, but Uncle Huang did say that he would teach me some kung fu,” Gallant Ouyang said.

  Viper Ouyang sighed. He should have known the lad would not give up so easily. No doubt he was looking for an excuse to spend more time with the girl in order to seduce her.

  Feeling a little sorry for Gallant Ouyang, Apothecary Huang said, “Young Master Ouyang, your uncle’s kung fu is peerless. Few of us can even dream of attaining such heights. You don’t need to look to outsiders for martial guidance. However, I have managed to acquire a smattering of wayward knowledge. If you don’t find them too lowly, pick a subject. I shall teach you everything I know.”

  Gallant Ouyang considered his offer. I should ask for something that will take the longest to learn, so I get to spend more time with Lotus . . .

  He bowed deeply and said, “I have long admired Uncle Huang’s insights into the Five Elements and the Mysterious Gates. I would be most honoured if Uncle were willing to share his knowledge.”

  Now, it was Apothecary Huang’s turn to pause. Gallant Ouyang coveted the secrets of his proudest scholarly achievement. Not only was he well versed in the literature of the field, Apothecary Huang had also developed his own interpretations and made his own discoveries. He had shared but a morsel of his knowledge with his daughter; how could he pass it on to a stranger? Yet, he had given his word, and his word was his bond.

  At last he spoke: “There is much to impart concerning the Mysterious Gates. Which area interests you?”

  “I am awed by the intricacy of Peach Blossom Island’s layout. I hope Uncle will grant me permission to stay here for a few months to study and experience the immense wisdom behind its planning,” Gallant Ouyang said, thrilled at the thought of spending so much time with Lotus.

  Apothecary Huang glanced at Viper Ouyang. Is this the Venom’s doing? What is he planning?

  Viper Ouyang noticed this flicker of concern and turned to his nephew. “You ask too much. The topography of Peach Blossom Island is Brother Apothecary’s life’s work and the key to its defences. How can he share such secrets?”

  “No-one could cause me harm, even if this island were a slab of bare rock,” Apothecary Huang sneered.

  “Of course, I let my tongue run away with me. My apologies,” Viper Ouyang said, though his words carried little conviction.

  Count Seven Hong chuckled. “Old Venom, I don’t think your goading has had the desired effect.”

  Apothecary Huang stuffed the xiao flute down the back of his shirt. “Please follow me to my study,” he said tersely.

  Alarmed, Gallant Ouyang looked to his uncle, unsure what to do. Receiving the slightest nod of affirmation, he trailed after his host.

  The group meandered through the bamboo grove for some time, until, suddenly, a vista opened up onto a lotus pond. Large white blossoms stood tall and proud over rippling green leaves. Floating on the surface of the water, they suffused the air with a light fragrance.

  They followed Apothecary Huang across the pool on a narrow stone causeway and arrived at a handsome, rustic hut. It was constructed from unpeeled pine logs and entangled in vines, and the sight of it alone seemed to cool the midsummer air. Once they entered the study, mute servants came forward with tea that was jade green in colour, ice cold to the touch and refreshing to the core.

  Count Seven Hong admired the surroundings and said, with a smile, “We all know the saying, ‘Three years a beggar, you yearn no more for rank.’ If I lived here in your magical world for three years, Brother Apothecary, I bet I would yearn no more for my beggar’s life!”

  “Brother Seven, I would love nothing more than to have you on the island. We can drink and talk!”

  “That would be agreeable indeed.” Count Seven Hong was touched by the earnest invitation. “Sadly, I am born to toil, though I wish I could live in such peace and tranquillity, like you, Brother Apothecary.”

  “I am certain you two would create some extraordinary martial techniques, if you managed to spend a month or two together without falling out,” Viper Ouyang added.

  “Are you jealous?” Count Seven laughed.

  “No, not at all. There is nothing more wonderful than serving and bringing glory to the martial arts,” Viper Ouyang said.

  “Well, well, are we speaking in opposites again?” Count Seven replied.

  Viper Ouyang smiled. He would remain on good terms with the Beggar and the Heretic until he was confident he had the ability to defeat them with just one move.

  Apothecary Huang pressed his hand against the edge of his desk and an ink-wash landscape painting on the western wall lifted, revealing a hidden cupboard, from which he reverently removed a scroll. He stroked it gently before turning to Gallant Ouyang. “This scroll contains the plans to Peach Blossom Island. Every single building, path, trap, gateway and door is marked on here, with notes on how they relate to the Five Elements, yin and yang, and the Eight Trigrams. Take it and learn from it.”

  Bowing, Gallant Ouyang reached out to accept the map with both hands as disappointment spread through him. His hopes of staying on Peach Blossom Island – staying close to Lotus – had been dashed.

  “Wait!” Apothecary Huang barked.

  Gallant Ouyang jerked his hands back.

  “You must stay in Lin’an while this map is in your possession. Three months from now, I will send someone to retrieve it. You may only learn the content by heart. You must not copy any portion of the map or let anyone else set eyes on it.”

  I’m only interested in your trifling knowledge so I can be near your daughter, Gallant Ouyang grumbled to himself. Now, you want me to hang on to this scroll for three months and vouch for its safety? This is a rotten deal!

  As Gallant Ouyang deliberated over how to refuse, it occurred to him that Apothecary Huang would most likely send his daughter to collect the map.

  Now, that would be a chance to get close to her! Eagerly, he reached out again and thanked Apothecary Huang for his generosity.

  Lotus Huang held out the amulet of rhinoceros horn and earth dragon. “Uncle Ouyang, I don’t think I should keep this treasure.”

  Viper Ouyang hesitated for a moment – It’s miserly to take back a gift, but I can’t let the Heretic keep an antidote to my poisons – then grabbed it. Then he raised his hands to bid them farewell.

  Apothecary Huang did not entreat him to stay, as was the custom of the age. He simply accompanied the Ouyangs out of the study.

  Count Seven Hong followed them to the door. “Brother Viper, remember we agreed to meet again at the summit of Mount Hua in twenty-five years? That date is soon upon us. Look after yourself. We shall fight to our heart’s content, this time.”

  “I don’t think any of us need compete.” Viper Ouyang smiled faintly. “The title of the Greatest Martial Master Under the Heavens has been taken.”

  “Has my Brother Viper invented some indomitable technique?”

  “I know my skills are paltry. I could not hope to gain such a title.” The curious smile was still painted on Viper Ouyang’s face. “I am talking about the Master who taught our Master Guo.”

  “Well, this Beggar does dream about winning the title, I won’t deny it. But, with our Brother Apothecary’s ever improving skills and your sprightly old age – and I’m sure King Duan hasn’t been idling away the years in his palace – I doubt I’d stand a chance.”

  “Of all the masters who have taught our Master Guo, I fear Brother Seven might not be the most accomplished one.”

  “What—?”

  “You mean Zhou Botong the Hoary Urchin?” Apothecary Huang cut in.

  “Indeed! The Urchin clearly knows the Nine Yin Manual inside out. I fear none of us – not the Heretic, not the Venom, not the King, not the Beggar – will ever be his match.”

  “I would not be so sure,” Apothecary Huang said. “The Manual is b
ut words on paper. Martial arts live in the body.”

  2

  VIPER OUYANG HAD NOTICED THAT APOTHECARY HUANG quickly changed the subject away from Zhou Botong’s whereabouts when he was questioning Guo Jing. The Heretic must be hiding something to do with this wayward member of the Quanzhen Sect. He was determined to find all there was to know.

  Thanks to Count Seven Hong’s dry, arched comments, he had been able to turn their parting conversation back to the Hoary Urchin. And, as predicted, Apothecary Huang’s pride led him to take the bait.

  “The Quanzhen Sect’s kung fu is exceptional and we have all experienced it first hand,” Viper Ouyang said, seizing the chance to push Apothecary Huang further. “Now, the Hoary Urchin can combine what he already knows with the kung fu set down in the Nine Yin Manual. I dare say, even if Wang Chongyang came back to life, he wouldn’t be able to defeat his little martial brother. As for us? Even less likely.”

  He threw the last few words out casually, then paused to let them sink in.

  “Well, perhaps it is the Quanzhen Sect’s turn to prosper.”

  Another pause, then a sigh.

  “We three toil all our lives. Yet, in the end, we lose out by failing to foresee this turn of events.”

  Apothecary Huang said immediately, “Even if the Hoary Urchin’s kung fu was better than mine, he still could not surpass our Brother Viper and Brother Seven, here. This I know for a fact.”

  “You are too modest, Brother Apothecary. We have always been equals. You speak as though you know, without a doubt, that Zhou Botong cannot defeat you. This, I fear . . .”

  Viper Ouyang shook his head and let his words hang in the air.

  “You shall find out at the Contest of Mount Hua,” Apothecary Huang said.

  “Thinking of it, it has been years since I last heard about the Urchin. Perhaps news of his antics did not reach the remote corner I call home. Do you happen to know his whereabouts these days?” Viper Ouyang paused and then added, “And, Brother Huang, you know I have always had the greatest admiration for your kung fu. And yet – if I may be blunt – when you say he is not your match, I must admit I am not entirely convinced. I don’t think we should take anything for granted.”

  Apothecary Huang knew Viper Ouyang was goading him into revealing more about Zhou Botong, but his pride would not let such a slight pass.

  “The Hoary Urchin is on Peach Blossom Island. He has been my prisoner for fifteen years.”

  Count Seven Hong raised his eyebrows in surprise, but Viper Ouyang just laughed. “Don’t pull our legs, Brother Huang.”

  Beckoning everyone to follow him, Apothecary Huang flew into the bamboo grove as if he were airborne, so light and quick were his steps. Count Seven Hong raced along with equally remarkable qinggong, carrying Guo Jing with his left arm and Lotus with his right. Viper Ouyang, taking his nephew by the arm, brought up the rear.

  Though Zhou Botong’s cave was a fair distance from the study and the way was full of twists and turns, it only took a moment for them to reach it.

  “Hmm?” Apothecary Huang muttered under his breath, surprised to find the cave empty. He tapped the ground lightly, gliding up and floating forward, as if he were weightless. A few more similar leaps brought him to the mouth of the cave.

  He touched down with his left foot. The ground gave way beneath him.

  A right kick, mid-air. It changed his downward motion into a forward thrust, propelling him into the cave.

  He landed on his left foot once more. Another hollow.

  There was no momentum left in his body to counter gravity. So, in a fluid backhand move, he drew the jade flute from the back of his collar. Holding it horizontal, he touched its end lightly against the cave wall.

  Out he shot. Fast as an arrow.

  In the blink of an eye, Apothecary Huang had slipped in and out of the cave.

  Count Seven Hong and Viper Ouyang cheered his elegant, lightning-fast reflexes, but at that very moment – plop! – the martial Master plunged. Yet another hole. This time, outside the cave.

  Apothecary Huang stepped on something a little moist and soft. But the ground was at last solid. He tapped with the tip of his toes and leapt once more into the air.

  By now, everyone had gathered in front of the cave. He landed next to his daughter and an awful stench attacked his nostrils.

  He looked down. His shoes were caked with faeces.

  How could a martial master as quick-witted and agile as Apothecary Huang have fallen prey to such a prank?

  Apothecary Huang snapped a branch from a nearby tree and prodded the ground. Only the three points he had stepped on had been dug out. He had to give Zhou Botong credit for predicting his movements so accurately. Only in the last trap had the Hoary Urchin emptied his bowels.

  Apothecary Huang re-entered the cave. It was empty but for a few clay jars and bowls. Then he noticed a faint message written on the wall.

  Laughing silently at Apothecary Huang’s misfortune, Viper Ouyang rushed inside to see what he was studying so intently. To the Venom’s mind, the contents of this cave, even something as minor as a needle or a thread, could determine whether he would at last be able to lay his hands on the Nine Yin Manual. Time was of the essence and he could not afford to be complacent.

  Tiny words were carved on the cave wall:

  Old Heretic Huang, you shattered both my legs and held me captive here for fifteen years. I should have done the same to you; that would have made me feel better. But, when I thought about it, I decided to let it go. I am presenting you with a fragrant reminder of the Hoary Urchin instead. Please, please—

  The rest of the text was obscured by a leaf.

  Apothecary Huang peeled it off and immediately realised his mistake. It was attached to a thread. He heard it – and leapt to the left.

  Seeing Apothecary Huang flinch, Viper Ouyang jumped to the right.

  Bing bong! Bing bong! Several clay jars tumbled down from above, splashing urine onto the two men.

  Count Seven Hong let out a belly laugh. “What an aroma!”

  Apothecary Huang swore loudly at the indignity of it all, but Viper Ouyang just pulled a wry smile. Lotus ran back to the house for clean clothes, returning with an extra robe for Viper Ouyang.

  Once he had changed into fresh clothes, Apothecary Huang examined the cave from top to bottom and left to right. No further ambushes. Where the leaf had been affixed, there were two lines of extremely small writing:

  Never must this leaf be removed, or stinky piss shall pour forth from up high. Please heed this warning. Ignore at your peril.

  Though angry, Apothecary Huang could not deny the humour of the set-up. Then it struck him.

  The urine was still warm!

  He rushed out of the cave.

  “The Urchin can’t have gone far. We’ll find him.”

  It will be an intense fight when we do, Guo Jing thought.

  But, before he could raise any objection, Count Seven grabbed him and pulled him along after Apothecary Huang, who was speeding towards the east of the island, with Viper Ouyang following close behind.

  Soon, they spotted Zhou Botong strolling along at a leisurely pace.

  Apothecary Huang raced ahead. In an instant, he was right behind Zhou Botong, aiming a palm at the Hoary Urchin’s neck.

  Zhou Botong sidestepped it with a nonchalant turn of his body, then spun to face Apothecary Huang. “You smell lovely!”

  Apothecary Huang was shocked. The strike, swift and lethal, had contained the full force of his internal strength, accrued over a lifetime of martial practice. It was also fuelled by the humiliating treatment he had suffered in front of two of the world’s most esteemed martial greats. The Hoary Urchin he knew could not have evaded it with such ease. He paused to appraise his opponent.

  For no discernible reason, the Hoary Urchin had bound his hands over his chest. He seemed very pleased with himself and gave Apothecary Huang a big smile.

  Guo Jing ran up to greet him. “Br
other, Lord Huang is my father-in-law. We are all family now.” He hoped the news would defuse the tension.

  “Father-in-law? Why did you not listen to me? I told you the Heretic was cunning. And most eccentric. Do you think his daughter will be easy to live with? You’re going to suffer until your dying day.

  “My dear brother, I’ve told you before. You can do anything you want in this world, so long as you never take a wife. I warned you already.

  “You haven’t completed the marriage ceremony, have you? Well, what are you waiting for? Run for your life! Now! Hide! Far, far away! Somewhere so remote that she’ll never find you, even if she searches for a lifetime . . .” Zhou Botong rambled on without realising Lotus had tiptoed up behind him.

  “Brother Zhou, guess who’s behind you?” she said.

  He turned. No-one. Then he caught a glimpse of something hurtling towards him. Once again, he leaned sideways.

  Pak! The soiled clothes hit the ground. A foul stench choked the air.

  “Heretic, you broke my legs and kept me here for fifteen years. In return, I made you step in poo and poured some piss on your head. That’s it. I’ve done right by you, haven’t I?” Zhou Botong rocked back and forth, convulsing with laughter.

  Apothecary Huang considered the Hoary Urchin’s words. It was true that the ambush in the cave was insignificant compared to the suffering he had inflicted on Zhou Botong. He put his hands together in a gesture of respect. “Thank you, Brother Botong, for your generosity. I have wronged you all these years and I apologise. May I ask why your hands are tied?”

  “The hermit has his reasons. The heavens’ mysteries must not be revealed.” Zhou Botong shook his head in dejection.

  3

  OVER THE YEARS, ZHOU BOTONG WAS TEMPTED MANY TIMES to leave the cave and challenge Apothecary Huang. But, each time, after careful consideration, he stopped himself.

  His kung fu was not strong enough to defeat his gaoler. He would probably die in combat, or have his movement locked by his pressure points, leaving the cave – and the Nine Yin Manual – undefended. He could not let the Manual fall into that man’s hands.