by Mark Swaine
“Meditate I will on these recent revelations. At first light the morrow, myself and Xunsu will continue our travels to the Red Sun village,” says Yu-Huang admiring the large stone-sandaled foot of a nearby statue.
“Emperor Yu-Huang, after my father's defeat by your hands. You destroyed the palace, yet left the Hall of Kings unscathed, why is this?” asks King Kao Lu.
“Didn’t feel right,” says Yu-Huang looking at the circular formation of kings of time.
“From the mountains, we shall watch horizon. Should you hear the chimes from the Might Gong of Dì Zhèn (Earthquake), it means they are coming,” says the troll before turning back to stare at the statues of his ancestors.
“Hopefully, we’ll hear no such chimes,” says Yu-Huang nodding in gratitude. “King Kao Lu, the feud between me and your father has caused great fear and hatred between our kinds. It will take some time for the mortals to understand this new allegiance between us, but this I promise you, from this day forth you will always find yourself welcome in the holy grounds of the Red Sun village,” says Yu-Huang nobly.
“You have my sword great and merciful Emperor,” says King Lao Lu, bowing to Yu-Huang.
Yu-Huang returns the gesture before leaving. During his walk back to the bed chambers he senses pain emanating from the end of the large stretch of hallway. He walks inside the blood-splashed room filled with bone saws, grinders, rolls of flesh and reels of dragon whiskers and observes the occupants of the ‘Healing Quarters. Yu-Huang gathers as much divine energy as possible and discreetly approaches a pale shivering troll with a dragon's bone inserted into the thawing stump of his knee. Yu-Huang holds his hand above the troll's cold knee and releases a stream of strong golden sparks.
The troll's suffering passes and his fever subsides as the colour returns to his leathery grey face. Light headed, Yu-Huang staggers back to the bed chambers and collapses in his spider bodied bunk. Yu-Huang is awoken at sunrise by an excited Xunsu and after much pestering he finally admits defeat and rises from his bunk. As the guests leave the palace, the trolls congregate outside the temple to bid farewell. The troll maids fling Xunsu into the air and smother her with affection as three injured trolls approach Yu-Huang and bow to a knee. King Kao Lu presents the two travellers with enough rations to last them a week and bids farewell to his new companions. Xunsu walks backwards whilst waving in her stride until the distant trolls disappear from sight. Later that day, Xunsu and Yu-Huang cross the Yellow River via the mountain high rope bridge steeped in heavy mist and for two months, they trek the rough terrain of the rugged mountain whilst avoiding the dangerous wildlife. Sneaking past sleeping scavenger dragons, outrunning tiger monkeys and avoiding giant piles of skin, Yu-Huang and Xunsu push through the thick brush of the mountain, and with the sun in mid rise, the two push harder on as they hear the sound of rushing water. Clearing the forestry of the mountain ,they see it, a giant lush waterfall occupied by colourful breeds of macaws and parakeets. Steam and vapour rises above the steep edge of the cove making it impossible to guess just how long that waterfall is. Yu-Huang looks upon a formation of rocks extending out from the cliff face under the force of cascading white and blue. The arrangement of segmented rocks forms a winding body of water across channelled platforms creating a dragon in the shape on an “S” leading all the way up the cliff face. Multiple dragon heads create overhanging flights of steps along the winding body through the fizzing and frothy rapids. The tail of the dragon rock protrudes from the rushing water and forms a slim bridge onto the grassy hillside below. Yu-Huang appears deep in thought as he studies the hour of the day by the angle of his shadow, then peers at the dragon heads sticking out from the fountain. It had been more than hundred years since Yu-Huang had navigated the tricky contraption of the Blue Dragon waterfall, but the shifting sequence of rocks is still fresh in his mind. It had to be if Xunsu is to survive this, for timing the sequences of the shifting stone dragon is crucial.
“The Blue Dragon Waterfall,” says Xunsu in awe.
“Yes, the Blue Dragon Waterfall,” says Yu-Huang suddenly afraid for his pupil's safety.
“What troubles you Master?” asks Xunsu.
“You do not have to do this Xunsu; should you wish to turn back there will be no shame,” says Yu-Huang.
“Turn back? I am not going back, not until we finish my training,” replies Xunsu.
“Xunsu, if you slip, you die. Should you make one false move, you will die. You must move when I move, and when you move, you must move like the wind. Be ready to run on my command,” orders Yu-Huang.
“Master why you always regard everything with such drama... you slip you die,” says Xunsu in a mocking voice, “tis a mere waterfall,” adds Xunsu shrugging ridiculously.
“Tis no mere waterfall, cease your mockery, remember your place, heed my words and do as I command child!” says Yu-Huang crossly.
“Forgive me Master, I will follow your every move and command, on your command,” replies Xunsu.
Yu-Huang and Xunsu form a poised sprinting posture, and Yu-Huang keeps a keen eye on the head of the dragon at the top of the waterfall. Suddenly two bursts of steam eject from the stone holes of the dragon's snout and Yu-Huang races forward with his student in tow. Yu-Huang leaps onto the spiny surfaced tail of the dragon and awaits his pupil following closely behind. Xunsu runs faster as she notices the spiny bridge receding into the wall and leaps far onto the tail to be caught by Yu-Huang's outstretched arm. Yu-Huang releases her and runs along the gushing platform and Xunsu follows his lead. Amazingly, she finds herself stable on the inclined platform as the spring water rushes past her feet.
“This is the main reason why I made you walk the journey barefoot,” reveals Yu-Huang, slowing for his pupil.
“For grip? But you said it was because of the sheer force of the Wushu you would be teaching,” replies Xunsu.
“But first you must survive the journey, you must acknowledge your surroundings, only then will you be able to harness the magic of extreme Wushu,” says her teacher, climbing the reptile fashioned scaled rungs leading to the next platform.
Yu-Huang climbs onto the platform then reaches down to assist Xunsu and as she extends her hand toward Yu-Huang she hears a deep rumble as the curvy stone ladder begins to shake. Gasses within the mountain cause the rock dragon formation to shift as various segments shift between the waterfall.
“Hurry now, your hand,” urges Yu-Huang.
Xunsu hugs the ladder in fear of being shaken of it, then reluctantly stretches out her arm with all of her possible reach. From the tail, the stone dragon begins to disappear into the cliff face one segment at a time. Eventually the curved body forming the ladder begins to recede at the base taking Xunsu's foothold away as it rumbles behind the waterfall to leave her dangling. Xunsu's face is sheer panic as she desperately reaches for the grip of Yu-Huang's fingers. Xunsu's fingers slip from the shaking rungs and she feels her heart rush as she falls momentarily before Yu-Huang catches her wrist. As he hoists her onto the platform above, a shaken Xunsu stays closer to Yu-Huang as the reality of the perilous situation finally sinks in. Together, they follow the short narrow bend of the dragon’s body underneath the waterfall and run as fast as they can up the even steeply growing incline. Yu-Huang ducks quickly and keeps Xunsu low as various stone dragonheads jut rapidly from the flush cave wall and discharge streams of roaring fire. Xunsu looks ahead and alerts Yu-Huang to three spinning circular razors racing down the pathway along the criss-crossed cavities of rocky scales.
“Xunsu, Spinning Eagle style,” bellows Yu-Huang,
Xunsu and Yu-Huang reverse cartwheel and backflip up the pathway with their hands and feet landing inches away from the spinning razors. Clearing the razors and reaching the ladder to the next inclined pathway, Xunsu begins to display self reliance as she confidently scales the higher platforms. Following the randomly revolving walkways of the winding and unpredictable dragon structure, Xunsu and Yu-Huang make good time as they keep ahead of the disappear
ing walkways.
Emerging from the waterfall at the end of a platform, Yu-Huang lifts Xunsu to the last higher platform and informs her to run ahead. Yu-Huang pulls himself onto the platform and sprints to the end as it rapidly slides into the wall behind him. As Xunsu beckons him forward in a panic, a segment of the dragon's body appears above Xunsu drenching her in cool water. Yu-Huang shouts for her to climb as he increases his sprint and the last segment of platform disappears beneath his feet as he leaps for the end ladder curving upward. Xunsu finds the stone scales of the randomly moving dragon becoming sharper, and the razor edged scales slice into her palms as she frantically scrambles to the platform. Xunsu runs to a skidding stop as the jump space to the next platform is invaded by a dragon's head protruding out from the waterfall. Xunsu looks determinedly at the impossible gap and spontaneous jets of fire reaching out in giant blasts of scorching heat. Xunsu backs up and doggedly sprints toward the very edge before leaping far across the watery and fiery abyss. In a running motion Xunsu soars across the long gap and crosses the dragon's head as a jet of fire roars from its wide toothy snout. As Xunsu travels across the air in her leap of faith she emerges from the flames unscathed whilst reaching for the platform edge. Dangling by a few fingers she tries to throw her other arm up but her grip loosens as the platform begins receding into the wall. With all her might Xunsu reaches up and throws herself onto the platform, just in time to see Yu-Huang leaping across the flaming gap. Yu-Huang lands on the edge of the platform and almost loses his balance as he begins to tilting backwards. Xunsu grabs his collar and pulls him forward. Yu-Huang gasps heavily and rests with his hands on his knees. Xunsu looks at Yu-Huang wworriedly.
“You have done well Xunsu, you have nothing left to prove,” says Yu-Huang tiredly.
“No, I can do this, and so can you,” replies Xunsu stubbornly. “I am going on ahead, are you coming?” adds Xunsu frowning.
“Yes, I just need a moment,” says Yu-Huang catching his breath.
“With respect, we don’t have a moment,” says Xunsu.
Yu-Huang's smile widens as he allows more air into his lungs and he laughs admirably before following his pupil. Together they adamantly ascend the dragon's writhing body shifting more rapidly. After much leaping, diving, mid-air rolling and last minute dodging, they find themselves in a vertical climb on the dragons rolling body. Yu-Huang and Xunsu climb against the slippery surge of water pummelling their bodies until finally making it over the final ledge. The two drenched and exhausted travellers sprint to a dragon head staircase leading above the waterfall and Xunsu's eyes widen as she looks upon a massive abandoned settlement stretching up the rest of the mist shrouded mountains. Directly below them a wide river of rapid rushes hundreds of feet below them, and the only way across is by way of a nearby zip line.
“Get on my back!” shouts Yu-Huang wrapping his wrists around a band of leather hide.
“No I want to try the fun rope slide, you get on my back,” argues Xunsu.
“You cannot hold my weight. This is no time to argue,” says Yu-Huang urgently as the ground beneath them rumbles below the curving rift of rapids.
Xunsu suddenly throws her arms around his neck and Yu-Huang jumps of the precipice. Rushing down the zip line, Yu-Huang chokes in mid journey as Xunsu's forearms tighten around his throat. With a small village growing in sight Yu-Huang releases the leather strap and drops into the shallow of a small bay. Covered in loose reeds Xunsu's head appears to the surface. Yu-Huang too rises above the cold pond with dragonflies buzzing around him and Xunsu helps the exhausted man to a cobbled area overgrown with weeds. Tired from the fear inducing journey, Xunsu rolls onto her back beside Yu-Huang as they both regain their breath.
“Sometimes, in the home of my tree, I would climb to the highest branch to watch a tiny figure jump around the clouds above the Tower of Guang,” says Xunsu exhaustedly. “I have never seen anybody move so fast, sometimes I would watch until the sun fell down, wondering how he is able to do the things he does. And now, you can barely breathe. What is happening to you Master Yu-Huang?” asks Xunsu, worriedly.
“I do not know child,” replies Yu-Huang plainly, “until this issue is clear to me, I wish no further discussion about it,” he adds whilst groaning to his feet.
Yu-Huang is suddenly hit by an eerie sense of nostalgia as he looks on at his old family homestead above a not so distant hillside. Goats and chickens roam freely amongst the dusty paths of the small town and yaks, horses, cows and bulls graze atop the steep incline of the grassy field that his childhood home still resides upon. Though the structure seems minute to the naked eye, and despite its old and weathered worn appearance, the four corners of the shutter banging house remain intact. Xunsu observes Yu-Huang's forlorn appearance and takes his hand before guiding him onwards toward the moor. After a short walk through an empty marketplace, the two arrivals find themselves outside Yu-Huang's old home. He walks the exterior of the building overgrowing with vines and weeds whilst observing its integrity. The wooden doudong brackets still hold steady the curved multi inclined roofs and the adjoining wells lap gently with water just as they always did. He moves into the Siheyuan, a courtyard surrounded by other small buildings forming a skywell, and he looks up to the ever moving blue of sky disturbed by twirling leaves. Even though most of the village has been reduced to rubble by the invading trolls all those years ago, Yu-Huang's home remains untouched, just as their mausoleum of ancestry remains untouched by Yu-Huang's retribution. Xunsu remains quiet and leaves her master alone with his thoughts as he looks around, and together they enter the main building through the back screen door. Yu-Huang finds himself in his first arena, an arena he had trained in from the second he could walk. An arena for mortals, an arena that prepared him for the trials of defeating the Zhu Rong the fire God and Gong Gong the Water God. Yu-Huang grazes the firm matting with his foot and suddenly it feels like only yesterday since he had breathed the air of the dojo. It was an arena fit for training the feeblest of bodies and turning them into disciplined warriors. Yu-Huang smiles as a memory unfolds before him, and a stern faced woman forms an attack stance on her knees whilst circling a two month old baby advancing toward her. The ragged nappy wearing baby bounds uneasily forward and the two combatants begin sparring with open palms. The Master of Wushu is barely able to keep up with the blur of chubby arms, much to the amusement of the row of five Priests observing by the mat.
Fu Pao, mother of Yu-Huang suddenly tickles under the babies chunky arms and he falls to his bottom in a fit of laughter before being scooped up in his mother arms. Blowing raspberries on his plump and creased belly, the baby's eyes glow with light as his hysterical laughter increases. All but one of the Priests appears to enjoy the loving moment, and Yu-Huang can't believe it has taken until now to realise. Yu-Huang's eyes glaze over and he moves on through the dojo to find himself in the old shrine. The shrine is so quiet and empty it's almost difficult to believe this was once a place where the villagers would come to pray. The cold, leaf strewn temple void of gentle chanting and warming candles is now as lifeless as his throne room back at the citadel.
It was here in this very shrine that he beseeched the chaotic deities, Zhu Rong and Gung Gong to return to the elemental veil. It was in this place where his spirit left his vessel to meet them both in godlike combat when they refused. It was in this place where his brothers and sisters prayed for his safe return as volcanoes blew and the oceans swelled. He'd heard their prayers every time the chaotic deities overwhelmed him with their might. It was his siblings’ prayers that gave him the power to defeat them and their worried voices that promised his return. There was a time in this cold, cold room when one could quite happily spend an eternity in silence in their efforts to attain inner peace. Yu-Huang scans the room disappointedly, for it is nothing without its enlightened occupants. Yu-Huang makes his way to his old bed chamber and remembers something to this day that he still doesn't understand. Yu-Huang clenches his fist tightly and turns to find Xunsu
looking at him concernedly.
“Let us leave this place,” says Yu-Huang plainly.
The quiet visitors make their way to a grassy area of the shore and set up camp. Xunsu throws stones into the river whilst taking in the last heat of day as Yu-Huang looks into his old playground of the riverbank. Vivid memories of his past play out before him as he bears witness to his younger self. An able bodied toddler plays with his similar aged brothers and sister as they collect firewood near the tree line. During those innocent and peaceful years Yu-Huang was able to pretend he shared their age due to his infantile appearance, even though he had already aged fifty years and was wise beyond comprehension. The influence of his siblings salvaged whatever innocence remained until he was forced to battle with Zhu Rong and Gong Gong. The laughing and cheering images of his siblings fade to nothing as another flashback unfolds before him by the river. Yu-Huang watches his elderly father chase him up and down the river with his arms outstretched, pretending to be a monster of some kind. In an over excited panic, young Yu-Huang conjures a wave of water and knocks his father Yuang-Shi onto the bank. Appearing injured, Yuang-Shi grunts whilst rolling onto his side. Greeted by his anxious and apologetic son, Yuang-Shi seems impressed by his son's might, yet shows concern for his overuse of powers. The two sit by the bank watching the fish jump from the stream.
