“I see, I see,” Tong said nodding, his expression turning serious. “Take a seat and make yourselves comfortable while I fetch you fellas something warm for your bellies.” The team merged two tables and took seats around them. It was rather quiet and the eerie sound of the howling wind beating against the walls of the inn was strangely comforting. The tell-tale pitter patter of the rain began to echo across the hall. Everyone was rather quiet because of hunger.
In the awkward moment of silence, the team merely looked around the hall for something to focus their gaze. Buff Baby drummed his fingers on the table, Big Bang picked his nose, and Zuo Shilong sat erectly with his eyes closed. The Academicians remained standing; they leaned back against the hall’s support beams with their arms crossed.
Sun Xin observed the ornate metal staff strapped to Zuo Shilong’s back. He rested his elbow on the table and rubbed his chin when he recognized the distinct patterns and design of the weapon. “How did you come about with such a thing, monk?” he said pointing at the staff. Zuo Shilong looked at him with raised eyebrows and an expression that read “I beg your pardon?”
Buff Baby smirked and took the opportunity to explain instead. “Hah, I knew I wasn’t the only one who took notice. That iron rod you’re sportin’, monk, used to belong to a high-ranking prefect from the Northern Song Dynasty—almost five hundred years ago. Legend said that he was unmatched in his skill to wield the staff for the weapon was believed to be virtually unbreakable, forged by a master craftsman whose name had all been lost to time. In a fit of rage, he had used the staff to kill the very magistrate who had commissioned him.”
The rest of the crew turned their heads toward Buff Baby, not expecting in the least that such storytelling would have come from him.
“Is that so?” Zuo Shilong asked with excited interest. He unstrapped the staff from his back and looked upon it with a renewed curiosity. It was the very same one that Buff Baby spoke of.
“Aye, it is. He regretted the deed but he became a fugitive and went into exile for some years. He reemerged as a completely different man. He asked a famous jeweler to engrave a unique creed into staff’s midsection but the weapon was so solid he had to use a diamond chisel and a very heavy hammer to complete the engraving; it took forty days and nights. The staff turned to legend when the Nuzhen established their Jin Dynasty on the northern half of the country. Then after the Menggu had completed their conquest of the empire, all trace of the staff had been lost.”
“Now, how is it that you happened across the relic now in your possession?” Xin cut in, questioning him as if conducting an interrogation. Zuo Shilong paused for a moment to digest what Buff Baby had told him, and he was left in awe of what he heard.
“It-it was a generous gift from the Keeper of —”
“Here we are,” said Tong, unwittingly interrupting Zuo Shilong as he approached them with two trays of hot soup bowls. “These are on the house,” he said cheerfully as he distributed the bowls which the group received most gratefully. He pulled up a chair next to Sun Xin and rolled up his sleeves.
“I must say, um… ‘Bao’ is it? That I’m quite impressed with your story,” Wen Xiao commented. “I didn’t expect that at all.”
“Aye, well, don’t let the muscles throw you off course. I know some things because I’ve seen and heard some things,” said Buff Baby.
Tong leaned closer to Sun Xin to speak more closely to his ear. “Bai Lang stopped by recently to order his usual favorite. He took a seat by that corner over there as he’s always done but something about him seemed rather… off.”
“Explain,” said Xin, pausing mid slurp. His chopsticks still clung to his lips as the noodles dangled from them.
“He seemed troubled, somewhat preoccupied or anxious. I wanted to speak to him but from what I saw, he seemed to have been… rather volatile. I’ve never seen him like that before. He had always acted like he was in control, you know what I mean? What I saw that day was the opposite.”
“That does seem strange,” muttered Xin as he pondered what could have been troubling the old tracker. “When exactly was this?”
“I’d say it was about a week ago. After he paid for his meal he mentioned something about heading southwest. Here’s the crazy part: he said he was headed to the Pass. Kept rambling on about something big coming to change our world and that there was something there he needed to know, something he needed to uncover for himself,” answered Tong.
“Hah! He said ‘about a week ago’!” hollered Big Bang unexpectedly. He danced in place, arms up, bouncing in his seat as if moving to a beat. He continued to sing and giggle to himself.
“Um… is he alright?” Tong asked with a startled look on his face.
“Never mind him. He’s in a world of his own,” shrugged Jirgal.
“Wait, he went to that Pass? What on earth could have possibly led him there?” Sun Xin questioned.
Tong simply shrugged. “He said he was looking for something there. Or someone.”
“What’s the Pass?” Zuo Shilong asked while he rubbed his rough, bald head. His hair was growing back.
“Far up northwest of the city of Chang’An there is a misty isolated passage that cuts right through the harsh terrain. It’s the Pass of No Return… or Ill Return if you miraculously make it out of there alive,” answered Buff Baby. Everyone turned their heads to him, not expecting to be filled in by the rogue. “Only a few know how to get there… but it is taboo. Naught but creepy stories surround that place. One says that in the early days of the Yuan Dynasty a renegade squad of Menggu horsemen went there looking for some lost treasure from the Warring States era. Only one returned to tell the tale but he didn’t have the sanity to recall the events coherently. Three days after his return, he committed suicide and the Khan formally decreed the pass forbidden territ’ry.” He took his soup bowl and chugged the broth with all of its meaty contents at once then casually wiped his mouth with his arm.
“For goodness sakes, how do you guys know all about these crazy stories?? I’ve traveled to many places but I’ve never heard of this Pass of la-lala,” Jirgal exclaimed, throwing up his arms and rolling his eyes.
“They’re campfire stories. Except burp, this one is as real as it gets. Believe me,” Buff Baby answered.
“Do not let childish superstitions cloud your heads. That is our next destination, and we are going to have to complete it in half the usual time. Make sure the horses are fed and watered,” Xin commanded to the two Academicians. “Thank you for this information, Tong. It was right for us to visit.”
“I hope you know what you are doing,” replied Tong. “There are places where even the strongest of men dare not go. Also, be careful. Bai Lang did not act like the man I knew.”
“I ain’t scared of nothin’,” Buff Baby sneered arrogantly as he craned his neck for a good crack. Thunder and lightning scorched the skies and the rains poured even harder. It did not appear it was letting up soon so the team filled their bellies.
A Lengthy Discourse between the Sage and the Scholars
The five core members of the Martial Scholars continued to have reservations toward Famin Jie and they decided it wise to better acquaint themselves with the man who so quickly held much sway over the emperor. However, they maintained a certain degree of curiosity that outweighed their conservative regard for the meek hermit. His appearance in the emperor’s most secure court was greatly unexpected and made possible only through Sun Xin’s vouch.
There were those within the Ministry of Rites who had already openly welcomed Famin Jie into the court while the rest of them looked upon him with disdain for harboring outdated doctrines, upholding ancient rites which were contrary to their own. Famin Jie was not bothered by what they thought of him and was only concerned with being completely obedient to what he continually called the will of Heaven. His presence noticeably strengthened the emperor’s faith in the spirit
ual reality and he had chosen to follow the same path that Famin Jie walked. If only the rest of the imperial administration held the same convictions.
“I do not doubt that he is a man of good character and is of pure intentions, but we must make certain that he will not impede our work or cloud the emperor’s judgment to cast doubt over our work,” said Lu Guanying to the other four core Martial Scholars.
“I agree, Headmaster. Let us talk to him over hot tea and assess the man. I’m not even sure I completely trust him,” Tian Qiu said. “His very existence boggles my mind.”
“Still, let us be sure to bestow proper respect. He is after all, the same man who had saved the life of our very own Wandering Wolf,” added Zhang Sunzan.
“Yes, but for what ulterior motive? Acts of kindness are rare and they have only ever been for personal gain,” said Shang Jian the strategist and the cynic of the group.
“I doubt he knew Sun Xin prior to their meeting. He’s harmless. Do you see how meekly he behaves? He exaggerates his frailty though his age does not differ greatly from our own,” commented Zhen Shu the armorer and weapon smith.
“Looks can be deceiving. All warfare is based on deception. For all we know he could be a spy from the Underworld,” added Shang Jian with his arms crossed and eyebrows crinkled.
“Let’s not jump to conclusions. My instincts dictate otherwise. I would know an insincere person when I meet one, much more a spy regardless of their skill in deceit. He is no spy. Just a naïve aging man,” said Zhang Sunzan.
Lu Guanying stood silently for a moment or two in deep thought. “Very well then,” he said. “Let us invite him for a chat.”
Trust was important between comrades in service to the government. Lu Guanying observed Famin Jie and wanted to know him as a person instead of just a strange visitor. The five core members of the Martial Scholars sat before him from across the table with varying facial expressions. They nonetheless managed to smile when he sat before them, a grin displayed across his face. They all just sat there for several moments in awkward silence observing his worn attire, his natural demeanor, and the way he sat and observed the room. Even the Academicians that stood guard nearby shifted uneasily in their posts. Finally, the Headmaster broke the silence.
“Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, good sire. We decided since you would be working with us for this much time, we would like to get to know you better,” said Lu Guanying. Famin Jie smiled and chuckled knowing full well what it really was the Martial Scholars were trying to do.
“I appreciate the gesture, gentlemen. I am always up for some good conversation.”
“So… where are you from? What is your specialty?” asked Tian Qiu, being straight to the point.
“Well, I am from the South. Before here I lived in Guangxi province. I’ve lived most of my life there. Since I was a young man, I have had a knack for using plants and various herbs for medicines and treatments for ailments, pain, and injury. My practice had become quite successful and my clinic had expanded many times. However, my success had left me feeling empty. After experiencing a personal crisis I was eventually left with nothing. Later I found a higher calling and decided to answer it. I have been waiting patiently ever since.” Famin Jie lowered his gaze as he recalled the memories of his previous life.
“How would you describe your role in the palace during this time of crises, Sage?” said Lu Guanying. “Would you be so kind as to share with us your aims for the court?” He was straight to the point.
Famin Jie managed a smile as usual and simply let humility dictate his responses. “I’m flattered you call me sage but quite honestly I have no real specialties other than the use of herbs and plants for medicine. I sit before you today because I have decided follow a very narrow… and difficult Path. That Path has led me here, to the very palace of the emperor,” he replied. “I wish to assist the emperor throughout this ordeal and remind him to walk according to Heaven’s leading. Much of what will develop in our conflict rests on his decisions.”
“You must understand, Sage that we do not discredit your… erm… spiritual support for our cause, but the emperor and the nation are in good hands with the League and the faithful Academicians, many of whom have earned the rank of Minor Martial Scholar. Our order feels that the emperor might become distracted from more immediate matters such as the nation’s defense and ongoing preparations for the potentiality of war. Please, do not feel offended by our sentiments but know that we respect you for your pure intentions and for what you have done for our agent the Wandering Wolf.”
Famin Jie just chuckled. “I take no offense. I understand completely. However, I also wish you noble men of great achievement would realize that the Middle Kingdom’s current and upcoming trials are, in fact, spiritual battles more so than they are physical ones. What we are fighting for is much more than freedom and our nation’s sovereignty. Our very souls are at stake! The darkness that drives the Terukk is very real, Headmaster, and if we are not aware of it, we will succumb to it or it will consume us all,” Famin Jie lamented to him.
The Martial Scholars looked to each other as if uncertain of how to react to such a statement. However, Tian Qiu felt compelled to voice his thoughts.
“I appreciate and respect your religious dispositions and I am sure you will not do anything to impede our work. When we are victorious against the Terukk, there will be much time for spirituality. I believe martial skill and intelligence win wars. Simply philosophizing without taking aggressive action yields little to no results. This is why the League and the Wandering Wolf are successful in what we do,” he expressed.
“By what standard does your order measure success? I mean no disrespect, but from my observations, crime is still abundant. Corruption still plagues the cities and prefectures, and evil agents still abound, seemingly undeterred, if not further inspired by your brutal acts of vigilantism. If anything, it may have worsened. Mere violence alone is only answered by more violence. If you kill one cockroach one hundred more will simply take its place. Eliminating the symptoms does not cure the disease. Likewise, simply killing and imprisoning evil doers does not remove the heart’s evil intent. There numbers will just continue to grow and the problems will persist. They must learn of the truth and experience the transforming power of love. I learned this l truth through my practice of traditional medicine,” answered Famin Jie.
“If madmen or bandits entered your abode with the intent to hurt you or those you hold dear, will you simply preach to them about ‘love’ and ‘truth’ in the hopes that they will change their minds?” questioned Tian Qiu, perhaps with a hint of spite.
“Of course I will fight in defense of my friends. Even if it takes my life, I will lay down my life for them. Immediate danger calls for swift action, but I cannot help but feel misunderstood. These truths I share with you are for the long term, the only solution for many of our society’s ills! If all people knew of the Way and walked in it, which any may enter, if only they knew impartial love for their neighbors, hearts will change and the desire to commit evil against others will almost disappear. I believe it is possible to return to the golden era of the Sage Kings. A sword provides immediate self-defense but it is not what creates a thriving and righteous society.”
“Still today, there are many wicked men and women, especially those in the darkest places who have consciously decided continue on their accursed path, reveling in it, and boasting it proudly. The swords of the righteous must strike them down. It is a great responsibility for those who have the power,” Lu Guanying said with conviction.
“Yes, unfortunately, sometimes such recourse is all that remains for those who seek good and justice… especially in these dark, dark days. But I will tell you what I have told others before. The effects of the sword are immediate but are also temporary. Strike them down today and it will only continue in the next day and the in next. Ask Sun Xin. I am sure he is well-acquainted with t
he pattern by now,” said Famin Jie, perhaps with even a hint of light-hearted sarcasm.
Lu Guanying understood early on what Famin Jie was trying to say. The League had long attempted to use fear as a tool against their enemies but it had only ever prompted responses of anger and revenge. True, they had brought many to justice through force. Everyone from common frontier thieves and warlords, to corrupt governors or magistrates, and the thousands of their other followers have been effectively destroyed thanks to the Scholars’ deep-rooted connections to high places. There was no doubt that secret order of watchmen that was the League of Martial Scholars was highly effective in, what was in reality, vigilantism. They had long eluded the officially recognized authorities with their shadowy underground work. Lu Guanying had always believed that the League had selflessly worked for the cause of good and justice, administering punishment and vengeance through the sword for the sake of the empire. He frowned and bit his lip.
As the leader of the League, he had to admit that the Martial Scholars were no closer to accomplishing their goals than when they had first begun, even when the mere mention of their name had become considered taboo by those who dwelt in or frequented the underworld. The only thing that had really changed over the years was the participants.
“We can debate the effectiveness of our methods on another day. Our dark times, this new war calls for the sword and the cannon. The Terukk are an immediate threat and I find it necessary that they should be destroyed no differently from all those who have been struck by the righteous blade of the League. What say you, Sage?” questioned Lu Guanying as if challenging the old man’s perspectives. Famin Jie closed his eyes and nodded as he rubbed his bearded chin.
“The Terukk are not men that can be reasoned with or changed through revelation and truth, for deception is their tool, and it is through lies and darkness that they prosper. They have come so that they may invade and destroy in the name of the Darkness they serve.” He sighed and rested his elbows on the table. “Yes, they most certainly must be fought with the sword, but most importantly, the spiritual warfare they bring is far more significant than the one they wage with solid weapons,” Famin Jie said. “They come to not only enslave us and destroy our land, but to conquer our minds and hearts. When it comes to defeating the Terukk, I will help the nation in a different and equally important way.”
Clash of Alliances Page 5
