Completed Let's play Tale of Wuxia Zero

[abnaxus]

Part XXVII: Brofist

Spoiler

Visiting Ren Jiannan in the forest with Xiao Fu there’ll be an event.

If this song were played beside an impetuous waterfall, it would suit the artistic concept better.

I didn’t expect Gu to know music so well either.

You flatter me, I only know a little because I’ve been by my master’s side since I was little. When commenting Qin in front of Xiao it’s like teaching fish to swim.

But if he really were playing this song next to an impetuous waterfall, the one playing should have extremely strong inner force or else the sound of the Qin would totally be overwhelmed by the sound of water.

I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I do like the song.

What?! A monkey knows about music?!

Heh! This song sounds like swords striking. It’s more fun than the boring sleep-inducing sound from Celestial Melody.

Casting pearls before swine as expected…

This song sounds really weird, the higher its tune the sharper it gets.

Great song.

Who are you… eh? Isn’t this Gu?

Ren, long time no see.

Gu? You know this guy?

Ren, this is the oldest son of String-sword Manor, my little brother in training Jing Ji and Wei Ziling from Wei castle. Ji, Ziling, this is the young master of Swordsmith’s Manor, Ren Jiannan.

The name of Swordsmith’s Manor precedes, I didn’t expect the young master to have such a magnificent Qin skill.

I am flattered.

Mr Ren, your playing was very exciting.

But the higher the tune got, the sharper it became. You seemingly didn’t intend to stop but the string broke and the sound stopped with it. It’s quite different from common music. What’s the name of the song?

The name is “Thrive Jianghu” and it was passed down from my ancestors.

“Thrive Jianghu” ought to be played by both Qin and Xiao but as the Swordsmith’s Manor is devoted to forging swords, the original tune has been lost for long. With my non-proficiency in Qin, I still cannot revive the tune.

Note that the Xiao is the Chinese flute.

I know a little or two about this this tune. Once there were two masters extremely good at music, one good and evil, who finally decided to die together. Rumor says the “Thrive Jianghu” was composed by these two masters.

There is such a tale behind the “Thrive Jianghu”. One has to regret to not have a true friend… the old tradition of the ancestors is so fascinating. It’s a pity that the tune of “Thrive Jianghu” will disappear like this.

Not necessarily, Xiao Fu is good at playing Qin and Xiao. With his help you may revive this tune again.

I would love to help.

That’s perfect.

In the cutscene Xiao plays the xiao horizontally, when it’s supposed to be played vertically.

Such a matchless tune should only be heard in heaven, it is a privilege to hear it in the mortal world.

You try this tune for the first time today yet you can understand most of it. You are very talented. I can copy one score of the “Thrive Jianghu” for you and you can study it whenever you like. If you comprehend the true meaning of the tune, you can teach me. What do you think?

This score was passed down from your ancestors, how can I accept it?

Swordsmith’s Manor is now devoted to forging swords, nobody will care if this score gets into other people’s hands. And if the “Thrive Jianghu” can’t be revived it’s useless to keep this score on my own.

If so, I should really thank you.

Xiao Fu needs to master this skill before he can continue with Ren.

Returning to Shaolin temple, there’s an event with Shui.

Oh? Was the Grandmaster of E’mei sect associated with Shaoshi mount?

Before the foundation of E’mei sect, the Grandmaster came to the foot of Shaoshi mount. She met a person who excelled at Qin, chess and sword. They played Qin and practiced swordsmanship together. But when they departed from Shaoshi mount, that senior disappeared from Central China…

My master told me, every time the Grandmaster played Qin she would recall the past and sigh.

The senior couldn’t forget Senior Guo when he left Central China. Every time he was reminded of Senior Guo, he would express his attachment without reservation.

This is private information, how do you know?

The senior was good at Qin, chess and sword. He and the ancestor of Stringsword Manor were confidants.

Music comes from the heart. Senior He and Senior Guo became to each other because of “Birds around Phoenix”. Every time Senior He played this tune his attachment to Senior Guo was revealed.

Senior He was a sentimental man.

When Senior He died, he sent “Birds around Phoenix” to the ancestor of Stringsword Manor and told him to carefully treasure it. My father and Senior Wuxia Zi are good friends, a copy to Senior Wuxia Zi was sent as a gift.

That old man knew he was poor at Qin so he sent the tune to Celestial Melody. Otherwise senior brother and I would have a hard time.

Ji…

Senior Wuxia Zi is so modest, there are few people good at all skills just like him.

Brother Xiao, we’ve heard enough. Can you play “Birds around Phoenix” for us and increase our knowledge?

I lack fluency in playing Qin and don’t want to hurt your ears.

Are you really unwilling to play for us? I’ve heard a lot about the Grandmaster from my master and am very curious about “Birds around Phoenix”…

… Then please tolerate my pending performance.

(Ha, Brother Xiao can’t refuse anything to Sister Shui when she is disappointed.)

Playing for Shui gives Xiao Fu a new skill, the Birds around Phoenix (a great healing/buffing skill).

This tune is clear and sweet, with an unspoken admiration… it reminds of the past and I complete indulge in the emotion.

Even though my understanding of Qin is no match for Senior He, I’m lucky to have a friend like Miss Shui. If you want to listen to this tune in the future, please feel free to tell me.

I don’t want to bother you that much… maybe… you can teach me how to play Qin?

If… if Miss Shui trusts me, I will teach everything to you.

Shui actually curtsies here. It seems this is the start of a romance between the two; they do match together well.

In the temple Gu who learnt the Vajra Fist aka Donkey Kong Quan can get a test from the monks.

The Bronze bros are tough; Gu basically needs to spam the fist to stay alive. As you know, if triggers invulnerability.

The reward for this is something useless.

Back on the world map there is an interdasting random encounter.

It seems these are fake cultists trying to stir up trouble by attacking the daughter of the master of Tianshan sect.

How dare you insult me… I… I will kill you!

Stop! Junior sister He of Tianshan sect, are you OK?

… Gu Yuexuan…I… I don’t need your care. All men in the world are the same except for my senior brother…

He, we just want so save you. I’m Wei Ziling from Wei castle and I’m a female too. Don’t be malicious, OK?

… Fine. These two rogues try to insult me, please help me to kill them all.

These two fakes are identical to Tianlong Elites. Not too weak at all.

Miss He is delicate with a decent internal style and some damaging sword skills.

(She is just a teenage girl but she is pretty cruel. Why does she hate men so much?)

…

Are you OK? I got you.

No… I can walk… thanks.

Such a strange woman, she’s treating us like air, so uncomfortable.

Don’t say that. She must have some reason to hate men. Maybe there’s something she can’t tell anyone…

Do you know something?

At least I know more than you.

The “reward” for this encounter is a new sword skill for Shui. It’s gud, it’s high damage and inflicts Bleed.

A bit further on is an another random encounter.

This random encounter is related to the scrolls Xu Zhen wants.

This is a tough encounter; not only do you need to fight the three assassins from Heaven’s Will but also some tough monks. They have an internal style that boosts their defense when they’re close together which makes them annoying to fight.

In the battle we have the help from two Bronze bros and a healer Shaolin.

I dragged the battle out to see what Shi Yan could steal from the three assassins; they carry nothing of note.

We got new boots and a new internal style out of this unique encounter.

This is an internal style for Shinji; note that Wang Hu is the father of Wang Rong.

 

[abnaxus]

Part XXVIII: Social credit

Spoiler

In Dukang village Auntie Li appears to have a problem.

What’s the matter, madam?

*sob*… *sob*

No one can help you if you keep crying…

How could you say that? She’s feeling so sad!

I…I… how can I help her is she says nothing!

*sob…*sob*

Right, umm… Gu, let’s go ask the people around here, maybe we’ll find out something.

According to rumors Auntie Li’s son killed someone.

Mr Li is quite a good man, he wouldn’t commit any crime.

He couldn’t even kill a chicken, how could he kill a man?

What? No wonder madam Li is so sad.

Fu Jianhan shows up when talking to Auntie Li next.

Her son committed a crime and is going to be beheaded very soon.

How could that be possible?! I go to their tavern often and am acquainted with Li. He is an upright and honest man afraid of getting into any trouble. This man will never commit such a grave crime and get himself beheaded.

I couldn’t agree with you more. However, nobody told me about Li’s crime until now.

My son, he would never do such a thing *sob*

Aunt Li, take it easy. We all know what Li is like. I will go to Luoyang as soon as possible to inquire about the situation and will get Li out if he suffered wrongful treatment.

Fu, this is urgent, let’s go investigate separately.

Alright, let’s meet at Luoyang wine shop.

Back in Luoyang we inquire at the Yamen.

No, no, you can’t come here. Get out.

Li Dalang is my missing brother. I finally found his whereabouts but I heard that he was sentenced to death somehow. Please let me meet my brother one last time.

I see. But I never heard of Li Dalang, are you sure he is here?

Well, then we’ll ask around.

Are we too late?

Not likely. According to the custom, it’s not the time to execute…

Gu… I think there’s something wrong with this.

Why?

It was said in Dukang village Li was captured last month, yet there was already an order to execute him this month?

The crime he committed is murder and according to the law, such a heavy crime should be reported level by level. It wouldn’t be so fast before the crime was settled, let alone an execution in such a short time… I really don’t understand this.

Why bother thinking so much? Since the crime was committed in Luoyang, let’s go to the market and ask around, the news spreads fast there.

That’s one smart idea of my silly brother.

What’s with the look? Don’t play me as a fool all the time.

Ji is getting more and more mature after all these trials. The master should be delighted.

At the market we ask around with the merchants.

We didn’t believe it either at first…

Mr Li is a really good man. In the Luoyang market, there were many girls who want to marry him, but he was close to the widow of Zhao…

Qian Xuan… sounds familiar, did we encounter him?

Yeah, that day in Baima temple…

Oh, it is him, we shouldn’t have let him go easily that day.

Why did he dare to do something illegal?

Well, Gu, let’s go to the tavern to exchange information with Mr Fu.

Good, let’s go.

I asked the people in the street, anybody who knew Li Dalang didn’t believe that he would have committed such a crime, yet they also didn’t know that Li Dalang was taken by the official… what the hell is this, I am really confused.

We get the same result, even the one in Yamen never heard of imprisoning Li Dalang. How does nobody know this at all?

Gu, we found out one person who is closely related to Li Dalang when we were seeking information, did you notice?

You mean… the widow Zhao Niangzi?

Right, that’s her. According to the people in town, Li Dalang and Zhao Niangzi are quite close. What’s strange is that she didn’t show up in defence of Li Dalang, don’t you think that’s odd?

Then let’s ask this widow ourselves.

Wait, not only widow Zhao, there’s also another very important person.

Who do you mean?

Let me ask you, now that we can’t find anything about Li Dalang being imprisoned and even the officers not knowing about it… who do you think send the letter?

Well…

I haven’t noticed this, we should thank Ziling’s carefulness. Indeed, if Li Dalang didn’t commit the crime, then the one who delivered the news of the crime must be closely related to the matter.

The content of the letter was organized and the handwriting beautiful, isn’t that odd for a man about to be executed?

Li Dalang’s family was poor, he only learnt a few words to be able to do business and to keep accounts. According to miss Wei, it couldn’t be Li Dalang who wrote the letter.

So, the most important thing now is to find Zhao Niangzi and the one who wrote the letter.

Alright, then let’s act separately again. I will go find out where Zhao Niangzi is.

Then let’s head back to Dukang village and find out where the letter came from.

Don’t worry madam, we just got some clues and have some questions for you.

Madam, do you remember who sent this letter?

What letter?

The one your son has written.

That letter… I don’t know…

Then when did you receive it?

It was quite a busy day… ah, I remember the village head’s wine was sent here on that day.

Except for that, what else do you remember of that day?

I… I really don’t know… could you save my son?

We will try our best.

Could I borrow this letter for a while? Maybe it contains some important clues…

I’m counting on all of you, please save my son!

The next clue is provided by the village head.

The Gateway Control System?

Ah, you don’t know? The Emperor is very angry about the Mu family massacre and ordered his men to find the culprits in one month. So the Luoyang authorities have issued the Gateway Control System to check all the people’s name when they enter and leave the city.

Massacre…!?

And the system worked it, can you believe it? The killer is that Sea Shark clan chief Xiong Batian!

Gu, I have an idea.

What idea?

If Luoyang has this Gateway Control System, there must be a register to record all the names, right? So if we can get our hands on that register and compare the handwriting, maybe we can find out who wrote the letter.

I think you are right, and this is our only lead. OK, let’s get to Luoyang city.

At Luoyang gates, we need to harass the guard on the right.

Hey man, I have something to ask you.

Go away, I am sleeping.

…

We would like to ask you something.

I am sleeping, go away.

It is very hot, I know you are tired, so this herbal tea is for you.

Hehe, yeah it is too hot. I almost forgot that helping out is my duty. So what is wrong?

Three years ago, I suffered from a serious disease but a doctor who passed by our town cured me in three days.

My family thanked him, but he refused our reward and left. After so many years I heard that he is currently in Luoyang so I am here to visit him with my two brothers.

So
what do you want to know?

We don’t know his exact address. But we heard that after a big case in Luoyang this month everyone’s name is in a register.

So we want to see the register and find him by his handwriting I got on his prescriptions.

Eh… it will break the rules but you are so kind… my register dropped to the ground, if you have a look at it while helping me pick it up, I can do nothing.

OK, thank you.

Wei Ziling is a troo Sherlock.

And “Yu Xiu” is registered as the servant of the Minister’s Government Office.

It’s Qian’s family again! Qian must have something to do with this.

Though we know their family is involved, we only have this letter and it alone can’t prove anything. There are still many unsolved questions I’m afraid…

It’s alright, at least we have this lead to follow.

Yeah, don’t we also have Zhao Niangzi to look into? I wonder whether Fu found her or not?

Speak of the devil…

Did you find anything about Zhao Niangzi?

Exactly, this Zhao Niangzi lives in the alley adjacent the drug store. I was going to visit her, how about we go together!

Hey! If you are finished reading, give the register back to me!

You go first, Fu, and we will follow up once this is settled.

Alright, I’m going now.

Next it’s time to ask the widow some questions.

Who are you?

We are friends of Li Dalang…

You must be mistaken. Only me and my son are here. We don’t know any Li Dalang, you’d better leave.

We didn’t say anything, there’s no need to panic…

I… I…

Are they picking on you, mom?

No, Heng, they just mistook me for someone else.

Lovely boy, your name is Heng? How old are you?

(It should be Three Character Primer.)

Three Character Primer is one of the Chinese classic texts.

I am sorry, I have work to do and I really don’t know Li Dalang.

Mom? Why do you say you don’t know him? Are they here to catch us? I will protect you! I will not let them take you to Gong Fu.

Gong Fu?

Yeah.

Stop, Heng.

Wait a second…

We can’t say any more, you can go now.

Sorry for bothering you.

(It is strange, Fu is one step ahead of us, why don’t we see him?)

Outside the widow’s house Fu already happens to own some putz.

Talk! Why are you hanging around here?

Fu?

While you were inside, I noticed this suspicious guy so I watched him for a while. He was sneaking outside the house for a long time so I captured him to find out why.

Don’t blame me for anything. I was, I was just passing by and found the view good here, that’s why I was watching.

What view is there outside someone else’s house?

Ahaha. That’s right, how goes the saying? Birds can be friends on the branch, but it’s hard to sort the dropping flower and the stream.

Yeah, Chinese idioms get lost in translation.

I think you want to get a beating, own up now!

Don’t hit me! I will talk! I was just having some affection for Zhao Niangzi, so I wandered outside her house.

(Heng’er has been saying that some bad people want to capture him and his mother, does that have anything to do with this guy?)

Fu, I think he didn’t mean any harm, how about letting him go.

It’s the miss who is reasonable, you guys let go of me.

You…

…Alright.

Pea brain Shinji can’t follow again.

That kind of guy is cunning and who knows whether he’s telling the truth. So, let’s release him first and see where he will go. Am I right, miss Wei?

Hee hee! It looks like Fu is bold yet you are so careful inside.

Haha, I will follow him now. Let’s meet up again at the tavern.

Some time later…

That guy was indeed cunning, he led me around for two hours on the Luoyang streets. But I finally caught sight of him at the Ministry of Works.

The Ministry of Works? Zhao Niangzi is but a civilian, how can she get involved with the Ministry?

I don’t know about that. Right, did Zhao Niangzi mention Li Dalang?

Zhao Niangzi insisted she didn’t know Li Dalang, which is obviously a lie.

But we got to know that Zhao Niangzi and her little child were once captured in a place named “Gong Fu”. Something must have happened there which resulted in her refusing to open her lips. Have you heard about that place, Fu?

“Gong Fu”? That’s a really weird name. I have never heard of it.

Gong Fu, Gong Fu…

Does it remind you of anything, Ziling?

Gu, I remember that when we were at Zhao Niangzi’s, the kid read “San Zi Jing” as “San Zi Gong”?

San Zi Jing (三字经) = Three Character Primer. The kid misread Chinese characters… more stuff that’s kinda untranslatable.

The kid knows little characters, so he just read the parts of the word, what’s with that? Eh?

That’s right, so “Gong Fu” should really “Jing Fu”?

I just thought, it can only be Jiang’s mansion. There are many people in Luoyang whose last name is Jiang yet there’ s only one Jiang’s mansion.

You are confusing me, are you saying this has something to do with Great Xia Jiang?

Of course not. Do you know whose house is next to Jiang’s mansion?

I have just been there a while ago, that’s the house of the Minister of Works, Qian Yi.

Everything leads to this Qian guy.

Looks like we are going to be unwelcome guests for one time.

Visiting Qian’s mansion at night, interesting!

 

[abnaxus]

Part XXIX: Infiltration

Spoiler

It’s time to “sneak” into the mansion.

It’s impossible to avoid a fight with the two guards at the door… but they’re likely the biggest putzes in the entire game.

Shi Yan is in her element here; she steals a unique item.

There must be some secrets here if it’s defended by some many guards.

Let’s look around for something suspicious.

There’s something odd about a painting.

Let’s lift it and find out.

Let’s go down and have a look.

In the hidden basement is another putz to one shot.

If you answer our questions honestly, we’ll consider it. But if you hold back anything… you know the consequences! Nobody can control my little brother when he is angry.

What do you want to know? I promise I will tell you anything without reserve.

Have you heard the name of Yu Xiu or Li Dalang here in Qian’s mansion?

I-I’m Yu Xia, Li Dalang is imprisoned here.

Ha, that’s great.

We should free brother Li first.

Lead the way, hurry up!

Yes, of course…

Yes, brother Li, aunt was worried about you these days.

Brother Gu, let’s get out of here.

No, I can’t leave… I should stay here. Mr Gu, you should go!

Did being here too long turn you mad?

(Mrs Zhao didn’t want to say anything either…) Brother Li, is there any private reason why you can’t tell us?

Brother Li, what is the matter exactly?

I have nothing to say. A life for a life, just go…

It’s impossible, brother Li would never kill anyone.

Hey! Yu Xiu, if you know something, tell us now.

Don’t push him. He has helped me a lot… I woudn’t have the chance to say goodbye to my mother if it weren’t for him.

Actually…

Mr Yu!

I… I’m just a minion of the minister, but anybody can feel angry about his experience before.

What the hell is going on?

I should start with Mrs Zhao. She is a widow as well as one of the beauties of Luoyang city. A lot of men admire her including Li…

I’ve seen her once, she is beautiful indeed. Brother Li is industrious and veracious, they could be a perfect couple. So what is the problem?

The problem is Mrs Zhao is too beautiful. Everybody knows that young master Qian is lascivicious… he often molested Mrs Zhao with Chen Hao, the son of another minister. Mrs Zhao didn’t have the ability to resist. Li suffered a lot trying to protect her.

Bah! Those two beasts.

As sons of officials, they throw their weight around regardless of the law.

But why did brother Li commit murder?

*sigh* At the end of last month, Qian Xuan and Chen Hao molested Mrs Zhao again. In the end, Qian Xuan took a chopper and stabbed Chen Hao. There was evidence and witnesses. Besides Chen Hao’s father is a minister as well, he wouldn’t leave things at that. Qian Xuan was finally sentenced to death.

What does all this have to do with brother Li?

It was all because of some friends of Qian Xuan. Quan Yi was trying to save his son… these people told him that Li and Qian Xuan were similar in appearance.

You mean they want to use Li as an imposter?

Yes! Li has no money and power. Qian Yi took Mrs Zhao and her son to threaten him. He had to compromise. I feel sorry for him but couldn’t save him. All I could do was send a letter to his mother…

This Qian family is so vicious.

Eh, I will make them pay.

Fu, Ji, we should find a way to save brother LI first.

We can take him out directly.

No, I won’t go with you. They won’t let off Mrs Zhao.

…

Brother Li, don’t be afraid. They can’t hurt you while I’m here.

Brother Fu, this is not so simple. Qian Yi won’t let go so easily with his son’s life involved.

Even if we save him, they would become fugitives henceforth. We must think of a perfect way and make everyone know about this. Qian Yi couldn’t do anything in that case.

Hearing what you just said, I’ve come up with an idea.

What’s your plan?

We can expose their plot in public. So they won’t have a second chance to hurt brother Li…

Wei’s ploy works as the next day the minister’s son tries to leave the city in disguise.

Mr Qian, it’s an important day today, why are you out dressing like this?

You still have no intention to change your ways and just want to escape? Ask my sword first.

It’s the same two losers with two tougher hombres.

The big dude with the Spellbound talent needs to be killed last.

The Spellbound will temporarily possess a party member (unless they have the Determined talent).

If Gu gets possessed in the midst of battle, it could be a problem.

All that’s left to do is deliver the culprit to the authorities.

Daddy’s boy is finished.

The Emperor is blind all the time yet this time he can know black from white.

This time the evidence is clear and everyone in Luoyang knows it. Even the Emperor can’t protect him.

Hahahaha, that’s twice good news in one day for brother Li, I must go to Dukang village to drink with you.

Back in Dukang village Fu Jianhan can now be recruited.

Fu Jianhan is a good character but he drinks up all the booze...

More importantly we now finally have a full party.

 

[abnaxus]

Part XXX: Share in Death

Spoiler

With Fu Jianhan in the party we can solve the Chong-Ling Swordsmanship quest.

First we need to chat to some old fart at Swordsmith’s Manor.

Grandpa, then you must know Master Linghu and Righteous Lady.

Hehe… it has been so long. I really miss the courage of our Master and the Lady.

Master Linghu was the best friend of Nobody the Hero. We’ve been hearing his life story since we were very young. But the legend is eisegetical.

Eisegetical? Translator breh must’ve swallowed a thesaurus.

You lived with them before. Could you tell us something about them?

No problem. Let me think… hehe, they used to catch frogs and roast them on a tree branch for us. Our Lady asked us if we ever ate frogs caught by Nine-form Dugu Swordsmanship.

Well, better frog than dog.

There was more… Master liked drinking so much that his liver got damaged. Doctor said that he would only live a long life if he gave up drinking. Our Lady forbade all of us from drinking for his own good.

Master felt depressed. One day, Master requested his friend to bring him two bottles of wine and put them in my room. I was only nine that year. Who would think a nine-year-old boy could drink?

Master came to my room frequently to drink. He told me so many interesting stories of Jianghu… I really miss that time. I’m now even old than Master at that time.

I really admire that loving couple… Granpa, I have a question to ask you.

What question? I’m not sure whether I can answer you.

Have you ever heard of “Chong-Ling Swordsmanship”?

…Chong-Ling Swordsmanship was created by Master and his junior sister. Master would mention his junior sister every time he was drunk.

Master said she was just like a sister to him. He would never hurt the Lady. But when he mentioned Chong-Ling Swordsmanship, his eyes filled with sorrow.

He always said “Nobody would use Share in Death with me since then”. I was too young to understand the meaning of his words. And I said “Our Lady would die for you if it was necessary”.

He just smiled and then cried “I know Yingying is willing to die for me and I for her. But it’s different.” Even now I still don’t understand the difference.

Then he walked to the stone wall of Sword Grave and knocked the wall with his sword. The point of the blade touched the wall and bended to a nice arc. After that, Master lied on the ground and cried like a child.

(Master Linghu was a spoony man, but Righteous Lady was greater than anyone. She knew that her husband loved someone else but still lived with him…)

Thank you, grandpa.

You can take Yan Yu to Ren Haoran and say thanks but the reward is just some iron ore.

Interacting with the wall near Sword Grave there is an event only if Fu Jianhan is also around.

Ziling, got something?

As the old man said, the tip of the sword caused the damage on the wall. Why would “Share in Death” need to use the tip of the sword to repeatedly stab the walls?

Chong-Ling Swordsmanship needs two people. We just can’t figure out the reason Great Xia Linghu did this.

Tch, whoever witnessed this swordsmanship has already passed away. Some rumors even say that two people performing the Share in Death glow in golden light and ascend to become immortals! Full of crap!

What you said is just conjecture. It’s dual swordsmanship, why would they stab each other?

Ji, I get it! Han is right. Share in Death is exactly like this!

Why do you call him “Han”, you two are not that close!

Haha, I don’t mind.

So that explains it.

Tch, why is there this kind of useless swordsmanship.

Not necessarily. Though Chong-Ling swordsmanship will not cause harm, it’s alright to skip the other technique. Share in Death practices both the force and direction, not to mention the effect of cultivating the bond between two people.

… Quite indeed.

Now that we know how it works, Jing Ji, let’s practice the Chong-Ling Swordsmanship when we have time.

Why – why would I do that! Besides the sword is not your regular weapon, don’t I need to teach you everything from the very beginning? I don’t have the time.

Humph! Suit yourself. Han, practice with me.

Oh? No problem, it seems interesting.

Wait a moment! I didn’t say “no” yet.

You’re as fussy as a woman. Pass.

… I told you I agreed, don’t be like this.

Hmmm…..

Haha, how could I tear apart the lover-birds!

Anyway, the reward for this quest… is a quest item.

After this we return once to Leshan Giant Buddha.

The reward for returning Xu Zhen’s scroll is a restricted art book.

Ah! Finally I receive the books, thank you so much. I really don’t know why anyone wants to rob those ordinary scriptures?

The people who robbed the scriptures were very strong… I think there’s something more behind it.

I don’t know. The abbot knows and will send elites to escort the scriptures. Please receive this as a token of our gratitude.

After this we run into some unique encounters travelling on the world map.

While traveling in the north there’s an important random encounter.

Brother Gu! That lady seems to be in trouble, we should help her!

These bishes are underlings of Nine Yin and have dangerous Force Lightning poison attacks.

This is a high risk, high reward encounter.

Sister, why did they attack you?

The reward is a great new sword skill and internal style for Shui.

On its own Lady’s Sword is a very good skill: high damage, 0 cooldown, works in 3 hex radius and boosts evasion every time it’s used.

But in combination with Lady internal style it’s amazing. The Lady will further boost evasion and grant Dual Strike upon evading in battle. If Shui dual strikes her AoE skill the enemies will be ded without evasion.

A bit later there’s an encounter with a certain boy in blue.

That little kid is good for nothing, he didn’t even hit back.

Hehe, he didn’t give up even though they were stronger, similar to us.

Hmm? There is something on the ground… is this Nobody the Hero Picture Story book?

Let me see! Ha, it’s pretty good.

That teenager must have saved money to buy it. We should return it to him.

Can’t find them, they ran off too fast.

They are locals, with all these twisty alleys they know this place better than us. I think it would take us half a day to find them.

But we don’t have much time!

Then we have no choice but to return it to him when we get a chance in the future.

Finally there’s a random encounter involving Rong Rong… always nice to see her.

The eagle wants to eat your rabbit. Just give it and it will leave you alone.

But my rabbit is so cute. I don’t want the eagle to eat it.

Then the eagle will be hungry.

B-but…

Shinji needs to take the eagle down to help Rong Rong.

Piece o’ cake.

Just this once.

Thanks. What is your name?

It’s nothing. My brother and the girl are at the market, I’m going to find them.

The girl…? Does he love the girl, what a shame… Ya, why am I so gossipy? Bunny, it’s all right, let’s go.

The reward for this is another internal style. Since it takes 84 in a stat to learn, it’s prolly gonna be really gud.

 

[abnaxus]

Party XXXI: Red Qin

Spoiler

Before heading off to Hangzhou it’s time for another stop at Xiaoyao valley.

When matching requirements Wuxia Zi will now teach new skillz.

All you need to do is survive some rounds here.

Both new skills are fairly good.

When returning to Xiaoyao valley it’s also a good idea to introduce new friends to Hu.

I’ve heard about Pury Fairy for so long. The power of the two young masters will be doubled with your help.

Young Master, I’m sorry for your loss.

There is much inconvenience because of my father’s death. I appreciate your kindness but must decline the offering.

It was my cursoriness, please forgive me.

We also have enough rare ore to craft new gloves for Gu.

Interacting with the red Qin with Shui and Xiao in the party leads to an event.

Do you play the Qin as well?

My master and Celestial Melody both love music. So I know a thing or two, but you’re better than me.

Celestial Melody sent me this one when I was 10. Back then I had no idea about the quality of Qin. Ji would only sleep well when I played the melody of Ambush On All Sides.

Can you tell the quality of Qin from the lacquer?

But if the coffin gets damp or the crossbeams are under pressure, the texture would be damaged. The sound can be transparent but won’t be pure. The wood of this one is pine with over 200 years in the forest.

Didn’t you just say that it wouldn’t have such a texture if the wood is less than 700 years old?

After hundreds of years, the natural fissure is sharp like a sword. While the end of fake ones looks like a leaf or fish head. Genuine arts are always simple.

So… this one is a fake?

It must be one that senior Celestial Melody made herself. A brilliant gift, I really admire you.

After this there is either missing dialogue or completely mistranslated dialogue because it makes no sense at all.

Somehow this ends in a sparring match between Gu, Shinji and Shui, Xiao. It seems Gu’s intention was to gift the red Qin to Shui/Xiao in exchange for a sparring match.

Shui is very dangerous and her boyfriend can support her very well with buffs and heals.

But with 8 Immortals skill she can be shut down for one turn and Shinji can easily take her out.

Xiao Fu on his own is not dangerous.

Most importantly we got a unique item that Xiao Fu should equip.

Back on the world map there’s a random encounter with Xu Ziyi, the brother of the white scholar from Chengdu.

Judging from his stats, he’s a god. However, because of his very high Dual Strike chance he blows through his energy extremely quickly and when out of juice he can’t do much at all.

When his health is very low he’ll trigger invulnerability for a few turns and go nuts.

This encounter is repeatable, you can get an internal style scroll if you’re lucky.

Elsewhere is a random encounter centering around Yan Yu of all people.

(It’s about this mute person.)

Duke Cheng acquired an internal style book. It’s similar to your internal styles somehow, so he wants me to give it to you.

…!! Duke Cheng… he’s the sixth uncle of the Emperor! He and Yan…

Who?

You are so ignorant! Duke Cheng is the sixth uncle of the Emperor and a noble character in the Imperial Court.

It’s boring, I’m not interested in that.

No gains without pains, I can’t take it.

It’s the order of our Duke, you have to.

What if I insist?

Then I’m sorry.

Even with little training Yan Yu could beat this dude with some pellet use. But it’s better to lose and get the internal style book for free.

 

[abnaxus]

Part XXXII: Dead on arrival

Spoiler

It’s time to visit Hangzhou.

There’s immediately some drama upon entering the city.

You shouldn’t be so harsh! My son didn’t steal anything! How could you beat him to death?

My wife put so much effort into raising my son and suddenly you killed him… didn’t you force her to kill herself?

We didn’t do anything wrong… how could you do this all to ruin our lives? How am I supposed to live?

*sob* …Xiao… your father is useless! I can not deliver justice for you two! My wife… your husband is useless, I can only go and accompany you in hell!

The speech ends with a suicide and Fang Yunhua shows up.

Fang Yunhua? What happened here?

I just passed by and saw this guy crying out his innocence. I was just asking the neighbor for the details, I didn’t expect…

If it’s true that the ministry councilor An forced his death, he went too far in bullying others… I will take his head for the three men in heaven!

The moral degeneration of the world is getting worse by the day. I didn’t expect there would be such an evil person in this place.

Master used to teach us to help the weak and we should not leave this as it is… I think Gu will agree with me.

And you two are…?

This is my little brother in training Jing Ji, and that is Wei Ziling from Wei castle.

We just noticed the noise here and came to check it out, only to see this man killing himself in grievance…

Men like An should be taught a lesson.

What’s your plan, Jing Ji? Fight your way in and beat him? Or kill him? Then it will be you who’ll be sent to prison.

Humph! According to you, should we just leave this alone?

When did I say we should leave this alone? We can find evidence to prove that An was behind all this.

None should escape punishment from justice. Even if I can’t kill this bastard, he should reserve his just desserts. Or else, what does justice even mean in this world? Please help me, Gu.

Sure thing. How about this, let’s look into this separately. If there’s any progress we can meet at the city gate.

Good, let’s do that.

We need to ask around a bit for clues.

You are right, they are so pitiful.

Damn it, who is this shopkeeper?

He is Mr An’s henchman. Everyone here knows him. Because he has Mr An’s support he dares to do anything bad.

Sounds like he would know a lot about An’s family.

But that was not all. The storekeeper sent his minions to Xie’s house to ask for reparations and to hand over his land deeds. His wife was very sad and committed suicide the night after the threatening…

An’s family are savages.

Yeah. They have money and power. I heard some rumors. It is said Mr An newly married a woman and planned to use Xie’s land to build a house for her.

Why did all this come to be then?

It was all about money. An was getting rich and thought his yard was too small so he wanted to get Xie’s land… but Xie is not one to be bullied and An failed.

It my opinion it must be An’s henchmen who did it to please their master, especially the storekeeper Chen Dayou has done a lot of bad things for his master. I heard it was him who asked Axiao to work for An.

The storekeeper must have some connection with this.

That is easy, let’s just catch him and interrogate him.

*sigh* Unexpectedly, at the New Year the mother and son wanted to do some work while the father was not here… then the accident happened…

There’s a kid around who triggers Xiao Fu’s attention.

Brats… ouch! Why are you stepping on my toes!

Alright! He loves ghost stories, the scarier the better!

Tsch!

Heh heh! I saw this with my own eyes: flying zombies.

…zom…ZOMBIES?

Flying… zombies? Could this have anything to do with… the Puppet Husk?

What did you say?!

Don’t get so worked up suddenly, we need to know everything first.

Is it true you saw flying zombies, young man.

Yes, I saw them when I was out to go to the toilet.

Alright then, it must be the Puppet Husk. I will kill him this time.

Xiao, we still don’t know if this is really the Puppet Husk, I think we should investigate first…

I understand. I know revenge is not an easy thing but as long as there’s a single clue I will follow it to the end.

Heh heh! This is easy actually. We just need to wait here and see who will come.

Can you tell me about it later if you really saw the zombies.

Okay, I promise we will come back to you afterwards.

At night the Puppet Husk doesn’t appear. It’s just Shi Gang pursuing a neenja.

Brother Gu… what should we do if they’re real zombies?

Don’t worry, we are all here. I will protect you no matter what.

I’ve already said you can stay at the inn if you are afraid. But you didn’t listen and insisted on coming with us.

Humph! You really are a terrible person.

Ji… Ziling…

He’s coming back!

Let’s catch him this time.

…

Brother Xiao, don’t be disappointed, we’ll find that Puppet Husk for certain.

That burglar is good at Qinggong, he can’t be on the run forever. We should help Constable Shi to capture him.

Next morning Shi Gang comes to talk.

Yes, I am. This is my junior brother Jing Ji, Miss Wei, daughter of Senior Silver Spear, and Xiao Fu from String-sword Manor.

Nice to meet you.

That burglar was really good at Qinggong.

He is Fragrance of the Night. Recently, he’s caused a lot of trouble.

There was an exotic fragrance when we were following him. He is worthy of the name.

So he is the famous Fragrance of the Night. He is really worthy of the name, “You can smell his scent without seeing or hearing him”.

Bah! Don’t be so flowery, he is just a thief no matter how long his name is.

I will catch him one day.

Thanks for your help, I have important things to do, see you around.

Farewell.

Tsk! This was a waste of time.

The kid gives us a rare stone as reward.

Hehe! Those weren’t zombies, it was Constable Shi chasing thieves.

Humpf! Someone was scared!

Get off my back.

Wow! You saw the naked face! Wow!!

Constable Shi is well loved by the populace, even kids look up to him.

…

Thank you, lady, now I can tell my friends all about it! I won this in a marble contest, you can have it now.

Thank you so much!

This stone… is unusual…

I think so too, maybe we can take it to the antique shop and let the owner check it for us.

In Hangzhou we also needed to pay a visit to the Beggars’ Sect.

Pleasure to meet you, I’m Gu Yuexuan from Xiaoyao valley.

(The beggar who died by poison is from the Beggars’ sect…)

Ah!!

What?!

There’s a head!

That’s Elder Xu for sure?

Clay? Though with clay, how could someone know the appearance just from the skull?

I have no idea, either. Doctor Miracle Xun can answer our questions.

Really… do you really need to be this specific?

I just want to know, ok? Cover your ears if you’re scared.

…Humph! You’re not considerate at all!

Ji is just curious. I wonder how you guys know the cadaver is Elder Xu.

Long story. Several days ago, the officials of Chengdu sent a dead body to the mortuary for someone to claim.

Out of curiosity, someone went to have a look, only to find out the middle finger was missing. And Elder Xu lost this very finger during a fight years ago.

So? There are other people without a middle finger. How can you be so sure?

I owe you guys. We’d never have found Elder Xu if you hadn’t found his remains by chance. People are all pumped up and angry, swearing to find the murderer.

The case of Elder Xu’s death is an unturned stone. But the officials closed the case in a hurry…

As a matter of fact, Elder Xu is not only the Branch Master of the Branch of Grand Li but also a toxin master. He wouldn’t die of some ordinary poison. Something is not adding up.

Gu, he’s the…?

As I suspected, you really belong to the Beggars’ Sect.

He’s been transferred to Branch of Grand Yi two years ago and is a capable assistant.

Elder Xu, I will get to the bottom of this.

Don’t worry, we’ll find the real killer.

Were it not for the kindness of Elder Xu after I got kicked out at home I’d be long gone now. To honor Elder Xu I will find the murderer.

They’re like father and son. His anger is understandable.

This case is a mystery, we found Elder Xu’s remains by chance. It’s a pity that we couldn’t find more clues. Shame on us.

You’ve already been a big help. As a token of thanks, take this.

Thank you. I hope the killer will be brought to justice soon. And if there’s anything we can be of assistance with, don’t hesitate to ask.

Go ahead.

Understood. We’ll start a thorough investigation. If nothing else, see you next time.

We can add Xiao Yao to the party now but I don’t like him. Just for the fact alone that he munches all the food you got without asking.

Hangzhou is also the place where you can use Hu’s toasting items to hold banquets and get 5,000 experience for the entire party if you rent the biggest hall.

 

[abnaxus]

Part XXXIII: Hangzhou

Spoiler

Near the bridge to the brothel is a beggar selling art books.

What a slender and burly young lad, you must be a talent in martial arts!

Thank you…

I have a great gift for great men… you must be a man of Wulin… incidentally I have several copies of legendary art books. So, interested?

Tch! Selling art books on the street? Something is not adding up…

Don’t be shy, have a look! Oh, I see, youngsters like you… don’t have much money?

It’s all right! This must be a fate meeting! I’m giving you a discount, 5000 Qian, what do you say?

OK, here you are, 5000 Qian.

Really? What if the art book is fake? What if you get insane after reading it.

The authenticity of it doesn’t matter. Just think it as helping the old man.

Gu is really kind.

Nice! Nice! 5000 Qian for an excellent art book, fair bargain!

Though Gu has bought it out of kindness, the source of the art book is unknown… someone in the city must know a thing or two about this old man who’s selling art books in the street. Let’s ask around.

This city is quite large, where are we gonna ask?

The best places to gather information in every city must be inns and taverns, let’s go there.

The beggar turns out to be the uncle of the innkeeper who offers to buy the art book back.

However, it’s best to return to the beggar.

Sorry, I’m not good enough to understand what’s in there…

Ah! Shame, but I can’t take advantage of you, let me grab you another book.

Sorry, but I don’t think it is a good thing to sell these art books.

Why? Why is that? If everyone knew how to protect themselves there would be no more conflict in the world!

…

But you are just selling these to anyone, a wrong art will hurt people.

Ziling!!

Who do you think you are, little girl? Telling me what to do?

We mean you no harm, we just wish people won’t get hurt from learning the wrong art.

Stop your blabbing and let’s see who’s right…

We get some training experience and perspective instead of a lousy art book, the best out come.

Forget it. These technique are nothing better than this. They’re not for sale anymore.

The last clue about An we get from a man on the bridge.

Humph! In my opinon, this An family are all bad guys.

An Daohuang bought a woman from the brothel a few days ago. He said he would build a house for her. I knew he was going to do something… you see, the Xie family all died because of it. It was a real tragedy.

I also heard that the widow of Tang family borrowed 5 taels of silver from the storekeeper Chen Dayou to bury her husband. After some months the debt increased to 100 taels of silver, the widow can’t pay it off anymore.

The storekeeper isn’t in the brothel however.

Our virgin chads can’t peruse the sloots either especially not with Ziling around.

Huh! Ji!! Don’t follow the bad example of the Painter and Scholar.

Pshaw, I have no interest in it! Boring!

How dare you sit down, you lothario! I won’t talk to you anymore.

I said that I have no interest in it!

At the harbour we can’t do anything for now either. But there are some rumors about Ao Guang of Feng Du.

Near the harbour is an old man with a Skyrim joke.

We make a trip back to Luoyang to have the stone from the kid investigated.

Wow, really?

Is it really worth so much?

Gu, do you want to sell it?

I never thought this stone would be worth so much, we should go to Hangzhou and return it.

What? Walking all that way just for a stone?

Yes, that child doesn’t know the value of this stone, we can’t just keep it.

I knew you would say so! That’s my good brother!

 

[abnaxus]

Part XXXIV: East Ferry

Spoiler

On the way back to Hangzhou we make a stop at East Ferry.

There are some monkey munchers around here. We killed some monkeys ourselves but no way to sell any of their parts here.

Near the boat there’s an event.

So it is! Two years ago I’ve been to Japan on business and quite enjoyed myself in the local brothel hehe! Quite the experience! Until now it still lingers in my mind!

Speaking of which, Master Ao owns an island in East Sea. He’s familiar with the Sea Shark Clan and Black Necro.

Of the six branches in Feng Du, the Branch of East Sea makes the greatest profits, they’re really something.

As for that, Black Necro is better by one tally. Now he commands the seven pirate groups and is the overlord of East Sea!

This is just between you and me, Master Luo pulls the strings to get the shipment of Japanese beauties from Black Necro to make a deal with Master Ao.

Weird! Since when is Master Luo a follower of Black Necro?

You have no idea, huh? That’s why so many people call him “traitor”. Hahaha!

So that explains it. I thought it’s just because he’s a mean businessman. *sigh* Poverty got in the way between us and the Japanese beauties. Let’s go, we still got work in the afternoon.

The smug retarts predictably piss off Ziling.

Ouch!

Damn, why did you hit me!

Hell, Ziling seems to get into trouble.

Tch, she’s a born troublemaker. However, these ruffians have it coming.

Seems you would kick their ass for Ziling even if you act otherwise.

I-I’m not on her side, their behavior is just intolerable. Don’t confuse it.

Hehe…

Goddamn it! Bro, teach this lassie a lesson!

Wei Ziling one shots the two but if she takes a hit Shinji will enter the battle to help her.

You deserve it! This is just minor punishment, next time you’ll know what’s worse.

Right, right, there’ll be no second time. *sigh* My whole face is bruised, what am I supposed to tell the shrew at home?

Wait, who said you can go now?

What else do you want?

Ziling, they’ve learnt their lesson. Be tolerant and let them go.

Gu, I have something to ask them.

Something to ask? Well, don’t ask for trouble.

Humph! That’s impossible.

You two just mentioned Master Luo got a shipment of Japanese women and wants to make a deal with Ao Guang of the Branch of East Sea. Now that I know this, I won’t leave it alone.

Well…

So what? The deal is already done. Furthermore, Master Luo, Black Necro and Ao Gang are all tough nuts to crack.

Jianghu has its rules. I advise you not to get involved or you may get yourself killed.

Everyone has the right to bring all evil deeds to justice. That Ao Guang really has no sense of shame. How can rich guys treat girls like livestock?

They have their lives, why would they be treated like merchandise?

Watch your tongue. You’ll get into trouble if Branch of East Sea hears it!

I have nothing to fear. And it saves me the trouble of finding them if they come to find me for it.

What you’re saying is far from the truth, poor and rich is decided from birth… look at you, you must be a rich young lady who scarcely experienced hardships…

This is life… some are born in a wealthy family while some are boatmen struggling to live like us, let alone servants ordered about by others. There are too many injustices beyond our limits.

Alright! So what if your daughter, sister… or even your wife are traded like goods, what will you do?

Eh!!

…

(Well, rude as it is, her words make some sense.)

(Master once told us that learning martial arts is all for justice. She’s rather young, but I never thought she had a gallant spirit.)

Please cut us some slack, we’re not rivals to you both in martial arts and eloquence. Staying here will only disturb you.

We’ve got tons of work to do. Leave us alone now, ok?

Tell me the way to the Branch of East Sea and you can leave. You’re familiar with the nearby seas, don’t you dare lie to me.

You… you’re gonna confront Master Ao on your own?

You’re playing with fire! Don’t drag me down with you! I’ve got a whole family to support!

Ziling, let them go!

Alright! Since you put it that way… why are you two still here? Do you still want to be lectured by me.

Shit.

Hurry up!

This opens up another quest branch.

Correct, I’m gonna save those poor Japanese girls and teach those bastards a lesson.

Master sent us to investigate the dispute between Feng Du and Cult of Tianlong. Since Ao Guang is a henchman of Feng Du, we may find some useful intel in the Branch of East Sea.

So you agree to accompany me, Gu?

Even if I say no, you would still go, right? So it’s more reassuring if I tag along. Moreover, what you said makes some sense.

You’re the best.

…

What’s that look? Scared?

That’s impossible! How could I let off those sick bastards? You just mentioned it ahead of me, there’s nothing to brag about.

Hehehe.

What’s the annoying smile on your face!

I never thought a grumpy one like you turns out to be a warm-hearted man. I’m gratified that my younger brother finally grew up…

Humph! You’re just a few months older than me.

Well, well. Since you’re making progress, I’ll give you some candies later. And be aware, being angry just speeds up the aging process.

Shut up!

Ji, Ziling, the bickering should stop now.

Now that we’re aiming for the Branch of East Sea, we need the exact location. It’s not some place that anyone can waltz in and out.

Gu, what do you have in mind?

Well… I have an idea. Gu, hear me out.

Hey! Why are you only asking him for advice?

You’re just a rookie, but he knows a thing or two.

Tch… spit it out then!

Humph… you have a point.

Never thought my idiot brother to agree with me.

Cut the crap! We’d better hurry if nothing else.

Ziling, your idea is not bad. Then let’s head for Hangzhou port of Sea Shark Clan.

 

[abnaxus]

Part XXXV: Angels

Spoiler

We return to Hangzhou to return the gem.

No, no, Tong gave us this before, we are just here to return it.

*sigh* Just a stupid stone, just keep it.

Ma’am! This stone is a raw gem ore! Gu is just here to give it back.

Gem?? He usually just throws this thing everywhere, I never thought...

Humph! Do you want it or not?

Ji, don’t talk like that.

Tsch!

Ma’am, this is real raw ore, you can take it to the antique shop if you are still unsure.

Thank… thank you. Tong has been playing with it for many years, is it really a gem?

With Fu Jianhan around there’s another quest to be triggered here.

…

Don’t you walk away from this. I saw it with my own eyes.

Heh! I have never seen an angel before! Tell me about it!

I only remember the angel’s sword, it was so beautiful.

Is that so? A sword master? Sounds like fun.

And the angel just jumped on the roof of the tavern and was gone just like that.

How could he do that, if he was not an angel.

I believe this man must have seen something uncommon, I need to investigate. You can’t see a sword master every day after all.

That’s right, I want to see his swordsmanship too.

Hahaha, I feel the same thing. We shouldn’t let a chance like this pass.

The quest continues at night.

He drank a lot of just now, maybe he’s just drunk. Let him rest for a while.

What’s that noise?

I can feel that, a strong wave of a sword!

It’s just a dude on a roof.

Both Shinji and Fu set off in pursuit.

Brother Fu…

Bah! He was faster than me.

Hey! Hey! Wait!

*sigh* Such an idiot. He is always like that after seeing some skilled men.

Haha, every martial artist likes profound martial knowledge. Ji and Mr Fu are no exception.

I’m also curious about this skillful man. We should follow.

Sorry about that. We noticed you are good at martial arts and want to befriend you.

I don’t need friends. If you can’t find any opponent in the world, you will know the true taste of loneliness.

No opponents means loneliness…

You are so arrogant.

I like what you said. I’m Fu Jianhan and would like to inquire about your movement.

And me.

Since you are interested in my skill, I will show you under this bright and clear moon.

The dude’s tough but can be beaten. Shinji just needs to use an internal style like Sun and Moon. It also helps if Fu dual strikes a couple of times.

Haha. I feel so happy! I’ve done my best and got a draw at least.

What’s the name of your last move? It was marvelous.

It’s called Flying Fairy from Beyond but it’s incomplete. I will complete it with you next time we have a chance.

See you.

Ah! What a pity, I really want to drink with you.

Ha! Brother Fu is still the same as before.

Flying Fairy from Beyond…

He is suck a skillful man. I must compete with him in the future.

Actually Fu already knows this skill. It’s similar to Lady’s Sword but far inferior.

Next up it’s time to apprehend the crooked merchant.

Bastard, check this out…

Humph, let me go, Ji!

Ziling uses her poison tricks again.

Ouch! Ouch… so itchy, it hurts! I feel pain all over my body! What’s going on… I feel like I’m gonna burn! *sigh* Who are you guys?

Chen Dayou, you son of a bitch, haven’t you done enough nasty stuff? Like what you asked Xiao to do and trying to get others framed.

No! Bullshit! I would never do nasty things like that! Why, what… what have you done to me! Give me the antidote!!

You want the antidote? Alright, then remit the debt immediately and turn in your illegal income. In addition, you should come with us to the feudal office and confess all your crimes.

What are you talking about? No, the lord… the lord will sentence me to death… you don’t understand…

This lady will torture you to death before your lord can do so. Or, I could slay you.

Help… help! OK… OK… I will confess… I will confess everything… Please… please give me the antidote.

This puts an end to the investigation in Hangzhou.

The venom I just gave him makes him itchy and in pain for 7 days. I just gave him the antidote for half a day, when he feels the pain and itch again he will know what to do.

Pff.

…

Gu, did it make you happy seeing me envenom someone?

Indeed, I don’t like to threaten other people by venom. But what Chen Dayou did was detestable. Or maybe there was a better way to force him to confess…

Don’t be so verbose, aren’t we going to meet with Fang Yunhua? I would very like to see what he found out.

Ji, we are not in competition with him…

Here’s what you should do. You can leave here with the money Chen Dayou returns to you and start a new life. I am worried they will try revenge if you stay. God knows what they will do…

Fang Yunhua is at the city gates as agreed but Shi Gang is also around.

Did something happen in Hangzhou?

Fragrance of the Night was sighted in Hangzhou.

What about it, it’s just a thief.

There has been a murder.

I thought Fragrance of the Night never kills…

Shi Yan chimes in if she’s around.

But still, he’ s a thief.

I met him once.

…

!!!

!!!

!!!

I got captured when I was stealing and he saved my life. He told me I shouldn’t do such things.

He said he became a thief because of this family but there was still hope for me, I should do something right. Tell me, how could a man with such a good heart kill others? Besides, his Qinggong is so great he doesn’t need to kill.

Anything else?

I have said everything I know, believe it or not.

Seems it’s not such a simple thing with that Fragrance…

We should inquire the citizens of Hangzhou and see if there are any other clues about Fragrance of the Night.

We need to talk to three specific people to get the clues.

Surprisingly Mr Jiang has now appeared in Hangzhou as well. He’s playing a poetry game.

Hey, nerd! (Shit, I shouldn’t call him that.)

Haha, it’s alright. So we meet again. Fate has brought us all together right here.

Haha.

Let me introduce everyone. Mr Tang, these men and women are the young heroes who saved my life before. Lady Wei is much smarter than me, she might be able to come up with the answer.

Is that so? Then she must be a natural.

Guys, this here is the artist Tang Jie Yuan.

Are you the Lord of the Peach, Abbot Tang Bohu?

Yes, that is me.

Nice to meet you, my master and seniors all consider you the world’s No 1 poet.

Thank you.

*whispers* Gu, which sect is he from?

… You should read Tang Yan’s poetry after getting back to the valley.

Can I try?

Ang moh can only guess.

Your talent is no worse than Ban Zhao and Xie Daoyun.

You flatter me, I dare not compare to these talented beauties.

We met in such haste, I have nothing to give you as a gift. How about this, I give this folding fan to you.

I’ m so lucky to run into you guys today.

The Bloom in seasons is a powerful fan but we don’ t have a fan user in the party yet.

It’s not like that. I just returned from Westlake where I was listening to Miss Chu singing and now I’m heading back to the inn. Yet I came across Tang and we talked along the way. Unconsciously we end up here. Please help me to keep this from Miss Chu.

I have a question to ask you.

Shoot.

Have you heard about Fragrance of the Night during your trip to Hangzhou?

Fragrance of the Night? Are you referring to the recent murder case? Fragrance of the Night like a gentleman of the night, how could he commit such a brutal crime?

You seem to think highly of Fragrance of the Night.

Sure thing. I have been travelling on Miss Chu’s Xiaoxiang Barge and heard a lot about Fragrance of the Night, I even saw him in person. One year ago in Nanjing, a lending landlord blackmailed tens of tenant farmers and took their lands by force. Because he collaborated with the local magistrate the tenant farmers had no place to turn to.

And then Fragrance of the Night heard about this and stole all the real estate leases of the landlord and returned them to the original owners. He even exposed the collusion between the merchant and the local magistrate. Maybe on one hand what he did was illegal but it was justice. As far as I am concerned, though Fragrance of the Night is considered a thief, he is indeed a Xia.

Fragrance of the Night shouldn’t be here now, according to what we have found, maybe we can find some clues in Chengdu.

Speaking of which, you seem to be quite familiar with Fragrance of the Night.

To be honest, I used to make a living by telling the talest of Fragrance of the Night.

You can be a teacher in a private school with your knowledge, even be an advisor of bureaucrats, why are you living on storytelling?

My ambition lies elsewhere. Traveling around with Miss Chu is the most joyful thing in the world. It’s getting late, I got to go to the teahouse and earn some money by storytelling.

Now we can finally meet Fang Yunhua.

An Daohuang’s behind it. He bought a girl’s freedom in Secret Pleasure. In order to build a house for her, he intended to occupy the land of Xie’s family without cost.

For this purpose, he ruined a family of three. I must kill him!

Keep calm. Those are common people, so not suitable for the rules of Jianghu. In my opinion, you might as well hand An Daohuang over to the local government.

Local government? But… Mr Gu, I have to remind you. We don’ t have any irrefutable evidence except for some hearsay…

It does not matter, we have the merchant who carried out An Daohuang’s plans. All we have to do is to bring An Daohuang to the local government.

In that case, we’ll do as Gu Yuexuan said. As far as I know, he will enter the city through the trail in the south outskirts at around 1-3 PM. We just need to wait along the road and seize him.

An Daohuang is ambushed some time later.

Save your breath! An Daohuang, you old bastard, don’t hide in the sedan, get out!

You are An Daohuang? You look abnormal, no wonder you would commit crimes such as appropriation of land and murder.

Such a talkative little girl, how can you say I did that? You should be reasonable.

You want to be reasonable, talk to the officer! We will take you back for the murder of Xie’s family.

Hehehe, turns out you are defenders of Xie’s family. You don’t know who you are dealing with. Take them out!

Some Tangmen phaggots appear out of nowhere.

If we’re gonna die it’s obv. not gonna be at the hand of some nameless mooks.

After the battle An Daohuang runs away like a little bitch.

We will see him again.

Gu, An Daohuang has escaped. I think he will not appear in Hangzhou for now.

I’m going back to Wudang first to report to Master. And then I will find time to track down An Daohuang.

I will let you know if I have any news on Ao Daohuang.

Thank you, we will let you know too if we know where he is.

 

[abnaxus]

Part XXXVI: Return to Wudang

Spoiler

At East Ferry we got a clue about a connection between Sea Shark Clan and smuggling. It’s time to investigate back at Hangzhou harbor.

I have noticed the merchant ship behind you and am wondering where you are going? Can you take us for a ride if our destination is the same. We will reward you decently for your help.

We need a password that we don’t know.

What??

Ah? Oh… right! Yes! We all make our living on the sea…

Go away, our ship doesn’t go to the East Sea.

There’s no way to learn the password by listening in either.

At least we get some information.

Perhaps right now Deputy Shi is quite enjoying himself in Honeyseeking Boudoir. I don’t think he’ll come today.

Yeah! Obviously I underestimated Sea Shark Clan. I thought that some mere blandishments would trick these rough men into letting us on board.

Lassie, you really think everyone is so easy to swindle?

That guy from Sea Shark Clan, don’t you think he’s like a monkey?

So what?

Because I’ve got a monkey around who’s easy to swindle. Then subconsciously I consider anyone who resembles a monkey to be… easy to swindle. My bad, one cannot judge others by appearance. *sigh*

Where’s the monkey you’re talking about… crap, sarcasm again! Humph! Business first, I won’t bicker with you this time.

What’s the plan now? Fight our way in?

Not an option, since there are guards here, let alone the Branch of East Sea. Besides, we’re unfamiliar with the sea and may lose the advantage.

I have an idea.

What are you thinking?

Didn’t you hear? The two playboys went to Honeyseeking Boudoir, which is the only brothel here. I can pretend to be a harlot and elicit the secret code.

Nonsense!

Not only do you want to go inside a brothel but also you want to disguise as a harlot!! It’s shameful! Not everybody can enter that place!

How dare you look down upon me? You males can go there, why can’t it I? They should be ashamed of themselves treating women as entertainment.

Ziling, you misunderstand… it’s your safety Ji’s worrying about. It’s an inappropriate solution.

… So, you’re worrying about me? Thank you, Ji.

No… nobody worries… Tch!

Ziling, we should give the matter further thought.

Gu, come on! Time is ticking, those poor Japanese girls will be sold soon. Besides, you guys will guarantee my safety, right?

Well…

Whatever, since it’s her wish, then let her go to the brothel!

*sigh*

We’ll have Ziling whore herself out later. For now, we return to Wudang.

Fang Yunhua is apparently missing.

Call me master when you’re practicing.

Y-yes! Master, there is something on my mind. I can’t focus.

I know you worry about Yunhua.

Yeah, he is so formidable. I must have faith in him…

Fang Yunhua is missing?

Oh, you are from Xiaoyao valley.

I send my regards to Master Gu with Jing Ji and Wei Ziling. I’ve heard you mentioning Yunhua’s missing…

Yunhua sent a letter to us last month mentioning he was in Hangzhou. He told somebody occupied the land by force. In order to uphold justice, he then went to Chengdu to pursue the bully.

But after that he didn’t send any more letters. It’s our rule to report our whereabouts every seven days. Yunhua must be in danger.

I see… Mr Gu, we are going to Chengdu to investigate the Acquittal Period. If we find something, we will inform you as soon as possible.

Thank you so much.

I… I want to go with you!

Shi, you will be a burden since your Taijiquan is still too weak. Only the strong can survive in Wudang Sect. Don’t bring shame on us.

But I…

(This Taoist is so unreasonable!)

We can test his strength through fighting! I want to know more about Taijiquan of Wudang. It must be boring fighting with nothing. How about fighting me instead?

Ji, don’t be so rude.

(The martial art of Xiaoyao valley and Wudang both originate from Taoism. Maybe they can learn from each other.)

Shi, you can practice with him.

Yes! After you, please.

Gu Shi has some kind of mental block in this fight. He can’t even make it a close fight this way.

I… I…

I can’t let that happen. No, never!

…!?

Are you willing to use your real strength now? I don’t know why you hide your strength, but… it is more interesting now. Again!

At least with his full strength he puts up some resistance.

You are awesome, I have to admit defeat. But I learnt a lot from it, thanks!

Your Taijiquan is not bad.

Gu Shi, your Taijiquan is skillful, why did you hide it?

I…

I want to tell you something, Gu Shi.

Go ahead.

It seems you adore Fang Yunhua.

I grew up with him… he has always been the best. I adore this outstanding brother, he is my example.

So it limits your development. In the depths of your heart, you are suppressing yourself to not let your performance exceed his.

In fact, you are not worse than Fang Yunhua. You needn’t fear that you will exceed him. If he really appreciates you, he should be happy for that. Right, Gu?

Yeah.

Is this true?

I… I don’t know. But I can’t be better than Fang. He is so outstanding…

… I see, you can go downhill now. Go find Fang Yunhua, you can do it.

Dad!!

Call me Master.

We get a new skill out of this.

Back downhill is an encounter with Beggars’ sect.

Nice to meet you, Branch Master Li. What’s the matter?

Where did you get this news? It’s not true at all.

Who the hell are Dongchang anyways? We’ve never heard of them!

We know about Gu too. But it’s something important that matters to our country. I’m sorry. If you are innocent, can we search you?

Don’t go too far! Do you really think we are thieves?

Do as you please.

!?

How is that possible? We are being set up by others!

(I don’t understand why this confidential letter is with us.)

Gu, what do you want to say about this confidential letter?

We are not colluding with Dongchang.

The beggars have an internal style that increase their damage and defence when they’re close together. So an entire pack of them can be dangerous.

But they are no match to us.

Though the outcome of the battle ultimately doesn’t matter.

This was an obvious distraction by your enemies. They put the confidential letter on Gu somehow, drew you here, then killed Officer Li.

I said we were innocent!

It seems that we were wrong. I am so sorry, forgive me.

You and Beggars’ Sect serve country and people, it’s admirable. It was just a mistake, never mind.

You are so open-minded, I greatly admire and respect you… see you.

What the hell? An apology is not enough. If an apology could solve problems, why do we need constables?

Well, Ji, stop speaking.

This Dongchang - Beggar feud is part of the Imperial route in Tale of Wuxia.

 

[abnaxus]

Part XXXVII: Nerd Jiang

Spoiler

Back in Chengdu are new rumours about Fragrance of the Night.

Tsch!

We’ve been asking about information on Fragrance of the Night all the way. I think we should find a place and get some rest.

I don’t want to go to Baofu Restaurant any more.

Hihi!

Humph!

Then we’ll go to Furong Restaurant and pay Grandpa Nian a visit.

There are new also new rumours about the abandoned temple. Something worth checking out later.

Ghosts again? Bah, where does all this hearsay come from!

If it’s not a ghost, there must be something else behind it… the abandoned temple is not far from here, we should go inside and check it out.

That’s just what I was thinking.

You… you can’t be serious… mm…

If you give some Hangzhou dishes to the gurl outside Furong Restaurant you’ll get a new martial skill, but it’s nothing special.

Surprisingly Mr Jiang is inside the restaurant.

Eh?

Is that Jiang next to Chef Nian?

That is indeed Nerd Jiang.

Why would Jiang learn cooking here with Grandpa Nian?

The chef, several geisha girls and servants on the Xiaoxiang Barge got sick because of the climate, so I volunteered to help with chores and make some money along the way.

Jiang is very good at cooking, he’s a quick learner. It has just been some days yet he’s become quite good.

Nian was calling Nerd Jiang the young master?

Eh? Didn’t you know young master Jiang?

Don’t mention it, master.

(Could Nerd Jiang be some kind of rich kid?)

Young master Jiang, haven’t you been back home yet? You are the only son of your parents and the Tartars are invading, you should go back home sooner than later to stay with them.

I am just worried they are still mad at me.

To be honest, young master Jiang, it took your parents so much effort to raise you, yet you ran away with a courtesan girl after getting first place at the palace examinations. How could they not be disappointed?

Miss Chu is not who you think she is…

That’s right! Why didn’t we see Chu? Hehe! You two are always together.

Stop teasing me, Miss Chu should be wandering the market.

Then we should go and say hi to her and no longer bother you learning cooking!

Chu Hui is hard to miss at the market.

Chu!

Jiang... Jiang wants to be a chef, aren’t you worrying about getting poisoned?

*smiles slightly* I just worry that he will cut himself.

There are already wounds all over his hands.

That fool…

(I really don’t know why Chu would like Nerd Jiang? Stupid Ji is way better than the Nerd, let alone Gu.)

*sigh* I heard that the Tartars have already taken Ning Xia and are marching on Sichuan. That’s why we took a detour to Chengdu, just to let Mr Jiang visit his parents. I didn’t expect everyone to fall ill because of the climate. Now we are stuck here.

I didn’t expect to come across you guys… I have a request.

We will help you to the best of our ability.

Thank you, Mr Gu. I want you to take the place of Mr Jiang for one day so that he can go back home to visit his parents.

It’s a piece of cake, sure thing.

Thank you so much. Here, take this as a token of my appreciation.

Chu’s gift is a silky shirt, not bad for our female party members.

Aren’t you going with Mr Jiang?

We are not what you think we are.

(Chu is tricky. I thought she liked Nerd Jiang, yet it seems they are more like close friends.)

Chu?

Sorry, I just remembered something from the past and got lost in thought. Do you know that Mr Jiang got first place at the palace examinations?

Yeah, we heard it from Grandpa Nian.

*winks slyly* And I got second place.

Eh? Chu, did you pretend to be a man and participate in the exam?

(There’s a very strick background check at the palace examinations, yet Chu participated without being exposed. It’s not only bold, but also powerful.)

I was not convinced I was worse than Mr Jiang so I found him when he was about to go home and made an appointment with him to argue about the history and scripture in Yi Ya Loft.

Mr Jiang is a total nerd so you must have won it, am I right?

Mr Jiang’s knowledge impressed me a lot. We argued in Yi Ya Loft from noon to the evening and finally all night long. Since then we regard each other as bosom friends.

If Mr Jiang is as outstanding as you said, how can he still be a nobody?

I don't know whether to say he’s unrestrained and upright or that he’s stubborn as a scholar. When he got first place, several administrators wanted to take him as an advisor.

Yet he declined firmly and said: “You just strive for fame and wealth and don’t care about governing to benefit the people. You are lapdogs of the eunuchs controlling the Imperial Court, I would be ashamed to work with any of you.”

Great!

That’s impressive.

Yet these words would surely have offended the eunuchs and officials in the Imperial Court.

Mr Jiang would already be dead without the protection of Officer Li of the Department of State Affairs.

So that’s why he didn’t become a politician.

Mr Jiang looked disheartened and displeased so I invited him to travel on the barge. When he saw it was just girls on the barge, he refused to get aboard and tried to drag me off the barge.

So unnatural and unrestrained, a typical nerd.

I was so speechless… so I restored my female appearance and told him the truth.

Mr Jiang is a fool, he must be obsessed with your real appearance.

*smiles sweetly* Mr Jiang didn’t believe I am a woman and said: “I didn’t expect you are into this, it’s a shame as I considered you as a close friend.” I was to angry that I… I slapped him in the face.

(That Nerd Jiang is hopeless.)

When we met you and Mr Jiang travelling in Luoyang, we thought you were a couple.

*blushing* Don’t tease me with this. Anyway, please help Mr Jiang this time. Excuse me, but I should head back to the barge to look after my ill sisters.

Ziling is supposed to good at cooking, so it’s a trifle to help out Jiang.

But…

Heh! Such a nerd! You should live up to Miss Chu’s kindness and visit your parents immediately.

Yeah! Young master, your parents miss you so much.

All right, I will set out at once. Thank you all.

I can roast fish.

We can try our best to help.

… That’s quite disturbing. I think you should go and have a rest. Don’t hinder me.

Little girl, can you cook oil – eh, I mean stew meat?

You mean twice-cooked pork?

Right.

You talk too much, I can’t remember all!

Fine, I will show you. Stand aside and watch.

OK, please advise me.

Ziling’s dish at least has some use.

After helping out Nerd Jiang we can check out the abandoned temple.

 

[abnaxus]

Part XXXVIII: sup Drog

Spoiler

The abandoned temple is… abandoned.

Since we are here, let’s check if the rumours are true so this won’t count as a wasted trip.

Wow! Ghost… a real ghost here!

Really?

If Xiangyun says there are no ghosts, there must be no ghosts. I wonder where on earth this creepy cry comes from.

I never believe the story of so-called ghosts or gods. Who’s faking cries here? Show yourself if you’ve got the guts.

This sound must have it source, we just can’t find it. If one of us has acute hearing he may locate its source.

Basically we need Shi Yan here to progress.

Why were you imprisoned here, Mr Fang?

Er… it’s a long story… it was because I heard some news about An Daohuang… that I came here…

I thought… since I knew what happened, I shall take responsibility and catch him.

I didn’t realize… that I fell into his trap… due to my carelessness.

Villains? Who?

*sigh* Just forget about it.

You seem to have an injury, Fang?

I’m all right… it’s just that I fell prey to the thief’s machinations because of my carelessness.

The thief locked me in here and for the sake of… of the essence of Wudang Sect’s martial arts he’s been torturing me for days… if not for you I would never have gotten out of here…

It’s nothing… really. I would die without fear as long as I can wash away the shame!

Don’t curse yourself! Be a man, don’t take it to heart! A real disciple from influential and decent sects would never be such a narrow-minded man!

I apologize for Jing’s offensive remarks, Mr Fang.

It’s all right. Mr Jing must just be speaking thoughtlessly just now…

Someone’s on the beam…

Shut up, freak! Gu, it is her who wanted to get our sect’s martial arts essentials!

Then there is no need to be polite to her!

…

What nonsense are you talking!!

What she said makes me feel really uncomfortable.

What are you fucking saying, I hate you little girl the most, I will scratch your face.

You can try!

Hold it! I let my guard down before so I was tricked by her. You fall back, let me kill her by myself!!

Basically what happened is that Fang Yunhua sought out and seduced the Sloot because he wanted power and she took his balls (and prolly his dink too, at least court eunuch had everything cut off).

Indeed, the most powerful arts require one to be an eunuch.

Fang Yunhua is massively buffed in this fight so can’t lose.

So? Now you just benefited from me by pretending to be a gentleman.

You repeatedly insult Wudang with such a wicked heart, I will not let you go without punishment.

I am not a casual person, Fang Yunhua, I will tear you up!

What did she just say now, Gu? I couldn’t make out everything…

She’s not a woman of virtue so we can just ignore her words. I guess your imprisonment has something to do with her. Am I right, Mr Fang?

She faked being delicate to lure my help. I was careless and kept in captivity after being drugged. I blame nothing but my inferior martial arts that made me suffer this humiliation. Sorry to make myself look like an idiot…

Of course not. It’s good to see that you are safe and sound, Mr Fang.

You were just locked up for a few days, why do you take this so seriously?

Take it seriously…? You say it like it’s nothing… hehe.

From now on… I must improve my martial arts with great effort. Only this way… will no one dare to insult me and look down upon me! I will trample those who have injured me!

Mr Fang… (Mr Fang has been confident all this time. I guess this time he’s really irritated as he’s not talking and thinking the way he used to .)

Oh, I’m sorry I made such a scene. Forgive me, Mr Gu… thanks a lot for getting me out of there. Please let me know whenever you need me.

You are very welcome, Mr Fang. Since we are all from decent, connected sects, that’s what we should do.

The master must be worried sick without no news from me since I left. I have to get back to Wudang mountains. See you then.

Fang Yunhua limps out of the temple.

Fang Yunhua looks to be two-faced, I really don’t like him.

… Let’s get out of here.

The Sloot battle also gave us following martial art scroll.

[/spoiler[

 

[abnaxus]

Part XXXIX: Beastmaster’s Manor

Spoiler

Up to now there’ve been several rumours in Chengdu about the master of Beastmaster’s Manor being connected to zombies. It’s time to visit the place.

But first we take the opportunity to play around with crocodiles.

Look, these crocodiles are adorable.

They are just eating fish, it’s boring…

It’s rare to see such docile crocodiles. Let’s enjoy their posture quietly.

Ha, good point! We should enjoy these beautiful animals.

There’s an event that happens only when there’s salted fish in the inventory.

What’s going on?!

This is Xiaobao! Xiaobao is very docile, how could he attack you?!

… Ah, did you bring salt fish?

What’s wrong with that?

Xiaobao loves salt fish the best, he gets excited when smelling salt fish.

Seems like he prefers piglets tho…

Oh, no. Dabao and Erbao are all getting excited… please calm down you guys!

We are forced to calm down the crocodiles by killing them.

Swords shouldn’t be much use against a crocodile, you need to hit them in the eyes.

Yeah, we’re fine.

Sorry, I forgot to warn you.

It’s no big deal. We didn’t get hurt, so don’t blame yourself.

I should take the responsibility. I must give you something as compensation.

Please take this. Nobody in Beastmaster’s Manor can craft such tenacious armor.

This is a good reward.

There’s no interaction possible with the other beasts.

The place is rife with gossiping.

Zom… zombie!

Zombies do not exist, it’s just superstition.

It’s better to be prepared than not at all. Humph, if these zombies are really out there, I won’t help you, MONKEY!

I’m not afraid of them!

I think things are not so simple… Ji, do you remember that strange person we met before?

That puppet guy?

Yes, I’m afraid these two things must be related… we should visit the young master and look for some clues.

Our young master is ill, she doesn’t want to see anyone.

Ziling can always open doors where others can’t.

I’ve heard about you a lot. But I never heard that young master has a Wei friend…

Ji Wen is liberal in her friendships, do you know all her friends?

You’re right… then please come in.

…

We wouldn’t be able to come in without me saying that. And without coming in we wouldn’t be able to find connections between these strange events and that villain controlling corpses.

It’s all about investigating the truth, so it’s no harm to lie a little. We could come in thanks to Ziling.

Tsch!

Ji Wen is ill but we do have a doctor in the party.

Lady Ji hasn’t awakened yet, it seems it’s not a simple injury.

We don’t know what she encountered. Better wake her first.

So what’s wrong with her?

I’ve read about this before… she is suffering from Hiderigami Venom, only “Sea-hid Flower” can cure it.

Never heard about it… Xiangyun, do you know where we can find it?

It’s said this flower is from an island in the east, but I have never seen it.

OK, now we know where it is, let’s go get it!

She is in a coma because of poison, not by an injury.

Poison? How…

We know how to neutralize the poison. We will find the antidote and come back later.

OK. Thank you, Miss Wei.

Curing Ji Wen may seem urgent... but we’ll do something else first anyway.

 

[Reinhardt]

HOW DARE YOU!

 

[abnaxus]

Part XL: Fragrance of the Night

Spoiler

Back in Luoyang are rumours about a Fragrance of the Night killing spree.

This can’t continue, it’s time to deal with this matter once and for all.

I have a bad feeling about this. The method of Fragrance of the Night… seems to change a lot recently.

Whatever, we can’t let him hurt people anymore.

Yeah, I will play with this Fragrance of the Night tonight.

It seems like you will go for Fragrance of the Night right now but it will be several hours before midnight! We should go to the inn and find something to eat first, then we can acquire the strength to deal with Fragrance of the Night.

Yes, you are right, we should build up energy. But Fragrance of the Night has never failed before, we should pay attention if he appears at night.

Tsk! Got it!

Both Chu Hui and Mr Jiang are at the inn.

Likewise. Have you paid a visit to your parents, Mr Jiang? How are they?

They are pretty fine. And all thanks to you. Please take this little gift.

We receive a western pocket watch, a useful item.

Chu’s singing is beautiful, and this song is so moving.

This song was written by me, thank you.

I never thought a man could write such touching words. All these phrases are full of classical allusions.

Plain words yet with an elegant artistic conception, you are so excellent!

I’m flattered, Miss Wei.

The group passes the time in the inn until midnight.

See you, Miss Chu and Mr Jiang.

How long should we wait? Why shouldn’t we ambush him outside directly?

Luoyang’s patrols have been strict recently. We should wait here lest we cause trouble.

Yeah! It would be troublesome if we were caught as thieves.

Tsch!

However… the behavior of Fragrance of the Night is different from before. Brother Gu, does he just want to lure the enemy away from his base?

You mean we can’t meet him again?

Well…

Just then noises come from outside. Officials are chasing Fragrance of the Night.

Let’s go and see what’s happening.

The group catches Fragrance of the Night in the thick of it.

Be careful, Ji, I will help you.

Fan/hidden weapon users are always annoying.

With three on one, Fragrance of the Night isn’t much of a threat.

Fragrance gets away anyway by throwing a smoke bomb and jumping on the roof.

*cough* Damn it! This guy is really despicable.

Ji, are you OK? The smoke…?

Brother Gu, it’s just ordinary smoke to disturb our eyesight, it’s harmless to the body.

Ah! So he got away again.

Is he really the murderer? He was pursued by officials and blocked by us. But he just eluded instead of killing us.

Brother Gu is right. According to what he can do, Fragrance of the Night has no reason to kill common people for treasure. But we’ve made great progress today.

Why? We didn’t stop him.

That’s true, but he can’t get far away this time.

…

Heh! You are careless, look at your blade.

… There is blood on it.

You hurt him so we can follow the blood and find where he lives. But he won’t leave many obvious trails.

According to the blood on the ground, he was seriously injured. The person who has a cut on his body may be Fragrance of the Night.

We got a hidden weapon skill book from the fight with Fragrance of the Night.

Next morning we need to follow the trial of blood.

The blood leads all the way to the market.

Is that…

Nerd Jiang can’t be Fragrance of the Night, right?

Mr Jiang, we tracked Fragrance of the Night all the way until here. Have you seen anyone suspicious?

No. I will leave now if there was nothing else.

Is something bothering you, Mr Jiang?

I’m worrying about Miss Chu. I heard that she got a cold by accident. She is recovering now, see you.

Shi Gang, Fragrance’s nemesis, is at the yamen.

Here, look at these letters.

The right one was found in Qian’s mansion, the left one was on the murder scene.

The handwriting is... different? The right one looks more elegant.

There are two Fragrances of the Night…

!!!!

!!!!

… That person we fought should be the one who doesn’t kill.

Please continue to investigate this when you have time.

It’s time to wrap this up.

That is to say…

But that guy doesn’t seem to know any kung fu at all.

I will find a way to test him. Did you remember where you wounded Fragrance of the Night’s body?

I didn’t mean to kill him, so I attacked his arms and legs.

Fragrance of the Night was swift when he ran away so the wound isn’t on his legs. Even if we suspect his arm is injured, we can’t force him to take off his clothes.

I have an idea. We should find him and try it.

The group goes to find Nerd Jiang again at the market.

She is fine now, I’m going to buy some fish and make a bowl of soup for her.

Can I go with you?

Of course you can, she is at the inn now. I think she will be happy to see you.

OK then, let’s… ouch!!

Aha!?

I’m really sorry, Jiang!

It’s ok.

Your clothes are all wet. Hurry, take them off to dry or maybe you will catch a cold.

I think you are right.

I should go home and change my clothes. See you around.

It’s not strange that two people look similar to each other. The world is a big place.

But such a coincidence is suspicious. Wait, somebody else is also similar to Jiang Wang in literary talent and figure.

Who?

Miss Chu.

But she is a woman.

That is the blind spot. Everybody thinks Fragrance of the Night is a man but he could be a woman too! She has a figure similar to Jiang Wang.

She took part in the Imperial Examination as a man in the past and got second place. First place was Mr Jiang. They are also quite equal in literary talent.

I remember something after hearing what Ziling said. When we met Miss Chu at the tavern in Luoyang the first time, some people insulted her. They were hit by a hidden weapon. I thought it was an illusion.

We should ask her directly.

Take it easy. I will ask when we see her.

Chu can be asked directly at the tavern.

Just a little sick, no need to be that way.

…Chu, we actually have a question for you. I hope you can tell us the truth. Are you the real Fragrance of the Night?

Alas… I knew I wouldn’t be able to trick you. Yes, but trust me, I never kill anyone.

Of course we trust you. And thank you for your mercy when we fought recently.

Huh.

Sorry for disturbing you, but I really wonder… why are you…

Why am I a thief?

Yes.

At the very beginning, I just wanted to find my father so I dressed up like a man and travelled Jianghu. As for taking the Imperial Examination, I think you can understand it’s must easier to find someone when being famous, right?

But during all these years I have seen so many people experiencing hardships so I decided to help them as the Fragrance of the Night.

I understand! I have seen a lot of bad things, too. Right, Chu, have you found any clues about the fake Fragrance of the Night?

I have investigated many things recently and got some clues, but I still can’t find that person.

Chu, can you tell us what you have found?

It’s this, I have found these pollen in the pawnshop which has been broken into a few days ago.

Yeah, Fragrance of the Night shoud have fragrance, right? The fake one would of course use something different.

I have a strand of fragrance when I was born, so I use this incense to cover my true identity when I became a thief.

I see… but the pollen is pungent, I prefer the incense you use.

Maybe we could ask the pawnshop’s owner.

OK, let’s go, Chu.

Chu Hui temporarily joins us. She will join permanently later.

She is a fan/hidden weapon user so very good at applying debuffs. But she has a useful healing/buffing skill too.

Flicking Finger and Thunder Storm are her star skills; the first is single target and the second a nice AoE. Flicking Finger has a very high base damage at level 10 and what’s more, majority of enemies in the game have very low resistance against hidden weapon/fan compared to palm/sword/blade.

What makes Chu Hui one of the best party members is her talent to move after making an action… feels like cheating in a turn-based game. It’s crazy combining this with Thunder Storm and even better, Flower Rain which she can learn as well.

Carefree Laugh is the best internal style for her as it makes her even better at roaming the battlefield.

Anyway, at the local pawnshop we get a clue about who bought the pollen.

They are so crafty. As a merchant, they can sell all stolen goods fair and square.

Even were they suspected, they could still say they bought those goods by accident.

I have an idea but I need your cooperation.

My cooperation? You mean like letting me send some false information? Perhaps some kind of treasure?

Hah! You are so smart, Chu!

If I buy the local antique shop and tell everyone I got something precious, maybe they will come for me.

And when they come…

Then we will catch them.

Chu’s plan works like a charm.

You frightened me. Just three teenagers and a singer. You can’t stop Fragrance of the Night.

Forget it. You are just a shameless pretender.

!!!!

I didn’t expect my imposter to be such a contemptible sneak.

Don’t be careless, he is certainly capable of something. Let’s catch him together.

Great, we already knew you could escape from arrest by yourself. There must be others who helped your escape.

So what? Do you think somebody will save you?

Guys, today we can do whatever we want. Take the money and women as much as you want!

I’m afraid you will not get what you want.

Chu can put her Thunder Storm in action here.

Who are you?

Eh, I’m just a negligible singer, no one special.

Hey! When we fought recently, how much strength did you use?

*smiles without saying anything*

You are so kind to help me and I’m unable to return the favor. I composed a tune when I roamed Jianghu with Mr Jiang. I will send it to you as a souvenir.

Song of Wind, Flower, Snow and Moon?

Sounds like another skill for Xiao Fu. A really good skill, judging from attribute requirement.

It’s not some lethargic tune, it comes from Poems with Philosophical Connotations of Shao Yong, Song Dynasty.

This sage was broad-minded, I really admire him.

Shao Kangjie is not only a Yi Jing scholar but also good at mathematics and divination. He could be a capable man who is adapt both at the pen and the sword just like Wuxia Zi.

Bah, that old man is nothing like a capable man.

Would you please escort these bandits to Yamen? I’m in Baima temple if you need my help.

After wrapping up matters with Shi Gang, we add Chu Hui to the party permanently. She replaces Fu Jianhan.

Sorry, but we didn’t encounter that guy. So what are you going to do now, Shi?

Well… I have no time for that guy.

Hah, seems Hui has told you how we met, right?

*low voice* I’m not praising you.

I really miss those days with Chu, when me and here were talking all night… you know what? When I knew she was a woman, I was really shocked!

(Hee hee, if I tell him Chu is the real Fragrance of the Night, how would he react?)

Jiang, do you know Chu and Fragrance of the Night are…

Fragrance of the Night, Beauty of Jianghu.

Eh?

You know, we are truly friends…

Seems you already know.

You almost revealed her true identity…

(Their relationship… so admirable.)

 

[abnaxus]

Part XLI: Bagua clan – Jingyan Ridge

Spoiler

Bagua clan and Jingyan Ridge are places we haven’t visited yet.

But just outside there’s another random encounter.

You are shamelessly taking advantage of a woman.

Little girl, it’s none of your business, I advise you to just go away.

Why? This lady is fascinating and charming. I can’t help taking pity on her. Any problem?

Do you know who she is?

She must be Xiang’er who is famous in Suhang.

…Brother Gu, I thought you were a gentleman.

Come on, the Painter takes the portrait of Xiang’er no matter where he goes. Senior brother and I have seen it so many times, no wonder we know her.

She is Xiang’er, that’s true. But she is also Gandharva from Cult of Tianlong!

…

Are you really from Cult of Tianlong?

I am.

We choose to help her anyways. She’s a musical character similar to Celestial Melody but actually has some impressive damage skills.

The Feng Du have Raksha on their side to spice things up.

Raksha is tough, but at least he can’t trigger invulnerability.

Unfortunately there’s no special reward for this encounter.

He surrendered decisively, so manly.

Eh, where is Gandharva? When did she disappear?

Next up we pay a visit to Bagua clan.

And you are…?

I am Huang, I was at the Young Heroes Contest with my brother. Your victory impressed everyone.

Thank you. Shang’s Bagua palm was good too.

Stop bragging.

What, you jealous?

I will be the champion of the next Young Heroes Contest.

This is?

My brother Jing Ji and Wei Ziling of castle Wei. We are here to see Master Shang.

You picked the wrong time. Master has gone out and hasn’t returned yet.

Alright then, we will return when he is back.

Just as the group is about to leave they witness an argument.

Tsk.

Come on, we are all family here. For the good of Bagua clan, right?

Whatever.

*cough* *cough* That was awkward.

I never knew there was a disagreement between the two sons of Master Shang.

We shouldn’t pry into other sects’ business.

This is common in Bagua clan, it’s nothing actually.

So you are saying…?

There’s an age difference between the two young masters. While the older one is more an inward kind of person, the younger one is more sophisticated. Many have put their bet on the younger one.

I think the better one should be the master, regardless of who’s older.

…

Actually Master has never made any statement on who’s to be the successor…

It looks like a fight for the throne is inevitable… and the older one has been missing all our meetings.

Does anybody know what he was doing?

No one knows, the master has only mentioned a few times he was in Chengdu.

Chengdu does have their Three Sects and Four Houses. But… compared to Shaolin and Wudang they are still not the biggest force. Why is young master Shang making an alliance with Chengdu but not the big sects of Wulin? That is quite strange.

Ziling, maybe you are overthinking it. Making alliances with other sects is normal, I have to go and visit other sects from time to time too.

But… look at his face. Such a grim face… Gu, if… what if Wuxia Zi gives the throne to Ji. Would you be mad?

What is there to be mad about? He is my brother. If master thinks Ji is better than me, I will only be happy for him.

…

That is my Gu! I envy you brothers sometimes… Sadly, not everyone is as generous as you are.

…

Sorry, Brother Huang, we should leave now.

There’s nothing to do in Bagua clan for now, it seems we need to head to Chengdu to continue here.

Not far from Bagua clan is Jingyan Ridge. We needed to deliver a letter here from that Wudang disciple.

I’m Gu Yuexuan from Xiaoyao Valley. Li Zhaoqin sent me here. *Gu Yuexuan tells everything to him.*

… So it is. He was willing to receive the punishment and there our business concluded. I will deliver this letter to master. But I don’t know whether master will receive it.

Since I don’t know whether the content will enrage master again I need to examine it for him first…

There’s a small surprise again.

Don’t open that letter!!

What are you saying… *cough* Hum! There is poison on this letter! Who… who are you? What are you coming here for…

Ah… you would dare to poison the master, you bastards! Kill them all!

The Pigua clan are weak individually. They will guard each other though and have 30% reflect damage.

Because of their reflect damage AoE attacks like Chu Hui’s Thunder storm are not a good idea.

Anyway, the battle is easy and our poison gurl saves the poisoned one.

We were used by Li, that bastard! Let’s go to Wudang sect and question him!

Alas! He is not that stupid. After this, he won’t be at Wudang sect anymore.

So we just let that bastard go?

The wages of sin is death. I believe we will meet him again.

We actually get a reward here, a Pigua clan skill. But it stinks.

In the hills around Jingyan Ridge are tigers that howl instead of roar…

You are afraid of tigers? Hum… it is just a big cat in my eye. Let’s fight it!

Shi Yan can steal Wisdom fruit from the tigers.

If you’re really lucky, the tigers can drop one a scroll of a top internal style.

It's the internal style that Nine Yin and her underlings use.

Though this might actually be tied to a rumour.

We’ll have Chu Hui learn it, as Wei Ziling already got Golden Blade and Shui got the Lady and Chan Lotus.

For now, we’re done here.

 

[abnaxus]

Part XLII: Sea-hid flower

Spoiler

It’s time to go and cure Ji Wen. We can take the boat in East Ferry.

The flower is in some ruins to the north.

Look at this flower…

OK, let’s get it back to Beastmaster’s Manor.

Some random Kwarean appears out of nowhere however.

Oh? What’s the name of this elegant venom? How could the flower be the only antidote?

It’s some kind of corpse venom called Hiderigami venom. It’s not elegant at all.

Hahaha, the most hideous venom can only be controlled by the sweetest flower. All things mutually reinforce and neutralize each other.

(Where did this strange man come from?)

Your breath is stable and your footstep is agile at such a young age. You are more skilled than any other of your peers.

You flatter me.

*sigh* There are so many young heroes in Central China that leave my hometown in the dust.

The Kwarean attacks out of the blue.

Why did you attack all of a sudden?

I met the charming rose jade among the sweet flowers. It should be embellished by martial knowledge.

Take your move. Burst forth your fiery vitality or be withered.

The Kwarean has annoying internal style which must be disabled asap by inflicting internal injury. Both Wei Ziling and Gu can do that.

Xiao Fu is deployed to remove the Frozen status effect if necessary.

The Kwarean just leaves after the battle. In Tale of Wuxia I believe he’s encountered in the Imperial route.

…

I didn’t expect to meet a strange man in such a desolate island.

There are many hidden talents in Jianghu. It’s not so strange at all.

Stop chatting, we should take the Sea-hid flower to Beastmaster’s Manor as soon as possible.

Back in Beastmaster’s Manor, Ji Wen can now be cured.

We didn’t fail to accomplish our mission.

This flower can cure the venom of Miss Ji. You need to boil it with water. Give it to Miss Ji after boiling. She will recover in a few days.

Thanks for your assistance, we really appreciate it. Please stay for a few days so we can entertain you.

If you insist.

Next up we meet with Ji Wen.

Miss Ji, you should really take more rest.

Are you Wei Ziling? Thank you, I’m not that weak. Don’t worry.

Zombie? Grandpa is not a zombie!

Can you tell us the details?

Grandpa died a few days ago, then the news came about a zombie. Everybody said that grandpa was the zombie. At first, we suspected his corpse was changed. So I went out with black dogs to investigate.

What did you find?

When we found him, he tore the dogs up with his bare hands. He didn’t show any fear even with blood all over his body. When he launched an attack it was with some martial knowledge that Grandpa never practiced before.

A zombie with a new martial art…

Brother Gu, our conjecture was right.

Eh, Miss Ji, your grandpa wasn’t changed. A few days ago, my junior brother and I met a strange person at Stringsword Manor. He can control corpses of martial artists. I think he is the manipulator.

Various party members interject here.

My grandpa’s remains shouldn’t be disgraced like that. I want to find him as soon as possible!

Miss Ji, you should take a few days of rest. We are investigating the Acquittal Period and want to capture him too. So we can help to find your grandpa’s remains.

But…

Beastmaster’s Manor follows young master’s leadership these days. You should take care of yourself!

*sigh* I understand, thank you. If you find anything, please tell me. From now on, you’re friends of Beastmaster’s Manor.

We will remember that. Then see you around.

 

[baud]

Talent: Smelling Good.

Well, it's as good as any other qualification for being a martial artist in Wuxia

 

[Reinhardt]

Best girl when?

 

[Reinhardt]

Qin

 

[abnaxus]

Part XLIII: Unfilial

Spoiler

We find creepy Shang back in Chengdu.

Eh? Look, Shang and master Gong of Baicao clan.

Yes, I see.

I must say, Shang Zhongzhi, I have known you for quite some time now. Yet you are still so serious about everything, you two brothers are not the same.

We are different. Thank you for this time, I’ll go now.

Tsk! Always the poker face, it’s really stressing me out.

Ziling has her suspicions, we must investigate further.

Come on, Ziling. We shouldn’t suspect Shang for buying herbs.

You are right.

Gu, this is not right. What kind of medicine does Baicao clan need? If Shang Zhongzhi really has a wicked purpose and we don’t inform others, it will be our fault.

What you said is right, so shall we just go ask Gong Guangjie? We can be sure of it after we know the ingredients of the medicine.

…No, I don’t think he would tell us. And if Shang Zhongzhi is really plotting something bad, we should think carefully.

Fine, then what do we do?

Gu, can you say Shang is really a decent man, do you know him that well?

I…

How about this, at least we can tell Master Shang personally. We let him know about this and what happens next is Bagua clan’s own business, right?

OK… but we should be careful otherwise we might make an unnecessary enemy.

Don’t worry, Gu.

On the way back to Bagua clan is an encounter with a Wapanese.

This ronin just waves his sword randomly. But he is bold to fights against bears.

You are wrong. His movement is frenzied but not irregular. It’s like Drunken Fist or Staff of Berserker. You can’t learn this swordsmanship without being mad.

Ronin are a scourge to various provinces. Just leave him alone.

My silly brother, you wrongly blame them. Most of the ronin are hired killers or outlaws, but few of them are Japanese. It is said that the infamous Black Necro is also Chinese!

We help out the ronin fighting a tough bear.

Back in Bagua clan Ziling and Shinji charge in like retarts, messing everything up.

…

Don’t drink it!!

Gu, I welcomed you into our house out of respect. What are your companions doing here?

My apology, master Shang, they are my brother Jing Ji and Wei Ziling of castle Wei. They mean you no harm…

A clean hand needs no washing.

Then why does master Shang need to take medicine if he is well? And why do you need Baicao clan of Chengdu for it?

My father is having trouble sleeping so I asked for some medicine from the doctor but some of the ingredient were very hard to get. That’s why I asked for Gong.

If you don’t believe me, you can check the medicine.

What are you talking about, you are my son. I will never doubt you because of some outsiders’ words.

We have a doctor in the party to clear things out.

What do you think?

If you still have your doubts, I can drink it.

I…I…

It is my fault this time, ruining your reputation. I will accept your punishment.

It is my fault, suspecting the young master…

Your action was rash, but Xiaoyao valley is famous for its chivalry. You must have done what you did out of good intent, so I will forgive you. But this involves Zhongzhi, so he will decide your fate.

I am with you, father. If nothing else, I will go cook some new medicine for you.

Sorry about that, he is just having a difficult time, you better leave now. I’ll talk to him after.

This is our fault, it is only normal he has a grudge. I will come back to formally apologize someday.

The matter is not over yet as Ziling still has her suspicions.

Why? Isn’t the medicine safe?

Shang Zhongzhi said the medicine is for calming purpose but why does he need those rare ingredients while many common herbs have the same effect?

…Ziling… we have offended Bagua clan because of this. Since the medicine turned out ok, we should not expect him further.

I understand…

There’s a flower outside that gets Ziling’s attention.

This flower…

It smells good! What, you want one?

What is it, Ziling? Why do keep staring at it?

This flower is called Flame clearing. The smell of it can calm one’s mind and it has nothing special as far as I know. But there is something… I just remember it now.

Let’s just go for now. Maybe you will remember it later. Let’s take a walk around, there isn’t any clues left now anyway.

A food argument at East Ferry lights a lightbulb in Ziling’s mind.

Your son might have food poisoning. Did you eat some persimmon with the crabs, young man?

I never knew these two mixed together cause food poisoning.

It is quite common actually. It’s just like you can’t eat amaranth with fish. And you can’t eat duck with waxberry... AH!!

What are you doing!!

I get it, I get it, that flower!

What does this have to do with the flower??

Wait, Ziling, say what’s on your mind.

Do you remember that plant in Bagua clan?

I thought you said it was for calming purposes?

Yes, but if you mix Flame clearing with felwort and red halloysite in medicine, you can get a slow poison. Your inner force will be drained out before you know it.

Are… are you saying…

Yes, that was the plan of Shang. We should go back there, he might already be doing something… or worse.

Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go to Bagua clan and stop him!

We are just in time but… is this douchebag clan really worth saving?

What have I done? Until now you never cared what I did. How ironic.

Why didn’t you use your mind for the Bagua clan? You would’ve been the perfect master! Why waste it all on your own father.

It is too late now. You never took me as your true son, letting that prick compete with me!

You… unfilial son!

Some neenjas appear out of nowhere. They might be related to the organization trying to sow chaos among all the clans.

Apparently Shang Zhongren is recruitable after this is finished, but there are better broadsword users than him.

Things are over quickly.

You, you..!!

Your helpers abandoned you, is there anything else you want to say?

…

Brother, stop. Repent.

Shang Zhongren, stop pretending. I will never admit my defeat.

The coward takes the coward’s way out.

This… master Shang…

Thanks to you, I was misjudging you last time.

No… no. My condolences… master Shang.

You saved Bagua clan from this calamity. Anything you want, just ask, we Bagua clan will do anything we can to help.

Bagua clan will need time to heal from this wound, so goodbye for now.

Goodbye, master Shang. Take care.

…

We get another fist skill as reward, but it’s p. weak.

 

[abnaxus]

Eunuchs get more phun.

 

[abnaxus]

Part XLIV: Poisonous Dragon Clan

Spoiler

We take a trip to Miao territory in the south.

We are just in time for a battle. Bang, Feng Du big shot, is here.

The Forkband has gone since last month. There’s only the Fork branch in Feng Du. Surrender, don’t make me hurt you women.

What do we do now, Gu…

Please stop! Can you listen to me?

Where did this guy come from? Humph! You bitches said you had nothing to do with the people from Central China, yet you called them for help secretly.

It’s you who are willing to beg the people from Central China for mercy. We Poisonous Dragon Clan don’t need to be under them with the ancestral blessing.

I am from Xiaoyao valley…

Xiaoyao valley!? It’s you who have been looking into Feng Du lately?

Humph! I have nothing to say to you. Kids, let’s pierce these guys along with the bitches of the Poisonous Dragon Clan and hang them out to dry!

Gu, they are unreasonable.

Finally we can have a fight! That’s just what I want.

Bang is a healer character who came with generic Feng Du units. It’s easy.

All Feng Du bigshots take their titles from Underworld deities. Bang is the “Ox-Head”.

Raksha, btw, is the Horse-Face.

The poison gurls use whips which have very long range. They also have some poison AoE which are useful.

Bang and his cronies are down quickly.

This place is like Disneyland for Wei Ziling.

We are all kung fu men and ought to help with unfair matters.

You people from Central China are really funny and speak sweet words and honeyed phrases that deceived many Hmong girls. My name is Lan Ting and this is Huang Juan. What are your names, benefactors?

I am Gu Yuexuan from Xiaoyao valley. This is my little brother in training, Jing Ji, and this Wei Ziling from Wei castle.

Wei Ziling is referring to that fact that the Zi in her name is the character 紫 which means purple. Poison gurls’ names also have characters signifying colours. E.g. the Lan in Lan Ting, 藍, means indigo. Huang in Huang Juan’s name should be yellow (黄).

Since this is destined, how about I show you some interesting little stuff.

We just arrived here, and we wish to visit your master. Can you convey a message for us?

Send your regards to me? Am I that old to you?

!!

Miss Lan… You… You are the Master of the Poisonous Dragon Clan?

Yeah! What about it? You think I am not qualified?

I… I didn’t mean that…

Hehe! Miss Lan, Gu just didn’t expect that the Master of the famous Poisonous Dragon Clan would be such a young beauty like you.

Miss Lan is so young yet already the Master. I am so impressed.

This is the regulation of our clan. You people from Central China wouldn’t understand. The vital role of our clan is played by women, especially the role of the Holy Virgin who is always a young and beautiful virgin…

Why are these rules so abnormal…

Ji, don’t say that. Hmong territory has its own customs. Though it’s different from Central China, those have been passed down for generations.

Tsk! I got it!

Sorry for that, Miss Lan. My little brother is not good at picking words but I guarantee that Ji didn’t intend to defame the Poisonous Dragon Clan.

It’s alright, I prefer this over someone who only speaks good words. And what Gu said is exactly how it is. There are many differences between Central China and Hmong territory.

Don’t take it personally, but sometimes I think the rules of you people from Central China are too complicated, even unbearable. Hehe!

Miss Lan is right, those poor regulations have done great harm to so many poor girls…

Let’s not talk about such disturbing matters. Miss Wei, how about I show you some interesting stuff?

You are right…

I like that stuff and Miss Lan is the Master, so you must have some rare venomous insects?

That’s great. I will take you to see my precious.

Tsk! I am not interested in this stuff.

…Thank you. We are here to ask for help. Hopefully you can do us a favour.

You people from Central China like to always beat around the bush. Since you have helped the Poisonous Dragon Clan, you are friends of mine. Since we are friends, I trust that you won’t do harm to us. What’s your request? Just say it.

Miss Lan, we want to do some herb gathering in your herb mountain. Is that OK?

No big deal. Even though it’s our herb mountain, you can go if you want.

Gu, Hierarch Lan is more straightforward than you.

Some of the herbs are not easily preserved. You can use our Drug Refinery Furnace if you wish. If you don’t have enough venom or medicinal material, you can take from our warehouse.

That’s perfect! We were just worried how to ask about the Drug Refinery Furnace!

The road on the mountain is hard to recognize, shall I send some men to escort you?

There’s no need, we can do it.

Alright. There’s a lot of mosquitoes on the herb mountain, be careful.

After the fight with Bang we got the following useful item to equip.

A while back we were asked by a Wudang disciple to fetch some Hmong wine and indeed there’s some of this wine around. However we can’t pick it because they’re covered by venomous insects… strangely enough even Wei Ziling can’t get rid of them.

This is another great place to train. Shi Yan can steal a lot of good stuff here.

Aside from wisdom fruit and 1000 year ginseng there are new poison related skills and internal style to steal.

Another useful item to steal is the unique Hmong nectar wine.

The Hmong are matriarchal, no wonder Wei Ziling likes them so much.

We must let Wei Ziling play out her poison fantasies here before moving on.

… It’s rare to see Ziling in such high spirit.

Tsk! Look at her, she’s like a little kid. She has been gathering for like four hours, why isn’t she done yet? It’s sweltering and there are too many mosquitoes, I don’t want to stay here any longer!

This is a rare chance, we should gather as many as we can! Tharm-cutting grass, Parthenium… And there are the Centella and Radix Asparagi.

Ziling knows so much about herbs, such as the Tharm-cutting grass. Though I have heard its name, I didn’t know it looks so common. Only Ziling can recognize it.

Humph! She has been playing with this stuff all day long, be careful she doesn’t become a venomous woman.

And you are to become a serial killer with your blades?

…

Heh, stop messing around. It’s getting dark, we should be quick.

Gu, I went to the storehouse of the Poisonous Dragon Clan before entering the mountain. They have the rest of it, let’s head back!

We are finally getting out of here?

No way! Some of the herbs will be useless if we don’t grind them right away. And all the necessary equipment is here. Since Hierarch Lan is willing to lend them to us, let’s stay for 2 or 3 days.

2 or 3 days!? Are you out of your mind!

Humph, if you don’t want to stay, you can leave. I am definitely staying.

You…!! I am surely leaving! Gu, let’s go and leave her alone here!

Ji, if Master Ren of Swordsmith’s Manor asked you to stay a couple of days, would you stay or not?

I would surely stay! The Swordsmith’s Manor is a great place full of the finest weapons… Why did you suddenly ask this?

Everyone has his own interest. Seldom has Ziling been so happy and Hierarch Lan wants her to stay too. Let’s stay here with her for a couple of days.

Tsk. Such a troubling guy… I got it, I can wait…

It’s all a bit unclear whatever Wei Ziling is planning.

Don’t worry, Ji, Ziling knows this stuff. It won’t be dangerous. Plus, hasn’t she informed us not to disturb her?

Tsk! Who said I was worried? I, I was just afraid that she broke the Pellet Making Furnace.

What’s with the attitude? It has taken me great effort.

You used so many herbs just to make this tiny pill?

This pill looks tiny, but it takes Ziling a lot of time to refine. It’s no normal stuff.

A pill refined with a bunch of venomous insects, that’s disturbing just to hear it. You are really good at messing with stuff.

Hey! Here you are, eat it!

Why would I eat such an unidentified pill?

Don’t talk, just take it. Are you… afraid?

I’m n…

Tsk… never mind.

You are obedient today.

Humph!

Alright, you have had some long days, let’s take a good rest!

Aren’t you sleepless too?

You…

Two fools!

The pill has no visible effect on stats or anything. After this we can move on.

You are leaving… fine.

Why are you wearing such a sad face? Has anything happened?

I am worried about the Forkband. Bang is stubborn and though he ran into you guys this time, he will be certainly be back with this matter unfinished.

Humph! If he dares to come back, I will kick their asses again.

Yeah! Lan, if you are worried, we can stay and help.

Ji, Ziling, we could help but that cures the symptoms, not the disease. We have our own mission and can’t stay here for long.

…

Gu is right. The Poisonous Dragon Clan can’t rely on others for too long.

Gu, but we can’t just leave like this!

Right, so I intend to go to the Forkband and talk this out.

Well…

Gu is right, Lan. Leave this to us!

Then I should thank you, but be sure to be careful.

Next we will visit the Forkband.

 

[abnaxus]

Part XLV: Forkband

Spoiler

The Forkband area is now marked on our map. A bit northeast of the Poisonous Dragon Clan.

The group is too late to be of much help here.

What… what the hell?

Looks like the Forkband got attacked.

How can it be? Who?

Why guess? Let’s go and check it out.

One of the big shots of Tianlong is here.

Chieftain? Are you still waiting for him? Heh heh, stupid Hmong, that guy has been long dead. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

I will teach you a lesson today, if you want to join Feng Du to fight with Cult of Tianlong? Death is your ending!

Stop!

This Tianlong fagget is a one-trick pony with his poison.

Lan Ting and her second-in-command arrive to help, their poison AoE are useful against the Tianlong underlings.

After 4 turns Luo Shejun is all alone.

Hold it right there!

Let it go, Ji, we can’t hold the Guardian of the Cult of Tianlong.

Humph, damn.

What… just mere days have passed, how did the Forkband become like this…

Huang Juan.

I’m here.

Take some people to check if there are any survivors… we are all descendants of Jiu Li. They can join us if they want, and if they don’t, they can leave after they recover.

As for the rest… bury them properly…

Yes, my Lady.

I got a lot to take care of now that this happened to the Forkband… I shall take my leave. Thanks a lot for your recent help, you can come back whenever you want and I will treat you guys properly.

I understand.

There’s nothing left to do here. This area is now lost to Tianlong.

Gu, do you find this a little odd? Why would the Cult of Tianlong destroy the Forkband out of the blue? That’s really strange…

You mean…

Do you remember what Great Xia Jiang mentioned in the letter? Would this be a case of someone stirring up trouble…

So we should find these guys as soon as possible!

Let’s go.

Cult of Tianlong occupied Forkband by force?

Maybe Nagaraja wants to use this opportunity to show others that Cult of Tianlong pays no attention to Feng Du at all…

In that case, there’s no sense in staying here. Let’s go.

The question is, is Bang really dead?

 

[abnaxus]

I like the metastory of Tale of Wuxia, it is at its core an isekai

Nobody the Hero is a random otaku just trying to get back home