by Jin Yong
Zhang CuiShan felt a surge of warmth in his chest, and said, "Ms. Yin, do you trust me? Although my inner power is ordinary, I am still confident that I can cure your poison.” That young woman smiled innocently, and her cheeks turned pink, as if she’s incredibly happy. Yet she said, "Fifth Hero Zhang. I know you have many suspicions. If I don’t tell you everything, you might regret this decision later.” Zhang CuiShan said, "Saving people is what I’m suppose to do. Why would I regret it?”
That young woman said, "It’s already been over twenty days, so I won’t mind waiting a while longer. Here’s what happened. Once I gave Third Hero Yu to Du DaJin, I followed him from behind. There were quite a few people who wanted to take Third Hero Yu away, but I took care of them. Funny thing is, Du DaJin didn’t know any of this.” Zhang CuiShan said, "The disciples of Wu Dang will never forget your kindness, Ms. Yin.” That young woman said coldly, "Don’t thank me just yet. Soon, you’ll be hating me.” Zhang CuiShan doesn’t know what to make of that statement. That young woman continued, "I kept changing my clothing along the way, sometimes dressed as a farmer, sometimes a businessman, until I followed them to the bottom of the Wu Dang Mountain, where the incident occurred.” Zhang CuiShan bit his teeth and said, "You mean you saw those six beasts? Unfortunately, Du DaJin and his people do not know who they are.” That woman sighed again, and said, "Not only did I saw them, I also fought them. Unfortunately, I also could not tell you much about them either.” She picked up a cup of tea and drank some. Then she continued, "That
day I saw these six people come down from the top of the mountain. Du DaJin kept calling them ‘Six Heroes of Wu Dang’, and those six people did not seem to mind. I watched from far away, and saw them take the carriage that carried Third Hero Yu. At first I was relieved to see him arrive safely, but after a while, I realized that things didn’t make sense. The Seven Heroes of Wu Dang treat each other as brothers. They should’ve all gone up to examine his injury, yet only one person took a look, and without any expression too.”
Zhang CuiShan nodded and said, "Ms. Yin, you really are attentive. Your suspicions are right on the mark.”
That young woman said, "The more I thought about it, the more things didn’t add up. So I turned back and caught up to them, then asked for their names. These people’s eyes were quite sharp, and immediately saw that I was a woman. I shouted at them for pretending to be Wu Dang disciples, and then attacked them. A thirty-some year old skinny man came out to fight me, while a Taoist priest stayed by to back him up. The rest of them went away. This skinny man was quite formidable, and I could not defeat him after thirty or so exchanges. At this moment, that Taoist priest waved his left hand, and my left arm became numb. That skinny man said some indecent words, then tried to capture me. I had to fire off three darts of my own so I could escape.” As she said this, her face turned red. Probably that skinny man sought after her beauty and wanted to rape her.
Zhang CuiShan asked, "Did you say he fired the darts with his left hand? How could Shaolin accept a priest as a disciple?” That young woman said with a smile, "A Taoist has to shave his head to look like a monk, but a monk just needs to put on a Taoist hat to look like a Taoist priest.” Zhang CuiShan nodded. That young woman continued, "I couldn’t beat that skinny man, and that Taoist’s kung fu is even better. So I had to let them go.” Zhang CuiShan wanted to say something, but refrained to do so.
That young woman said, "I know you want to ask why I never went to Wu Dang to explain everything, right? But I couldn’t go to Wu Dang. If I could’ve, why would I ask an escort agency to do it for me? Besides, I overheard Du DaJin talking on my way back. Once I knew that the other Wu Dang heroes have looked into this matter, I knew there was nothing I could do to help. Since I was also in a hurry to treat my poison, I left. What happened to Third Hero Yu anyway?”
Zhang CuiShan told her what happened afterwards. That young woman sighed, her eyelashes slightly flickered, and said, "Hopefully Third Hero Yu will get well, or. or.” Zhang CuiShan heard the sincerity in her voice, and was deeply moved. He said, "Thank you for you kindness.” As he spoke his eyes became wet. That young woman shook her head and said, "When I came back, someone told me that these darts are Shaolin’s unique Plum Flower Darts. Other than its own unique antidotes, the poison’s incurable. The only place with Shaolin disciples here is the Dragon Gate Escort Agency. So I went there, seeking the antidote. However, they tried to ambush me as I entered.”
Zhang CuiShan let out a ‘huh’ and said, "But didn’t you say you purposely planned for them to think it was me?” That young woman blushed, lowered her head, and said softly, "I saw you bought this clothes at the store, and looked very. very dashing, so I went ahead and bought one too.” Zhang CuiShan said, "That would explain it. It’s just that they’re not your mortal enemies, so you really shouldn’t kill them all. That’s just too cruel and merciless.”
The young woman’s face sank, and then spoke in a cold voice, "Are you trying to lecture me?
Never in my nineteen years in life have I been lectured. I know Fifth Hero Zhang is righteous and kind. You don’t have to degrade yourself into associating with people like myself. Please feel free to leave.”
After getting scolded, Zhang CuiShan’s face turned bright red. He quickly stood up and began to storm out the cabin, but then realized that he promised to cure her poison wound. So he said, "Please lift up your sleeves.” That young woman raised her eyebrows, and said, "Since you like to lecture me so much, I don’t want you to cure me anymore.” Zhang CuiShan said, "If you leave the wound like that, the poison will eventually spread. By that time, it will be very difficult to cure you.”
That young woman said, "So what? If I die from this, it will be because of you.” Zhang CuiShan asked with surprise, "What does this have to do with me?” That young woman said, "If I hadn’t tried to sent your third brother back, then I would’ve never have met those six people. If I had decided not to interfere in that matter, I would’ve never been injured. Besides, had you gotten there sooner, and helped me fight them, how could they have injured me?”
While the last sentence was ludicrous, the previous statements were quite reasonable. Zhang CuiShan said, "You’re right. I’ll help you right now to repay your kindness.” That young woman said, "So do you admit that you’re wrong?” Zhang CuiShan said, "Wrong about what?” That young woman said, "You said that I was cruel and merciless. Of course you were wrong. Those monks and all those people in the escort agency deserved to die.” Zhang CuiShan shook his head and said, "Although you’ve been poisoned, you can be cured. My third brother is gravely injured, but probably won’t die. Even if we can’t cure him, at least we should find the main culprit, instead of killing so many innocents.”
That young woman said, "So you say that I killed the wrong people? Isn’t it true that it’s a Shaolin disciple who poisoned me? Isn’t it true that the Dragon Gate Escort Agency is part of Shaolin?” Zhang CuiShan said, "Shaolin disciples fill the world. Are you going to kill all of them with a wound on your arm?”
The young woman couldn’t win this argument. In anger, she suddenly lifted up her right hand, and pressed it hard into her left arm, directly over her wounds. With this, her injury magnified.
Zhang CuiShan never in his dreams expected her to do such a thing, that she’d hurt herself over a single argument. Considering how she treated herself, it’s hardly surprising that she didn’t value the lives of others. He wanted to stop her, but was unfortunately too late. He gasped with surprise, "Why. did you have to do this?” Only to see black blood staining her sleeves. Zhang CuiShan realized that it he doesn’t do something quick, her life would be in danger. He quickly grabbed her left hand with his left hand, and his right hand began to tear off her sleeve.
Suddenly, a voice came from behind him, "Hold it right there!” as that person attacked him from behind with a knife. Zhang CuiShan knew he was the boatman, but in this critical moment, he had no time for explanation. With a swift back kick, h
e kicked the boatmen back out the cabin.
That young woman said, "I don’t want you help. My life and death doesn’t concern you anyway.” As she said this, she promptly slapped him on the cheek. She slapped at lightning speed, and since Zhang CuiShan had not anticipated her attack, he immediately let go of her hand.
That young woman composed herself and said, "Get out of my boat. I never want to see you again!” Zhang CuiShan, ashamed and angry by her slap, said, "Fine! I’ve never seen such an insolent girl in my life!” And he immediately turned around to leave. That young woman said coldly, "Never seen one before? Well, you saw one today.”
Zhang CuiShan picked up a block of wood to help him get back to the banks. But at the last moment he thought, "If I leave now, she’s certainly going to die.” With that in mind, he suppressed his anger and went back to the cabin, said, "I’ll just forgive you for that slap. Roll up your sleeve
quickly. Do you want to keep your life or not?”
That young woman said, "What does my life have to do with you?” Zhang CuiShan said, "I must repay you for sending my third brother back.” That young woman said coldly, "Oh, you’re just trying to repay a debt. Looks like if I hadn’t sent back your third brother, you would’ve just watched me die.”
Zhang CuiShan froze a second, and then said, "Not necessarily so.” Only to see her body began to shake, signs of the poison spreading. He quickly said, "Hurry! Roll up your sleeves. Do you really have a death wish?” That young woman said while biting her teeth, "If you don’t admit that you’re wrong, then I won’t let you help me.” Her face was naturally pale, and under such conditions she looked so very fragile, arousing Zhang CuiShan’s compassion.
He sighed, and then said, "Fine. Let’s just say I was wrong. Those people all deserved to die.” That young woman said, "Not good enough. What’s with this whole ‘let’s just say I’m wrong’ deal? And why did you sight? Wrong is wrong. Say it with some conviction.”
In this moment of life and death, Zhang CuiShan can’t possibly fuss over such small details. So he yelled, "With the Heaven above and River below listening, I, Zhang CuiShan today wholeheartedly apologize to Yin. Yin.” As he said this, he stuttered. That young woman said, "Yin SuSu.” Zhang CuiShan continued, "to Yin SuSu and seek her forgiveness.”
Yin SuSu, delighted at his apology, smiled gleefully. Suddenly, her legs gave out on her, and fell back onto a chair. Zhang CuiShan quickly took out a pill of ‘Heaven’s Heart Antidote’ for her to swallow. Then he grabbed her arm and asked, "How do you feel?” Yin SuSu said, "My chest is burning up inside. Why did it take you so long to apologize? If I die, it will be all your fault.”
In this circumstance, Zhang CuiShan could only sooth her with gentle words, "Everything’s fine. Don’t worry. Just relax your whole body, and don’t try to use any energy. Pretend as if you’re asleep.” Yin SuSu glanced at him and said, "I’ll just pretend as if I’m dead.”
Zhang CuiShan thought to himself, "My gosh, she’s so unruly even at this moment. I can’t imagine what kind of anguish her future husband would suffer in her hands.” As he thought this, he found his heartbeat quickened, and his head feverish. Afraid that Yin SuSu might see through his thoughts, Zhang CuiShan glanced at her, only to see her cheeks bright red, with bashfulness mixed with frailty. When their eyes met, both quickly turned their eyes away.
Yin SuSu suddenly said quietly, "Fifth Brother Zhang, I was very rude, and even hit you. Please. please don’t be offended.”
When Zhang CuiShan heard her change from calling him ‘Fifth Hero Zhang’ to ‘Fifth Brother Zhang’, his heart began to beat quickly. After he took a deep breath, Zhang CuiShan composed himself, exerting his inner chi to his hands, which held Yin SuSu’s arm around the poisoned darts.
After a while, thick steam came from the top of his head, signs that he’s utilizing his full power. Yin SuSu was grateful in her heart, and knew that this is a critical juncture, refrained from speaking as to not break his concentration. Suddenly, a Plum Flower Dart from her arm shot out, and black blood sprung out from the wound, turning into red blood a while later. The second dart quickly followed.
At this moment, he heard someone yell from outside, "Is Miss Yin here? Red Sparrow Branch Leader requests a presence.” Zhang CuiShan needed to concentrate, and ignored him. He then heard the boatman yell, "There’s a thug on the boat. Leader Chang, please come here quick!” The
first voice yelled, "Thug, if you hurt a single hair on Miss Yin’s head, you’ll die a painful death.” This person’s voice boomed across the river, its sound carried a threatening tone.
Yin SuSu opened her eyes and smiled weakly towards Zhang CuiShan, as if to express an apology. Since her right hand hit her arm at the location of the third Plum Flower Dart, it sank deeper than the other two. Even after three attempts, Zhang CuiShan could not get it out. He then felt another boat nearing, and someone walking onto this boat. But with all his concentration on this last dart, Zhang CuiShan ignored all this.
That person came into the cabin, and saw Zhang CuiShan’s hands holding tightly onto Yin SuSu’s arm. Obviously he would not believe that Zhang CuiShan’s actually trying to heal her. In his hastiness, that person’s palm shot out at Zhang CuiShan’s back, while yelling, "Still wouldn’t release your hands, thug?”
Zhang CuiShan didn’t have time to get away, so he simply took a deep breath, and with a loud pop, this palm hit squarely on his back. Zhang CuiShan knew the intricacies of Wu Dang inner power, so he simply stayed still, channeling the force of the blow through his body. Immediately, the third Plum Flower Dart popped out, landing on the floor nearby.
The person who hit Zhang CuiShan was about to follow up with a second blow, but when he saw the dart he immediately stopped, said, "Miss Yin, Are you. are you injured?” When he saw black blood pouring out her arm, he realized that he mistook this gentleman’s intentions, and felt guilty. Considering the power of his palm, he thought that Zhang CuiShan’s life was probably in danger. So he quickly took out some medicine for Zhang CuiShan to take.
Zhang CuiShan shook his head, and once the blood pouring out turned to red, released his hands. He turned around and smiled, "That was one powerful blow.” That person stood in shock. He thought of how he had killed so many powerful fighters with his palm. Yet this young gentleman could take the full brunt of his attack and act as if nothing happened. He said, "You. you.” He looked at Zhang CuiShan’s face, and immediately went to grab his wrist and check his condition. Zhang CuiShan thought, "Why don’t I play a joke on him?” Then proceeded to gather his chi and stopped his heartbeat. When that person checked his pulse and found none, he was simply appalled, not knowing what to think.
Zhang CuiShan took the handkerchief Yin SuSu just handed him, and used it to cover her wounds, then said, "Most of the poison had been flushed out. You should recover easily with the aid of common antidotes.” Yin SuSu said, "Thank you.” She then turned to that other person and said with a solemn expression, "Branch Leader Chang. Meet Fifth Hero Zhang of Wu Dang.” That person fell back a step, bowed, and said, "Oh, so it’s the fifth hero of the ‘Seven Heroes of Wu Dang’. No wonder your inner power is so amazing. My name is Chang JinPeng. Sorry for my rudeness.”
Zhang CuiShan looked at this fifty-some year old man, with tight muscles all over his body, looking very strong. He returned with a bow.
Chang JinPeng turned towards Yin SuSu and paid his respects. Yin SuSu nodded, but didn’t seem to care much for this man. Only to hear Chang JinPeng say, "Branch Leader Bai had already contacted the Sea Sand Sect, the Huge Whale Clan, and the Divine Fist Sect. The meeting time for showing the saber is tomorrow morning on QianTang river’s WangPan island. If my lady’s not feeling well, I can send you back home to Lin An. Branch Leader Bai alone should suffice taking care of these people.”
Yin SuSu said, "Humph. Sea Sand Sect, Huge Whale Clan, Divine Fist Sect. Is the head of the
Divine Fish Sect Guo SanQuan going to be there too?” Chang JinPeng sai
d, "I heard he personally led his twelve best students.” Yin SuSu said, "Although he’s quite famous, Guo SanQuan’s ability is nowhere near that of Branch Leader Bai. Anyone else important that I should be aware of?” Chang JinPeng said, "I heard two young swordsman from the Kun Lun sect will be there. They said that they want to see the Dragon. Dragon.” He paused here for a moment, and glanced at Zhang CuiShan. Yin SuSu said coldly, "They want to see the Dragon Saber, right? Their hands might become itchy.” When Zhang CuiShan heard the words ‘Dragon Saber’, his ears perked up. Only to hear Yin SuSu continue, "We can’t underestimate these Kun Lun swordsman. My injury’s no big deal. Let me see, how about we also go to the meeting. Perhaps Branch Leader Bai could use our help.” She turned around and said to Zhang CuiShan, "Fifth Hero Zhang. We should part now. I’ll go ahead on Branch Leader Chang’s boat. You can take my boat back to Lin An city. After all, there’s no reason for Wu Dang to get into all this.”
Zhang CuiShan said, "My third brother’s injury is seemingly related to the Dragon Saber. Can Miss Yin fill me in on everything?” Yin SuSu said, "I don’t know all the details either. Why don’t you go back and ask your third brother?”
Zhang CuiShan saw that she wouldn’t say, and decided against pressing further. He thought, "The people who hurt my third brother looked like they really wanted the Dragon Saber. From the tone of Branch Leader Chang, the Dragon Saber is in their hands. Should those people know about this, they’d surely come to this meeting.” So he said, "Do you think that Taoist priest who fired these darts would also go to WangPan Mountain?”
Yin SuSu showed a slight grin, but did not answer his question. Instead she said, "If you really want to go to this ceremony, then let’s go together.” She then turned towards Chang JinPeng and said, "Branch Leader Chang. Please lead the way.” Chang JinPeng answered, "Yes!” and retreated back out the cabin like servant in front of a master. Yin SuSu only nodded, but Zhang CuiShan respected this old man’s martial arts ability. So he personally sent Chang JinPeng out the door.