A Bond Undone

by Jin Yong

  Armed and of exceptional appearance, the Six Freaks of the South had not disclosed their names when their vessel was hailed by Captain Zhang’s men on Lake Tai, but exchanged a few words in the dialect of the rivers and lakes and accepted the invitation. The loyal pirate followed Laurel Lu’s order to the letter, personally escorting the Freaks back to Roaming Cloud Manor, fearing the whole way that he was leading Squire Lu’s enemies inside the estate.

  Guo Jing’s reaction had somewhat reassured Squire Lu, but before he could find out more about these newcomers, a voice boomed, “Is the she-demon here with you?”

  “Not now!” Pulling him back, Jade Han hushed her cousin, Ryder Han. She’d recognised the boy sitting next to Guo Jing the moment she stepped inside – Lotus, in male disguise.

  The Cyclone Mei I remember doesn’t look or sound like her, Squire Lu observed with relief. He put his hands together in a gesture of respect as Guo Jing introduced his teachers.

  “I have long admired the Heroes’ unparalleled reputation. Pardon my rudeness for staying seated – I do not have full use of my legs.”

  He then ordered the servants to set a second table for the new guests.

  Qiu Qianren, meanwhile, had paid no attention to the Six Freaks, other than flashing a half-smile when they appeared at the doorway. He was entirely focused on the feast.

  “Who is that?” Once again, it was Ryder Han who spoke.

  “One of the supreme martial masters of our age. His reputation is paramount in the wulin.”

  “Apothecary Huang of Peach Blossom Island?” Jade Han said.

  “The Divine Vagrant Nine Fingers?” Ryder Han guessed.

  Squire Lu shook his head. “This is Master Qiu, Iron Palm Water Glider.”

  “Master Qiu Qianren?” Ke Zhen’e, the most senior of the Freaks, was impressed.

  Qiu Qianren was visibly pleased by the reaction to his name. He stopped eating for a moment and threw his head back in laughter.

  Once the table was set, the Six Freaks seated themselves according to their seniority. Guo Jing turned to Lotus. Smiling, she shook her head and he moved over alone.

  After Guo Jing had settled at his shifus’ table, Squire Lu said with a smile, “I didn’t think Brother Guo knew any martial arts. It turns out he is a disciple of the most esteemed masters.”

  “I hope sir will forgive me for concealing my martial knowledge.” Guo Jing jumped to his feet reverentially. “I am not naturally gifted and I have barely scratched the surface of my mentors’ kung fu.” The Freaks were pleased by this humble response.

  “It is said that the Six Heroes have won fame across the south.” For the first time, Qiu Qianren addressed the new arrivals. “If the Heroes would join us, it would be of immense benefit to our enterprise.”

  “Master Qiu was about to explain the business that brought him here, just as you arrived,” Squire Lu added.

  “We are all men of the martial world. Our code of heroic righteousness requires us to prevent suffering from befalling our fellow men,” Qiu Qianren said proudly. “The Great Jin Empire’s army is poised to head south at any moment. War is inevitable. As the two armies clash, how many lives will be lost? How many ruined?

  “We all know the saying, ‘Fortune smiles on those who oblige the heavens, death descends on those in opposition.’ I am here to make contact with the martial masters of the south, so we can work together to make sure the Song court will not ignore the escalating situation and will at last understand the precarious position it is in.

  “With pressure mounting from within and without, it has become clear that the best option would be to surrender before we are forced to endure the humiliation and the strife that would follow a defeat on the battlefield.

  “When we accomplish this task, the people’s gratitude alone shall justify our efforts. Needless to say, wealth and rank would also be bestowed on us.”

  The Sixth Freak, Gilden Quan, shot a warning glance at his brethren – Let our host respond first – while giving the most hot-headed among them, Ryder Han and Jade Han, a sharp tug on the sleeve.

  “I may keep the company of pirates and thieves, but I know where my allegiance lies.” Squire Lu chose his words carefully. He was aghast to hear a master he so respected make such a treacherous suggestion. “If the Jin army comes to take our realm, I shall fight to the death alongside the martial masters of the south.” He paused and then decided to make a jest of it. “I think Master is testing our loyalty.”

  “My dear brother, don’t be so short-sighted!” Qiu Qianren exclaimed. “What good can come of helping the Song against the Jin? The only fate that awaits is that of Yue Fei – a lonely death in the Storm Pavilion.”

  “My enemies will be here at any moment. I was hoping to ask Master for his assistance. But, since our principles are irreconcilable, I would rather see my throat slit and my blood pouring out onto the floor than seek your help . . . Please!” Squire Lu cupped his hands in a perfunctory gesture of farewell, then pointed towards the way out.

  The Freaks, Guo Jing and Lotus Huang were impressed by Squire Lu’s bold response.

  Smiling, Qiu Qianren pinched the lip of his wine cup between his thumb and his index finger. He turned the cup around before releasing his hold and striking its rim with the base of his palm. A ringlet of porcelain half an inch deep clattered to the table with a pop. He placed the drinking vessel next to its severed rim, showing off the clean edge.

  Smashing ceramics required no skill, but to crack it so neatly with only his palm? That demonstrated exceptional mastery of internal neigong!

  “Traitor! Enough of your tricks!” the fiery Ryder Han exploded, before his host could think of a rejoinder to the threat. He hopped out of his seat and planted himself before Qiu Qianren. The Freaks would never let a traitor slip away without a challenge.

  “Nothing pleases me more than the chance to put a great martial reputation to the test. All of you together, please,” the martial Master said.

  “Indeed, the Six Heroes of the South are a united front, against one man or a thousand,” Squire Lu added.

  The Second Freak, Zhu Cong, understood the warning – none among them could beat Qiu Qianren in single combat. “We six martial siblings would be honoured to learn from a renowned master of the wulin,” he said, with a wave of his hand. The rest of the Freaks leapt to their feet.

  Qiu Qianren stood up and carried his chair to the centre of the hall, away from the tables.

  “Come, we’ll play sitting down.”

  He settled on the chair and rested his ankle on the opposite knee. The other foot tapped at the ground.

  The Freaks inhaled sharply at this arrogant response. Only the most supreme martial master would slight his opponents so.

  “Master, allow me to fight on behalf on my shifus.” Guo Jing planted himself in front of his teachers. He had seen Qiu Qianren’s strange skills and knew none of his teachers could match him. Even though he would likely die at the hand of this Master, as a disciple, it was his duty to keep his mentors from harm.

  “Raising you was no mean feat. Why throw your life away so young, boy?” Qiu Qianren cackled.

  “Move!” the Freaks ordered in unison.

  Afraid that he would be restrained, Guo Jing bent his left knee and drew a circle with his right palm, without another word.

  Haughty Dragon Repents.

  He had been working hard on this move and his control over its power had grown exponentially since the day he learned it from Count Seven Hong. He thrust his palm, channelling only two-fifths of his inner strength, with ample back-up in reserve.

  Qiu Qianren had noted how mediocre Ryder Han’s kung fu was when he leapt out of his seat, so he had assumed the apprentice’s skill would be negligible. Little did he imagine that a boy barely out of his teens could produce such a mighty force. He threw his feet down and sprang into the air.

  Crack! The red sandalwood chair splintered.

  “Insolent boy!” The first crack in Qiu Qianren
’s composure.

  “I hope the Master will deign to instruct me,” Guo Jing said referentially, well aware that it was very rude to strike one’s senior, especially a master with such exquisite kung fu.

  While Guo Jing hesitated over his next move, Lotus cried out, “No need to be civil to this awful old fossil.” A ploy to distract the Master. Never before had insult been thrown with such audacity into his face.

  Outraged, Qiu Qianren lunged at Guo Jing, his palms thrusting furiously. Then he remembered he was fighting a novice; he must maintain his composure. At the last moment, he turned a blow with his right hand into a feint, and with a disdainful sneer let his left hand fly in a Brow Brush Palm. Guo Jing swivelled away.

  The martial Master changed the failed attack into a probe, pulling back in a Grappling Hook. Now, he struck once more in a Brow Brush Palm, before spinning into a low stance, his hand sinking into a Crushing Collapse.

  “That’s a dreadfully common move!” Lotus cried. “Wild Goose Leaves the Flock, from the Palm of Connected Arms and Six Unions.”

  Qiu Qianren had spent decades perfecting this very kung fu. Evolved from the Palm of Connected Arms and Five Elements, the moves themselves were not surprising, but the way in which the two arms interacted was unusual. As one palm thrust, the other would twirl, channelling its force into the attacking hand. The arms were connected in a cycle of energy, boosting each other with every blow.

  Guo Jing had never seen such seamless coordination between the two sides of the body. His confidence wavered. At a loss whether to block or to attack, he just ducked and shied away. All he could think of was Count Seven Hong’s explanation of “repent” and “retreat”.

  The boy’s kung fu is most average. No finesse, just brute force. With that observation, Qiu Qianren fired three successive moves – Palm Piercing Strike, Yin Stirring Push and Mount the Tiger, Scale the Mountain – each one quicker than the last.

  Lotus edged closer to the fight, ready to help.

  Guo Jing veered from a sideways kick, then hesitated as he noticed the concern in Lotus’s eyes.

  Qiu Qianren saw his chance. He smacked the young man square in the chest, in a White Snake Spits Tongue.

  Gasps filled the hall. No-one could survive such a heavy blow!

  The blood drained from Guo Jing’s face. Fear rushed through him, and yet he felt no pain. He flexed his arms and shoulders. Nothing.

  How was that possible?

  Lotus ran to steady Guo Jing. He looked dazed, his eyes had glazed over. “That stinking whitebeard must have knocked him out,” she cursed under her breath. “How do you feel?” Tears were rolling down her cheeks.

  “I’m fine.” He smiled. “Let me try again.”

  He puffed up his chest and strode over to Qiu Qianren. “Hero of the Iron Palm, please strike me once more.”

  Seething, the older man summoned his strength and – pang! – hit Guo Jing again. Directly at his heart.

  “Shifus, Lotus, this old man’s kung fu is very common!” Guo Jing chuckled. “His moves look powerful, but, by striking me, he showed his hand.” Then he took a step forward – “Now it’s my turn!” – and swung his left arm horizontally.

  Circling his arms over his chest, Qiu Qianren thought Guo Jing’s swipe would turn into a punch. He had no idea that he was about to face the most intricate move from the Dragon-Subduing Palm: Dragons Tussle in the Wild.

  Left arm sweeping, right palm thrusting, each could be a feint or an attack. It was impossible to predict which hand would land the blow.

  The moment Qiu Qianren made to block, Guo Jing slapped his other palm into the old man’s right shoulder.

  Pang!

  Like a kite with a snapped string, the martial Master careered through the doorway.

  2

  A WOMAN OUTSIDE THE HALL CAUGHT THE HURTLING QIU Qianren. She hoisted the martial Master back inside by his collar and dumped him on the floor.

  Iron Corpse Cyclone Mei.

  She planted herself in the middle of the room, her face, partially obscured by her unkempt hair, turned up to the rafters.

  But the horror that followed eclipsed her dramatic entrance.

  A tall, lanky figure, clad in a light green robe. Waxen complexion, mouth, nose, facial muscles stiff and dead as wood or stone. Only the eyes were capable of movement. The head of a corpse on a living human body. One look at his face and a chill descended down the beholder’s back. Everyone in the banqueting hall averted their eyes as their hearts raced and spines shivered.

  Any amusement Squire Lu had felt at Qiu Qianren’s humbling by Guo Jing was snuffed out when he caught sight of the new arrivals. She had changed almost beyond recognition, but there was no mistaking her identity. Fear, and grief, took root in his heart.

  “Shifu!” To everyone’s surprise, Wanyan Kang rose to greet Cyclone Mei.

  “Cyclone, my martial sister, it has been more than ten years. Finally, we meet again.” Squire Lu cupped his hands in respect. “How is our brother, Hurricane?”

  Guo Jing and his shifus looked at each other, startled by this revelation. Had they walked into a trap? Cyclone Mei alone was hard enough to defeat, now they had to deal with her martial brother, too?

  Meanwhile, Lotus Huang was pleased that her intuition had been vindicated: I knew he was Papa’s disciple! Everything about him reminded me of Papa.

  “Zephyr Lu? My little martial brother?” Cyclone Mei’s voice was cold as ice.

  “Yes, it is I,” the Master of Roaming Cloud Manor answered. “I trust you have been well?”

  “Well? Can’t you tell I’m blind? Hurricane was murdered years ago. Isn’t that what you always wanted?”

  “Who killed our brother? Was his death avenged?”

  Zephyr Lu was surprised to hear that someone had got the better of Twice Foul Dark Wind, but also relieved that this was one enemy he no longer need worry about. He sighed, thinking of those days, another lifetime ago, when they were martial siblings on Peach Blossom Island.

  “I’m still looking for them.”

  “Before we settle the grievances between us, I shall help you find this killer of our kin.”

  Cyclone Mei snorted in contempt.

  “Seek your vengeance here!” Ryder Han bellowed as he smacked the table. He would have leapt out of his seat if Gilden Quan had not restrained him.

  “No more empty talk of petty revenge!” Qiu Qianren had finally recovered from the heart-shattering, lung-piercing blow he had suffered at Guo Jing’s hands. “You strut around, calling yourself heroes and great men, yet you know nothing of your own shifu’s death. Spare me your posturing!”

  Cyclone Mei flipped her hand and locked on to Qiu Qianren’s wrist. “What did you say?”

  The pain bore deep into his bone. He shrieked. “Let go!”

  “What did you say?” Mei asked again.

  “Apothecary Huang. Lord of Peach Blossom Island. Murdered!” He spat the words out. Cyclone Mei’s grip went slack.

  “Is it true?” Zephyr Lu did not care about the etiquette of hospitality anymore.

  “Why would I lie? He was hunted down by the Seven Immortals of the Quanzhen Sect – Wang Chongyang’s disciples – and killed.”

  Cyclone Mei and Zephyr Lu sank to their knees, sobbing. Lotus Huang fainted, crashing to the floor along with the chair she had been sitting on.

  No man, without help, could inflict mortal harm on the Lord of Peach Blossom Island. But, outnumbered and surrounded by Ma Yu, Qiu Chuji, Wang Chuyi and their martial siblings . . .

  “Lotus! Wake up!” Guo Jing cradled her. Her pale cheeks and shallow breathing frightened him. “Help her, please, Shifu.”

  Zhu Cong held his hand under her nose.

  “Don’t worry; she will be fine. She’s passed out from grief.” He massaged the Palace of Toil pressure point in the centre of her palm.

  She began to come to.

  “I want Papa! Papa! Where are you?”

  Realisation dawned on Zephyr Lu, des
pite the double onslaught of shock and grief. Of course! She’s Shifu’s daughter! That’s why she recognised the Dew of Nine Flowers.

  “Little sister, we’ll kill the Quanzhen monks!” he spluttered through tears. “Cyclone, are you coming with me? If not, then I’ll have to kill you first!”

  “Papa, we must plan this properly.” Laurel Lu had never seen his father so overcome with emotion.

  “It’s . . . It’s your fault, Cyclone Mei. You brought this onto Shifu! You brought this onto me!” There was no stopping Zephyr Lu now. “It was bad enough you did that shameful thing with Hurricane. Why did you have to steal the Nine Yin Manual too? Did you know Shifu broke our legs because of it? All three of us. Your martial brothers! And banished us! I’ve longed for Shifu to change his mind, to take me back, so I can wait upon him once more, so I can repay his kindness in teaching me. But now he is no more. All my dreams, my hopes – dashed! Gone! Because of you!”

  “Stop! I’ve cursed you for your lack of backbone in the past, and I curse you again now! It was you who wouldn’t stop hunting us. It was you who pushed us out to Mongolia. Without you, Hurricane would not have met his death out there! Why are you still wailing about settling our old scores? You should be focused on how we are to avenge our shifu! We must find those Taoist bastards. If you can’t walk, I’ll carry you myself.” Her tears were falling as fast as her words.

  “Papa! I want my papa!” Lotus had been repeating those few words for quite some time now.

  “We should question him properly,” Zhu Cong whispered to Lotus. He went over to Qiu Qianren, flicking his sleeve over the dust and dirt on the martial Master’s shirt.

  “Our disciple’s ignorance has offended the Master. Please forgive him.”

  “My eyes aren’t as sharp as they once were. It didn’t count. Let’s do it again.”

  “It was obvious that the Master’s kung fu is far superior. There is no need to fight again.” Zhu Cong patted Qiu Qianren on the shoulder and shook his left hand.

  The Second Freak returned to his seat and picked up his wine cup with a smile. He pinched the edge of the vessel with his thumb and index finger, as Qiu Qianren had done. After turning it a full circle, he touched his palm against the rim. A porcelain ring, half an inch deep, fell to the table. It was exactly the same kung fu.