Luoyang Daughter's Journey - (Volume 1)

Author: Xiao Duan / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-07-01
Features: The ancient capital of Luoyang is filled with turmoil and mystery, the (Reincarnation) Alley holds long-buried secrets, the skilled masters of (Purple Court) suddenly appear in the narrow streets, the Daxiangshan (Great Wilderness Mountain) sorcery is unpredictable, and amidst the pursuit of power and privilege of the aristocracy, how much weight can love hold? The historical background is rich and profound, with deep ancient charm. The master of New Wuxia, Xiao Duan, with his majestic brush, vividly recreates the Han and Tang era!
Chapter 4 · old mansion's backyard has a three-story small building called a (Phoenix Tower). Each eave corner of the tower is carved with a phoenix's beak, holding a copper bell, exquisitely crafted. The small tower spreads its wings like a bird, but the old plaque on the tower still bears the three characters: “” (Beauty's Grace), inscribed by the current emperor. Was this the plaque he had inscribed for the empress (Yu) when she was alive? He couldn’t quite put into words the emotions stirring within him. He pushed open the creaking door and ascended to the top floor. One window at the top was still open, but the dust had gathered inside for a long time, suggesting no one had been here for a long time.
—Why did (Yu) say that after he cleared up the mysteries of the (Reincarnation Alley), he could find the whereabouts of the person he was looking for? What new trouble had arisen in the (Reincarnation Alley)? (Han Ke) had come prepared tonight, his long sword (Changgeng) at his side and his short sword (Huanqing) hidden in his sleeve. He had a hunch that this night would be extraordinary. From the open window, he gazed into the backyard and saw that the pavilions and rockeries were constructed in a strange manner. At first glance, they seemed clear, but upon closer inspection, the distances between any two structures seemed unpredictable. The small stone paths were also unusually designed. (Han Ke) took a light breath, his hand resting on the window ledge—there was a formation here! The moment his fingers touched the ledge, they were as if burned and retracted sharply—his fingers had touched someone’s hand! He was startled and retreated, only to find a hand clinging to the window ledge. The hand was dry and pale, with tightly clenched fingers that seemed incredibly strong. (Han Ke) raised an eyebrow and cautiously advanced again, wanting to see who could silently approach him so closely! But when his gaze dropped to the window, he froze—what he saw stunned even him—nothing was beneath the hand!
—It was a severed hand! The wrist was cut cleanly, clearly having been severed long ago, yet the hand had not decayed and still gripped the wooden window ledge as if trying to leave a mark. On the fingers of the severed hand was a silver ring, and upon closer inspection, the ring was inscribed with the characters “” (Purple Court). (Han Ke) was taken aback—he knew the origin of the silver ring—the (Purple Court) was a secret organization composed of the best hands in the imperial guard. The saying went, “,” (Purple Court silver ring, resounding through the nine heavens), and in Chang’an, no one in the martial arts circle was unaware of it. Those chosen for (Purple Court) were masters in at least one art. How could such a person suffer a severed hand, and in this tower? What had happened here? As far as he knew, there was no one in the (Purple Court) who only had one hand. Yet the hand had been severed long ago but showed no signs of decay—this was clearly the legendary “、” (Still water does not rot, abandoned hinges do not decay) technique, a secret art known only to the (Dharma Flower Sect), condensed by “” (Utpala True Qi), yet not suitable for Buddhist practitioners. What secret did this small tower hide? (Han Ke) frowned deeply—among the white corner of the hand revealed was a piece of old silk. (Han Ke) gently extracted the silk, which was of excellent quality and had withstood the test of time without decay. The silk showed faint black marks, but before he could examine what was written or drawn on it, he became alert and looked up—the courtyard wall outside flickered with a shadow, and a nimble figure leaped in. The shadowy figure appeared to be a woman, clearly injured, her wound on the shoulder blade. She seemed familiar with the courtyard and moved directly toward the pool at the bottom of the tower without looking around. The faint light of the hook moon in the sky cast a shimmer on the water. As she approached, a slight glow revealed a blue mark on her face. (Han Ke) was stunned—he recognized the woman as the one who had assassinated (Yu Ziwang) at the Tianjin Bridge. The blackened area on her shoulder was the color of blood in the dark night. (Han Ke) was startled—he had met her before and knew she was skilled, but he didn’t know how she had been injured tonight? Just then, a cold laugh was heard from outside the courtyard wall, and another shadowy figure leaped in. The figure was tall and broad-shouldered, wielding a thick-backed waist knife—the (Seventh-Rank Sword-Carried Constable) “” (Thick-Backed Knife) (Hou Jian). (Hou Jian) entered the courtyard but did not pursue immediately, instead moving slowly forward and saying coldly, “ (Miss), it seems I was right—you are indeed deeply involved in the (Reincarnation Alley).” The injured woman gave a tragic smile, her face looking fierce under the moonlight. (Hou Jian) continued, “You think hiding in the ‘’ (Ten Mysteries Ancient Map) in the (Reincarnation Alley) will keep you safe? You’re wrong. The ‘’ (Ten Mysteries Ancient Map) is powerful, but it was already broken sixteen years ago.”
“” (Ten Mysteries Ancient Map)?—What was that? (Han Ke) had a vague recollection. Could it be related to the (Western Sichuan Pai Sect), which originated from (Great Wilderness Mountain)?—Sixteen years ago? Was that the day (Yu’s Imperial Uncle) was killed? (Han Ke) was pondering when the woman stopped in front of the pool, rubbing her shoulder and panting without speaking. (Hou Jian) said, “ (Yu’s Imperial Uncle)’s case has been shelved for years. I had handled it before, but later it was taken over by the Ministry of Justice. Clearly, there was something more to the case, but they found nothing. Although the case has never been solved, I know that in recent years, there has been a hidden undercurrent in Luoyang, with some people determined to investigate the case to avenge (Yu’s Imperial Uncle). This group calls itself ‘’ (Coming Rite). Heh, ‘’ (Coming Rite)—it’s like ‘’ (A Phoenix Arrives in Rite), perhaps connected to the mysterious death of the empress (Yu) back then?—The recent rise of the ‘’ (Coming Rite) code seems closely tied to you, Miss?” He said, staring intently at the woman, his voice harsh, “It’s said that the killer who broke the ‘’ (Ten Mysteries Ancient Map) to set up the ‘’ (Reincarnation Secret Formation) was deeply involved in the assassination of (Yu Ziwang) the other day. Did you assassinate (Yu Ziwang) for this reason?”
The woman laughed coldly, “Don’t ask. Even though I’m injured, it wasn’t by your hand. If I hadn’t carelessly been shot while spying in the (Du Family), you likely wouldn’t have been able to track me. What’s your advantage?” She continued, “You’ve been the head of the Luoyang constabulary for over twenty years. After that bloodshed case back then, how much did you uncover? Pathetic, pathetic—now you’re still talking big in front of me.” (Hou Jian) flushed, raised his knife, and said seriously, “Miss, you should never have committed a crime under my jurisdiction. Even though I’m of low rank, you’ve broken the law of the court. Regardless of your background or influence, for this alone, I cannot let you go.” He said no more and took a step back, settling into a stance like a tiger perched and a dog seated—defensive yet ready to strike. (Han Ke) saw this and knew he was a skilled martial artist—this stance was clearly mastered in the (Northern School’s (Tiger’s Nest)). The (Saw-Sharpening Knife) style was fierce, with “” (Dog’s Seat) for defense and “” (Tiger’s Grip) for attack—easy to defend but deadly when striking. (Hou Jian)’s face was stern as he stroked the back of his thick knife, and he hummed softly. The woman seemed wary and drew a short knife from her sleeve, still holding it in her left hand. The blade was light and narrow, suggesting she used dangerous close-combat techniques. (Han Ke) tightened his grip—the woman was a master of martial arts, among the best in the world, but he knew that martial arts had no inherent hierarchy, and any chance factor could disrupt what seemed like a decided match. Even watching from the sidelines, he felt a mix of tension and excitement. (Hou Jian) moved first—stepping into the center, he entered the (Kan) and (Li) and struck with his thick knife. There was no fancy technique, just immense power and speed. Before the knife reached her, the wind from the blade swept away the hair in front of the woman’s face. The woman’s expression changed—she hadn’t expected a thick knife to be so swift. She twisted her waist to avoid it, but her short blade made it hard to counter. (Hou Jian) growled again, changing his strike from a chop to a swipe. Clearly, he had mastered the (Saw-Sharpening Knife)’s thirteen moves and could move freely without being constrained by the form. (Han Ke)’s eyes lit up—he was energized—common techniques were often bound by form, and once in action, one only followed the routine, unaware that this was a cardinal sin in martial arts. Seeing (Hou Jian)’s skill, he realized he had truly grasped the essence of the knife. The woman, with excellent waist strength, didn’t move her feet but twisted her waist to avoid it, ready to retaliate. (Hou Jian)’s third strike changed from a swipe to a cut, aimed at her shoulder. The woman couldn’t avoid it in place and only leaped back, giving up her advantageous position. Her short blade found an opening and was thrown out with a string attached—it struck and retracted. (Hou Jian)’s face was grim, and he said, “I didn’t expect to see (Lady Lu)’s creation, the ‘’ (Reincarnation Blade), after ten years.” Both knife masters were no longer cautious, and the sounds of wind and blade filled the downstairs. The two were now locked in battle. (Han Ke) saw the woman was at a disadvantage—he knew her injuries limited her, but tonight, no matter what, she wouldn’t escape (Hou Jian)’s grasp. He suddenly recalled (Yu’s Aunt)’s words from earlier that day: “If you can solve the mysteries of the (Reincarnation Alley), you’ll find her origins; if you can do one act of righteousness, you’ll find her origins; if you can help a weak woman, you’ll find her origins.” Was the weak woman he was helping now the one who used the (Reincarnation Blade)? (Han Ke) was pondering when the downstairs situation changed again. (Hou Jian) said, “Miss, your skills are truly remarkable! If I hadn’t been injured, I wouldn’t have been able to take you. There’s no choice—I’ll have to injure you!” Just as he spoke the words “injure you,” his knife technique changed, and he struck with the back of the blade toward the woman. The woman’s face twisted in horror, and she cried out, “ (Thick Mulberry Knife)!”
“” (Thick Mulberry) is a medicinal herb, a deciduous tree with dry leaves, long and round, large white flowers, and the bark is used for medicine, known for drying dampness and promoting airflow. Using the name in his knife technique was indeed dry and fierce. (Hou Jian) was now using the (Core Method) of (Thick Mulberry Knife) to practice the (Saw-Sharpening Knife) path—even (Han Ke), renowned in martial arts, had to admire him. The woman suddenly sighed, “Heaven, you’re so unfair!” Her voice was filled with grief and anger. (Han Ke) was moved—he saw beneath the birthmark on her face, a face that was also pitiful. For some reason, something about her face struck him, reminding him of (Fang NIng). As the saying goes, “Remember the green silk dress, pity the fragrant grass everywhere.” (Han Ke) felt a surge of blood in his veins. (Hou Jian), with the opportunity, executed a (Reversed Saw-Sharpening Knife) strike toward the woman’s shoulder. She couldn’t avoid it and only heard a faint sound of bones breaking. She had to dodge and retreat. (Hou Jian) dodged the thrown weapon while still taking the time to shout, “Who is it?” (Han Ke) didn’t want to get involved in this unclear struggle in Luoyang and thought quickly, retreating into the shadows. He reached out and took the silver ring from the withered hand, tossed it, and yelled, “Catch it!” He threw it with force to show his authority—even a small silver ring sounded like a thrown weapon. (Hou Jian) flipped his wrist, expecting no harm, and caught it. Then he opened his palm and looked—his expression changed. “ (Purple Court)? How, how did the palace get involved?” (Han Ke), who wasn’t good at lying, remained hidden behind the window and said nothing. (Hou Jian) guessed the other party’s intentions and thought for a moment before stepping on the ground, “Fine, if you want to interfere, I won’t stop you.” With that, he turned and retreated. But the woman suddenly called, “Wait!” (Hou Jian) was taken aback—why would she want him to leave faster and then stop him? The woman said, “Leave a token.” (Hou Jian) hesitated, then scoffed and dropped the silver ring. He leaped up and over the wall. The woman picked up the ring and, to his surprise, looked disappointed. After steadying herself, she turned to the upstairs and said, “Thank you, benefactor.” (Han Ke) didn’t want to meet her, but he couldn’t help but think of the person he was looking for and hesitated before leaping down. He saw her leap down and sighed lightly, “Indeed, Han Gongzi (Mr. Han).” (Han Ke) was stunned—how could anyone in Luoyang recognize him? The woman understood his thoughts and said, “The branch of the (Leaping and Controlling Art) has many sub-branches, but the (Tapping Song Step) from (White Sage) is rare in the world. Only (White Sage Swordsman) Han Ke could use it with such clarity and agility.” (Han Ke) didn’t know how to respond, but the woman continued, “Besides, I know you’ve arrived in Luoyang. Do you remember the child with a blue mark on his face, named (Xiao Ji)?” (Han Ke) nodded. The woman sighed softly, “I’m his sister. I’m (Yu Jie).” She then sat down on a rock, her injuries severe.