Return - A Chinese Paladin 5 Fanfiction - Chapter 1

Dawn was coming over the peaks of Shu Mountain. And like every morning, it came one hour earlier than in the deep valleys down by the winding river. The upward mist was painted by golden rays here and there, and though they couldn't break through, didn't really want to either. Let the world below sleep for a while, because the Shu Sect, which built its temples and schools on the top of the mountain, needed the light more. The morning wind swept on the rocky hills covered with rampant forests, right at the same time as the last star disappeared in the western sky. There was no fog here in the morning. The clouds climbed higher toward the blue sky and you even could take a bite of the air.

Even the memory of the first gong - which was eventually the wake-up call - had already disappeared in just a quarter of hour, and the disciples now lined up for the usual practice. The Sages have always shown a good example by looking at every move of the young with a straight back, with a strict look, and above all with a well-rested face. Most of the disciples, however, suppressed some yawning even during the most serious sword exercises. There were some lucky ones who had been assigned to kitchen service or swept away leaves that had fallen over the previous night along the paths connecting the buildings. It would have been difficult to decide whether they were happy, as combat exercises were compulsory for all disciples. Thus, all who missed the morning chore were forced to make up for it later.

Everyone, who was a disciple of the Shu Sect could fit in the largest, stone-paved courtyard at the same time. However, for some reason, one person preferred one of the nearby clearings. It was just a short walk to this place, somewhere between the Library and the Falcon Watch. Beside the oaks and the yew trees mixed in between there was an old willow, likely because of the tiny spring that broke out of the cliffs that surrounded the clearing. The Sages found the place beautiful and suitable, so the spring's water was collected in a huge rock shed to refresh the visitors. At the other end of the clearing, having no trees that could have covered the view of the mountains and the flying rocks, a huge rock cliff sprawled. Fragrant herbs grew at its feet, and people could sit comfortably on it, especially when sunlight warmed up its surface.

The movements of the lonely disciple apparently were not as sophisticated as her fellows, who were wielding their weapons in the main courtyard. She repeated the moves silently, but after some swinging and spinning she stopped again and again, and she started to scold somebody in a low voice, so that no one could hear. Then she made a few steps aside and restarted the practice and the growl.

She wore a bright dress, which however was unlike the white, long uniform of the Shu disciples. The sleeve of her off-white linen shirt was decorated with several rows of embroidery on a wide band on her shoulder and on another at the wrist. She wore a vest over the shirt, strengthened with seams, naturally more for ornamentation than for effective protection, since it couldn't have resisted the dullest knife. Of course, this wasn't the point. The vest had a single color, but its lace was adorned with tiny tassels, their color matching the embroidery of the shirt. The knee pants were made of a similar material, but only with the lower part embroidered.

The disciple was barefoot, following the expectation of the Sages, and she left her shoes with an upward-curved nose close to the spring. She was apparently no beginner, the jewellery worn on her right hand emitted a steady blue light that sparked sometimes weaker or stronger, depending on how concentrated the disciple was. Although she was expected to do the opposite, she would have been unable to practice without her magic powers. And still it didn't work well either. After so many years she still felt clumsy and weak.

She stopped again, gasping and infuriatingly sweating.

- You promised ... You said you would be strong. Xiao Man, you foolish… - she began to grumble, but her words were interrupted by a blunt gong.

She sighed relieved, but then she glanced at the sword held in her hand, and the smile vanished from her face. She walked down to the spring with her head down, placing the sword next to the stone, and washed with quick movements. She didn't care about getting wet on the neck and not wiping it off. She forgot to bring a towel again. Her hair was worn in several tiny little braids, which were clipped by some small metal buckles. In the braids waterdrop were shining as she bent over for the sword. She raised the weapon high and then cut it to the ground with full force.

But the sword did not fall. It stopped halfway through in the air, bouncing a few times as if it were just teasing her, then headed for the path where one of the Sages stood. Yi Pin wore a much simpler dress compared to the other Sages, his linen robe held by a belt, with a brown-colored calabach hanging from it. He smiled as he caught the sword, but made no comments, only gesturing with his head to the forest.

The girl sighed, then nodded:

- Good morning, grandfather.

She pulled up her shoes and they walked back together.

People say the world was created by Nüwa, the Goddess and Mother Earth, who is protecting people at all costs from the beginning ‘til the end of time and looking after the Earth she has been given to them. She was the one who once separated the lower realm, Netherworld from the people’ realm, and exiled the demons who dared to commit the crime that cried out into the heavens, by seeking to rush down the whole world as they were longing for eternal life. Nüwa's eyes see everything, but as it is, light and dark, white and black always go together. Since then, it has been proved again and again that evil is rising among the people as well, and generations are born among the demons too, who wish for peace, harmony and love. The Goddess knows that only fools judge by the outside. And while flowers are growing in Netherworld, Nüwa's heart does not lose the hope that the realm of humans and demons can live on well together.

The Shu Sect was founded by the Seven Sages to guard order by their united power in the name of the Goddess and never let hope die. At the foot of the mountain in the villages people put down their heads on their rice-stuffed pillows every night with the certainty that the Sect was watching over them too. Over the years, there was only a few occasions when an ignorant foolish thief or robber, who had come from far away caused trouble, but he was easily caught by some well-trained disciples sent from the Mountain. Miao Jing was the town where the Witch Moon Shrine was found, and where the heirs of Goddess Nüwa lived. But when a visitor knocked on their doors in vain, he knew where to look for the Lady and her disciples. Lady Hai Tang has been visiting the Sect many times recently. She said she could not turn her back on the immeasurable knowledge that the Sages guarded. Maybe it was so.

Of course, Xiao Man thought differently. The Lady probably came to an agreement with herself. She finally made the hard decision, when she fenced off a small corner in her heart for the only special man from whom she could hope to receive happiness. Altogether, Xiao Man herself didn't mind that someone is checking out on her grandfather, not letting him be bored. Or drink.

The Mountain was high, frightening during the storms, mysterious at nights, but the villagers did not hesitate to climb the myriad stairs once they were in need. All strange and unknown illnesses or incurable love sorrow, that the village drog master could not cure was considered as emergency. When somebody left in the morning, he reached the mountain top by lunchtime. This was the reason why the disciples on duty had to cook a good portion of rice mush this morning.

Xiao Man followed his grandfather into the kitchen building. The old man filled the calabash, and she picked up some bao and an apple. She put it all on a bamboo tray and sat down on the ground on the wide terrace in front of the entrance. However, she only ate some bites when the old man appeared and settled beside her.

- No tofu pudding? - the old man asked after a few minutes.

- No. - Xiao Man dropped, after another few minutes spent in silence.

The old man just mumbled. He has asked his granddaughter so many times in the recent years and has always received the same answer. He looked at the young girl, who was slowly growing up a woman in front of his eyes, and he would have given years of his own life to see her smile again. Or eat tofu pudding.

He stole a bao from her the plate and stood up moaning heavily.

- I'll find the Lady.

Xiao Man stuffed in the last bites, then went washing. After all, Nüwa's heir must always be ordinary and well-groomed. She put on a clean shirt and tied her small, embroidered bag on her waist. She freed her hairlocks from the metal buckles and as she released them, the braids gratefully patted her back. She lifted from the dressing tablet the headband, that was embroidered with the favorite colors of the Goddess, with tiny silver beads on the yarns, making the whole band discreetly shining in the sunlight. She placed it on her head, pulled the vest laces tighter and left her small room. She didn't look in the mirror. She had no mirror in her room.

With the permission of Tai Wu Sect Chief, when entering the outer gate, visitors who were not explicitly visiting the Sect, but only wanted to speak with a disciple, or wished to ask for Nüwa's blessing, could wait in a side pavilion. When Xiao Man appeared, Hai Tang was already drumming the table with her fingers impatiently.

- Many have arrived. Come on, hurry.

The girl bowed to her and charmed a beautiful smile on her face. The Lady shook her head. This change was too fast to be true. her disciple did what she expected, learned and developed year after year, and she could have seen her as a legitimate heir. Xiao Man did not belie the Goddess, and she treated all strangers who turned to them with her never-ending love and patience. She even heard her laugh many times when children came, and someone had to play with them. Yet something was missing. Xiao Man lost something, and Hai Tang did not find a spell that could have helped found it in three years.

She didn't want one thing. To send her off from her side.

- Lady, this morning I saw some fresh sage grow at the foot of the Stargazer. Can I go later and pick some? Our stock is running out slowly. - she said unexpectedly. But the first visitors were already approaching, so Hai Tang just nodded and beckoned the first woman who came with two boys. She bowed and grabbed both her sons by the hand with an anxious face.

- Blessed be the name of Goddess Nüwa. And blessed be the if she could heal my children.

- Tell me everything. What happened? What's wrong? - Hai Tang waved her hand and in the meantime she watched at the family well.

The woman was apparently a dressmaker, because the dresses of their three were more beautiful and in a better state than those who visited the Mountain in general. The woman seemed healthy, but the children were obviously exhausted.

- The kids can't sleep since days. In the evening, when I put them in bed, only a short time passes, and they wake up. They say they dreamed of bad things, but I ask them in vain. They can't tell what it was. And from that point on nothing helps, not a nice word, some goat's milk, a lullaby, nor the scolding. They just can't rest.

- Sleep is just as important as water and air. Especially for children. - Xiao Man noted, explaining slowly. - Have you been to the drog master? He would certainly have suggested some simple sleeping pills.

- It was my first thing, Little Mistress. But all his drogs were ineffective. He said he was not willing to try a stronger mix because he was worried about the kids.

Xiao Man looked at the Lady. Hai Tang leaned forward.

- What happened to you lately that could frighten the kids?

She shook her head.

- Do you have enough food? Not starving?

Another no.

- Where's your husband?

She hugged the boys' shoulders and smiled bitterly.

- He died three years ago when they defended the village with the others. Since then, we have taken care of each other.

Xiao Man swallowed hard, but she knew what to do and spoke before the Lady.

- We'll ask for Nüwa's intercession. And I make a mixture to make tea for them in the evening. Wait at the rest. I'm coming soon.

- Thank you. – the woman thanked and led the kids away.

Xiao Ma waved to the Lady, then hurried to the Bamboo Shoots Pagoda. They settled in there with the Lady, and they had all the ingredients and tools there at hand to comple their healing missions successfully. She quickly put together a mixture which she knew could bring a calm night and beautiful dreams to the children. While she was working, she was praying to the Goddess, and humming. When she was done, she stepped back with a satisfied smile. Whatever happened, she still enjoyed this task. It only mattered that she could help people, and these times she felt the Goddess as close as when she'd summoned her on rare occasions.

She took the canvas bag and went back to the pavilion. Hai Tang was just saying goodbye to another visitor, but when she saw her, she waved her back.

- Give me the bag. And go back, make another ten doses of medication. Or make it fifteen. Everyone who came today complains about the same. Their kids can't sleep.

- Infection? - she asked scared.

- We do not know yet. Go now, hurry. Until then I'll talk to your grandfather.

Hai Tang was surprised when she found the old man not in the kitchen but in the Great Hall, with the Sect Chief. In addition, their eyes seemed to know something. She greeted them lightly, then stopped in front of them.

- Tai Wu Sect Chief… Yi Pin… Something has happened that we need to talk about urgently.

- Sit down, Hai Tang. - Yi Pin replied immediately, pointing to one of the chairs, where the Sages usually sat. - The Chief knows everything already. There are also some of the disciples who complained about the same. The youngest, of course, those who have not yet lived thirteen springs. None of them can sleep soundly for more than an hour or two.

- Among those we examined today no one could tell, what it was really, that wouldn't let them rest. They are repeating, it was a bad dream.

- Don't worry, Lady. - said Sage Yu Shu, guardian of the Library, as he entered the Great Hall. - We are lucky. The eldest of them remembered what he had seen, before he'd been awaken. Be patient. I've also called for the other Sages. They should hear this too.

The arriving Sages all occupied their seats placed in the center of the room. Hai Tang stood up, despite Yi Pin's protest, and pulled back a little. Qing Shi, Ling Yin and even the white-haired old Tai Wu Sect Chief were waiting for the librarian's report in tense.

- Tang Ti will be thirteen in two months. I don't know how long he has been suffering from this mysterious disease. Earlier, I only saw that he was tired. His eyes with dark circles did not cause me to suspect, as my disciples often struggle when reading a lot because of excessive diligence. But when he kept on falling asleep more and more often during the day and once during lunch, we sat down, and I asked him. He said the dream was coming back every night. Dark clouds surrounded him, cold and fearsome, while incomprehensible voices whispered into his ears, for which he did not find the meaning, just felt that they were not with good intentions. Fortunately, he usually wakes up in a very short time. He told me he didn't feel that he would be seriously harmed, no pain, no trace of any damage to his body. But he can't rest and the stolen minutes during daylight don't help.

- The lack of sleep and the exhaustion with it digest the most basic energies. - Hai Tang added with concern. - Children lose their strength, first the body, then the mind, and finally the soul gives up the fight. They will be completely defenceless against illness and pain. I fear the worst.

The Sages were silent. They all knew what the others were thinking. Everyone knew the dark shadows that tempted people, whether he was the Shu Mountain Sage or a simple villager from the valley. Demons...

The old Sect Chief nodded, and the others turned to him with respect.

- We closed the borders between the people's empire and Netherworld years ago. This means that there are still some malevolent creatures who has managed to hide from Sister Ling Yin's sword so far.

There was an affirming grumble.

- I'll leave right away. - Ling Yin stood up, but the Sect Chief waved her off.

- I didn't mean that, Sister. There’s no use of looking for hoppers among the willow leaves. I'm afraid it won't be that easy. Even if you take half of the disciples with you, you wouldn't know where to look. Demons attacking dreams can hide anywhere. I do not see the point of sharing our forces. Considering the nature of things for the time being, I'm also not sure we can beat them with a sword.

- What do you suggest then, Sect Chief? - the Sister asked.

- Empty some sleeping halls in the Heavenly Star Pagoda, and accommodate all the patients. Lady Hai Tang, we count on the help of Nüwa and the heirs of the Goddess. By tomorrow morning we need to know everything we can.

The voice of rushing steps was heard, and Xiao Man appeared on that note. Since the day she did not wear her bracelet decorated with bells, the noise she'd been moving with dropped significantly. But no matter how scolded she was, whatever the Sages threatened her with, they couldn't keep her from running. She slowed down right in front of the Sect Chief, under the unapproving looks of those present. She wasn’t gasping for air, but her voice shook when she spoke:

- Tang Ti fainted. He just collapsed and I couldn't wake him.

The Sages stood up from their chairs at the same time, only the old Sect Chief stayed.

- Take the disciples. Everyone should be brought here as quickly as possible.

Yi Pin suddenly turned back.

- Sect Chief, you don't think we would...

- Yes, Brother? - Tai Wu raised an eyebrow.

- Since we have closed the borders, no one has checked whether the charm is still intact. Not that I would doubt our united magic, but maybe we should make sure there was no gap in that wall.

- I know you, Brother, maybe you know something I don't?

Xiao Man looked from one Sage to the other. She knew her grandfather could do a lot of things, and without a heart attack he would break the rules of the Sect if he saw it was for a good reason. What happened now?

- Grandfather... You blocked Netherworld forever from the world of people. It is impossible to…

- Heir and blood of Nüwa, since when is there the word impossible in your dictionary?

Xiao Man pulled her mouth and remained silent.

- That's enough. Go, Brother Yi Pin and take Brother Qing Shi with you. Let us reassure ourselves and the others, that everything is fine at the border.

- Yes, Sect Chief. - The old Yi Pin bowed, gesturing with his hand to her granddaughter that they had better leave.

But they barely took a few steps toward the entrance, when the air sparkled and a figure appeared in the middle of the Great Hall, surrounded by azure lightning. He bowed immediately as the lightnings crawled back into the pendant hanging around his neck, which he was holding with two hands. When he spoke smiling, his deep voice filled the Great Hall, making the other Sages and Lady Hai Tang turn, who were already leaving.

- Maybe this won't be necessary, Sect Chief.

Xiao Man however, who was closest to the newcomer, as she noticed who he was, simply was out of breath. She began to feel dizzy, her own heartbeat almost making her deaf and she considered better if she didn't wait but run away.

By the time Long You, king of the demons and Netherworld straightened, she was nowhere. Yi Pin pulled a shoulder, and the smile on Long You’s face turned pale.

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