Return - A Chinese Paladin 5 Fanfiction - Chapter 2




During the few thousand years since Nüwa exiled the demons into their own world, the two nations fought countless battles, innocents fell uncounted, and even the Goddess herself was uncertain about the outcome of the last battle, that was fought just around three years ago. Who ever would have given a single piece of copper to bet on some demons to come together with a handful of people for peace, and to overcome those with evil intentions, let them be the descendants from one world or the other.
Long You didn't ask the Sages why they agreed so easily, that they would close the borders between the two worlds upon his own request at the very moment they disappeared between the pillars of the Dragon Circle with his soldiers. As a gentleman he made a diplomatic offer, and the Sect Chief highly appreciated the courtesy of the new king. But none of them had illusions. The fight together taught them that light is never dazzling white under Nüwa's sky, just as the shadows are not hell-black either. They knew that the borders woven from the charms of Shu Mountain would not keep the real evil forever. No matter from which direction it would break through.
Arriving home, he had no time to think. He had to rebuild from dust an empire, whose inhabitants now only wished to live after the suffering of a millennium. And it's hard to live. They had to learn again, that there was water, fresh air, sunshine, and peace. The lands were cultivated, the ruins were cleared in the royal town, and it was renamed from the City of Sacrifice to the City of Hope. As time passed, it became even harder for him to preserve his old self while being a king. Somehow, he managed to remain the proud, determined young man who did not let the daily worries distract his attention from the beauty of memories and the perpetual remorse coming from remembrance.
Because he didn't want to forget. There was not even one during the time he spent in the people’s realm he would have regretted. Not even those filled with tears and pain. But he has regretted his decision many times already.
In the evenings, when his loyal counsellors bowing deep closed the doors of the royal suite behind him , and he was left alone, the memories burst upon him, and he was often tempted to break his promise. He woke up in the morning scolding himself of course for getting weak. It was a long three-year period, and finally he could hardly believe, that he had really heard the voice he had been waiting for so long. He delayed a bit just because, before he went to the Sacred Fountains. Then he took his talisman with serpent fangs, which served as a focus for the travelling charm, and began to conjure with his thin fingers.
His heart was beating in his throat when he arrived, but he tried to cover the excitement with cool courtesy. Well, it seemed worrying was unnecessary for the time being. The opportunity was just running away in front of his eyes, unusually quietly.
Yi Pin cleared his throat, and Long You came from the daze.
- Your Majesty... What news from the other side? - said the old man and sipped quickly from his calabash.
The Sect Chief waved back the Sages, who returned to their places, keeping their eyes on the demon king. Long You just stood firmly in the middle of the room until they sat down, and he watched them.
Tai Wu sighed heavily.
- Where were we… Brother Yi Pin? I think you were worried that the spell protecting our borders is not strong enough…
- Yi Pin… You rascal, what have you done again? - Hai Tang hit the old man in the back.
Ling Yin watched the demon king with a stiff face so far, but now he took a deep breath. However, he didn't speak finally, because he couldn't afford to be as outspoken as the Lady.
- All right, all right... I didn't do anything wrong. Just... I didn't want to deprive ourselves of the opportunity to call for help... I mean... well, from there... In case we needed.
- Brother Yi Pin, I don't quite understand. We should talk more about that for sure. But let me see. If I am right, the problems started around three weeks ago… Maybe with the last full moon?
- That's right. - Hai Tang added quickly. - Those I spoke to said that also.
Long You saw the time right to speak. He only made one step forward, folding his hands behind his back, but it was enough for everyone to turn to him and pay attention.
- The guards I entrusted to keep watch on the borders reported exactly at the last full moon, that they felt something strange around the spell. When I examined the borderline myself, I knew immediately that there was less power in the charm. I immediately ordered the most reliable team to keep watch of course. No one and no thing have ever crossed the borders from Netherworld since then. I'll take responsibility.
- I still don't understand, how Brother Yi Pin weakened the spell. - the Sect Chief mumbled. - I believe your word, Long You. Unfortunately, it will be more difficult to find out the source of our problems.
- I came to help you. Whatever it is.
- Thank you, Your Majesty. Then Yi Pin will be so kind and tell you the details. Until then, I'll explore with the others the energy left in the spell. Then I'll have a talk with Brother Yi Pin.
The Sages left the Great Hall following the Sect Chief. There was something on Ling Yin's face that could possibly have been discovered with seeing lens being a shadow of a smile, and she made a tiny movement with her head toward Long You as she walked past him. The king bowed to the young woman and followed her with his eyes for a while.

Yi Pin was eager to stay alone. Then, he laughed and patted the other's shoulder.
- Long You, it's so good to see you. How is it going? Is the crown heavy?
The young man smiled back.
- I won’t deny, I'm very happy to be here. Just as being invited. It was a great excuse to come here.
- Invitation? - the old man looked at him eyes wide. - What kind of invitation?
- After so many years, I suddenly heard voices one night.  Someone said I am needed. And then, at full moon, a rupture appeared on the fabric of the spell. I thought it would be better to secure the gateway first, and I came only after. Though I already missed the tofu pudding cooked on Shu Mountain.
The Sage grimaced with darkened eyes.
- I don't often eat that lately either.
Long You sighed. He didn't smile any more.
- Enough of fun. What happened at full moon?
- Let's go. We need to have a drink for that.
Yi Pin's room was in the eastern wing of Heavenly Star Pagoda, accidentally or deliberately the farthest from the central buildings of the Sect, its windows and the terrace attached to it facing the floating rocks of Shu Mountain, and a bamboo forest. He offered the king a seat, then went inside just to return with two jugs of wine in his hand. He pushed one in Long You's hands and then sat down on the wide pillow. He dropped the corkscrew decorated with a red cloth on the carpet and lifted the jug.
- To friendship!
Long You nodded with a smile, touched his own jug to the old man’s and took a deep drink.
- I am honoured, Master. Your friendship is indeed a treasure.
- But not the most cherished one, right? - Yi Pin asked back, grinning.
As silence settled between them, the wind drove the voice of the beacons from the bamboo forest to them. Long You sighed. He didn't imagine his return like this. The behavior of the Sages was no surprise, he would never have never expected them to receive him with outrageous joy and jubilation. After all, he was a demon. As he did not expect Ling Yin to greet him with a friendlier welcome than necessary either. But he didn't understand why Xiao Man was acting like that. He only saw a runaway smudge from the corner of his eyes, a little bit dimmer and quieter than usual. He recognised her immediately, he knew exactly that it was her, because he felt the power coming from the girl already at the border of the two worlds. This power had colors and scent, soft and fresh, like a rainfall at dawn. He knew it just like his own.
He counted on the old Master, he only had to wait until he tells him what happened. He took a sip of his wine.
- It would be nice to sit here until the moon comes up ... I always loved to drink with you, Master.  I missed our talks about the great questions of life…
- But now you could really ask the question that drives you mad, Long You. - the other cut off his words, and he almost chocked on the wine. He started coughing and quickly put the jug down of his hand.
He took a deep breath:
- Master, I just want to know what happened. We made the decision on a common will to close the borders. But now a force has emerged that is more powerful than ours. The least we could find out, what it is, destroy it, if it approaches with evil intentions, and then close the borders again.
Yi Pin only shook his head.
- I thought you would be wiser than that. How long have you been so careful and meticulous? Your curiosity is eating you up, I can see you…
- I do not understand what you mean. - said the king, but his smile was not convincing. – I should be going now. I want to talk to the Sect Chief.
He stood up and was already at the door when the old man called after him.
- My granddaughter called you, you did hear her, right? Her words opened the gateway.
Long You turned back like as if he was stabbed with a dagger and threw himself down next to the old man so that he even pushed off the wine jug.
- Xiao Man… but still… how?
- I couldn't stand it anymore. - Yi Pin moaned and could only continue after a few long sips. - You didn't see her. You didn't hear… At first we thought everything was alright… Hai Tang had brought my granddaughter back to the Witch Moon Shrine to finish her training. But after a few weeks she was forced to return to Shu Mountain. I… I don't know exactly what happened to her… Hai Tang only allowed me to ask her when Xiao Man completely regained her strength. The Lady said she would curse me, so that I could never have a drink anymore, if I force it. Then a few months of peace came. But I already felt something had changed.
Long You lowered his head but did not stop the old man. Yet he was afraid to hear what could come.
- My granddaughter didn't say anything, and I couldn't ask anything. My conscience tortured me, for I couldn't help. I just watched as she became calm and thoughtful, as she did everything she was told, she joined the disciples without question, as she did sword practice barefoot day by day, as she obeyed and didn’t talk back…
The jar was empty, so Yi Pin reached for the other.
- I couldn't stand any more ... - he continued with clouds in his eyes. - We all wanted her to grow up, but even more to be happy.  And she wasn't happy from the day on, when… So I got myself together and I added to the magic of the Sages a separate spell that opens a gap in the wall if… if Xiao Man…
Long You grabbed the front of the Master's dress and yanked it:
- If what...? If she does what?
- If she says your name! - the old man yelled with tearful eyes. - What should I have done? She never talked about you in these three years, do you understand? Not once. She even left the Mountain immediately, when someone deliberated brought up Netherworld or the king of demons. However, in the days before the full moon, her strength seemed to have left her, because she cried over the nights again. She did not eat, did not drink, but she kept on saying that she should have never stopped crying. That everything would have been different if she had cried on…
Yi Pin couldn't bear to talk any longer. But Long You couldn't speak either. In fact, he had no idea what to say. He had to think it over again. He wanted to stand up, but the old man took his hand.
- So much has happened... I didn't want her to be hurt. I knew she would say your name once again. And I trusted you to come and save her.
- Master…
- Forgive, my son, this cowardly drunken old man. And go now. I leave it to you, what you tell the Sect Chief. I am aware that I have committed a crime, that I endangered the safety of humankind. I deserve and accept the penalty.
Long You was stunned for a while, but Yi Pin turned back to the wine jug and didn't care about him any longer. He rubbed his eyes and left to find the Sages.

To walk on among the proud pagodas of Shu Mountain was not as easy as Long You thought. He turned around a corner, pushed a down-hanging tree branch out of his way, passed by some stone lanterns, and who knows how, he finally stood in front of the Library. He stopped. He could not decide whether to enter and find his old Master, Yu Shu, or to stick to his original plan and talk to the Sect Chief. His hands clasped behind his back he lowered his head clueless.
Lady Hai Tang saved him from insecurity.
- Long You… At last, I've been looking for you everywhere. Come. - she said without any greeting, simply grabbing his arm, and before he blinked two, she dragged him back to the Heavenly Star Pagoda.
The Sect Chief's request was granted by the disciples as quickly as possible. There was no murmur, everyone already heard what happened to Tang Ti. The selected rooms were emptied in minutes and those who arrived on the mountain that day were escorted to the empty rooms. The disciples assigned to the task were running to and fro with bedding, blankets and water jugs in their hands. Hai Tang's rigorous look checked at everyone who got in her way, but she didn't stop for a minute, and would not let go of Long You's arm even for the world. She just pulled him further, through the corridors and rooms.
She once shouted impatiently:
-Xiao Man… Xiao Man… where are you?
- I'm here, next to Tang Ti.
The answer came from the right, and although the walls muted it, they did not remain without effects, because the legs of Long You suddenly stumbled and didn't want to go any further.
- Come on… Hurry… - the Lady nudged and pushed him into the room.
The room was spacious, with a little furniture, and now ever those have been put aside by the walls to be able move more freely. The incense had already been lit, tea was steaming in a pot set on a low table beside the bed, and Xiao Man was wiping the boy's forehead with a cloth soaked in herbal water. Not looking back, she noted:
- He hasn't come to ever since. I tried to wake him up but failed. There is no fever, but no response either. Master, what else could we try?
She took the bowl and stood up. As she turned around and noticed who was standing in front of her, her eyes widened, and the bowl dropped out of her hand. Luckily, Hai Tang was on guard, with her outstretched hand sending a spell to the water bowl and catching it in the air. Thus, only the cloth fell to the ground.
Long You just watched the girl who stood his gaze paralized, and he did not dare to move. He had three years to figure out and plan what he would do and what he would say if they met again. However, every single opportunity, every dream was about them being alone. All without the army of demon soldiers, the Sages and disciples of Shu Mountain standing behind them, like last time. He didn't even think about the circumstances bringing them together when the only one possibility was a polite greeting. His body and soul were bound by the presence of Lady Hai Tang. All he could do was look deep into Xiao Man's eyes and hoped the girl would notice at least some of the emotions that swirled in him.
Xiao Man wasn’t in a much easier position either. The last time she saw the man, they said goodbye among the stone pillars of the Dragon Circle in tears. If Long You would have appeared again, even one day later, she probably would have greeted him with out-bursting happiness, in laughter, jumping on him without thinking. Instead, with the days and weeks slipping away she could do nothing but slowly get rid of her storm-like revelation of emotions, get rid of jumping and after some time of laughing too. She left behind not only the colorful clothes and the sparkling, clinking-clanking jewellery, but also her hopes. Every time she allowed herself to dream a little, she only brought suffering and pain upon herself, and above all it burst on her with the force of a flood, crushing and smashing the disciplines she forced upon herself with gritting teeth. She was unable to deny her duty that identified her life as the heir of Nüwa. But it took longer each time to gather her strength and to calm her soul. No wonder her grandfather didn't let her go, and Hai Tang was always in control of her. Xiao Man herself felt that she could even lose Nüwa's support with the next rush. Why would the Goddess waste her blessing on an heir who hides in a corner as a trembling crybaby for a single man, when she should serve the whole of humankind?
She peeked at the Lady with one eye, who was switching her gaze to and fro between them. Then she looked back at him, swallowed, and finally nodded.
Long You returned the gesture likewise.
Ms. Hai Tang cleared her throat, then grimaced with impatience. She has not been successful yet. Maybe next time…
- We need to wait, Xiao Man. For the time being, the most important thing is to accommodate everyone. We need to examine each patient carefully to see, if there is any clue that we can use to find the cure. Long You, have you seen anything this before?
The king winced when he heard his name. He blinked and tried to pretend he hadn't behaved like a fool in the last few minutes. He walked past Nüwa's heirs and leaned over the young boy. Behind Tang Ti's tightly closed eyelids his eyes were still motionless. He certainly didn't dream of anything. His breathing was slow, too slow to be healthy. Long You pulled up the sleeve of his shirt so that it wouldn't bother him and felt his heartbeat on the neck. Powerless, weak beats. But at least, life was still sparkling in him. He straightened up and summoned a spell of light with a handful of gentle gestures,and led its pale blue light from the boy's head to his feet. Then he shook his head and looked up at the Lady.
- I suppose there’s no need to say that I detect a demonic spell. The larger problem is that it also has some human charm. It seems like some mixed magic has affected him... I don't understand.
- I'd like you to see the others. Fortunately, they're still awake… Xiao Man, you go too, and come back only if you know the condition of them all. Tang Ti is my problem now, I have one or two ideas to try first.
The girl tried to shake her head without being obvious, but of course failed, and she only managed to have some disappointment appear in the eyes of Long You. She immediately regretted the move.
- I go. - she said quietly and headed to the other room. The man followed silently.

The bedrooms reserved for the disciples were almost alike, and Xiao Man suddenly noticed that she had no idea how many patients they have visited so far. She questioned the children and the parents who accompanied them. But she didn't get to know anything new. Long You stopped at the doorway, and when she finished, he chanted the spell again and again only to get the same result. He saw the girl getting more and more disappointed, though she treated the children with patience and kindness, who immediately gave her their trust and talked easily.
When they stepped out to the hallway and she saw that only one door was left, Xiao Man paused for a moment. The hand of Long You almost immediately made an involuntary move to touch, but the girl began to whisper a prayer, so the moment passed, and the hand stopped in the air.
- Goddess Nüwa, I beg you to help me. - Xiao Man murmured. - I am clueless and stupid, not worthy of you. But we must save these kids. I need you.
She stood with her head down in front of the door, but nothing happened. Long You spoke with astonishment:
- Nüwa is now…
- She doesn't always answer. - Xiao Man pulled a shoulder, as if it were a natural thing. - But we cannot give up our faith and trust in the Goddess. She will help.
Maybe it is no coincidence that you are here either, she thought, but she would not have said it out loud for all the treasures of the realms.
Entering the last room, he immediately felt that this was different. Long You didn't stop at the door as before. After a few long steps, he got next to the bed and knelt beside the boy.
- Your Majesty… - the woman greeted her, and when Xiao Man looked at her more thoroughly, she was quite sure that they were demons.
They probably belonged to those who asked refuge at the Shu Sect after the last battle and did not follow their king to Netherworld.
Long You took the boy's hand, who turned his head and smiled at him. His glittering eyes were as green as the spring grass after rain.
- You came to look after me? - he asked in a thin voice, so his mother moved closer to silence him, but the man just waved.
- I've come to meet you. I can't promise you that I'll always take care of you, but if you tell me a little about yourself, I promise I'll help you.
Xiao Man stepped closer. She was fascinated by the kindness that Long You had with the child and felt something starting to warm her up from the sole of her shoes up to her headband.
- Can I stay here? Is this my room? And do you promise me that I don’t have to sleep?
Long You was surprised at the question, but quickly replied:
- Of course. But you should take a rest, why don't you want to sleep?
- Flame Flower said… she said that if I fell asleep, she would take me to another place where I would be much happier. But I don't want to go. I want to stay with mother.
The three adults looked at each other with astonishment.
- Who is this Flame Flower? - Long You asked. - When did you meet?
- I do not know her. She wears white and red clothes and visits every night when my mother leaves the room. I do not like her.
- I understand. I'll leave you now and I'll be back soon, okay?
He stroked the boy's head, then stood up. He nodded to the woman, then walked out of the room. Xiao Man followed.
 Long You walked out of the building and stopped in the garden at the first resting bench that came in his way. Thoughts were running back and forth in his head as he tried to find something to grab in this mystery. He run through again and again what he had learned so far, but he simply could not get on. He sat down disappointed and rubbed his forehead. He winced when he saw two legs in front of him.
- Xiao Man…? I did not hear you…
- Make sure to tell Master Ling Yin. Let her finally be proud.
He looked up at her and felt his every part trembling with the desire to hug her tightly. But Xiao Man just looked at the flowers beside the bench and didn't move. So, he took a deep breath and tried to rule himself.
- What do you think? What could be what threatens us?
- Before we entered the last room, I was sure that something attacked the children, at least. I thought at least this one thing was certain. But now I'm completely confused. If it swore a revenge on people, why would it hurt demons? And the same backwards? This does not make sense. - he frustrated kicked a pebble.
- Maybe we didn't notice something. Something tiny, an insignificant thing that’s the same with every little boy…
Xiao Man groaned.
- This is it. You got it!
- What is it?
Long You jumped up from the bench excitedly, but the distance between them dropped to a few centimeters. Under the girl's feet, the little pebbles scattered on the path as she wanted to step backwards involuntarily, but he was faster. He took her arm and Xiao Man stiffened.
She didn't look up. She had been so brave before, blindly trusting in Goddess Nüwa, facing anything that fate had brought to her feet. But as she learned to be patient and disciplined, she had to bring some thoughtfulness into her courage. And at this moment her mind had already whispered to her that they were alone. No matter how much she tried to avoid this, to be prepared to settle her thoughts before looking into Long You's eyes, she stood here before him, and had no idea what would be the right behavior.
Long You noticed that she had really changed. She was undeniably a half head higher, her face slightly leaner, but not so much that it would affect her beauty. Her hair was still shining black as the night, and although she apparently dressed more grown-up, she didn't deny the traditions of the heirs of the Goddess. Perhaps it was the only conspicuous thing that there was more blue in the colored decorations than he remembered. Xiao Man did not move, and he wanted to see the stars in her eyes so much that he could not stand still, let go of her arm, and turned her face toward him.
- What did you want to say? - he asked softly, looking deep in her eyes.
Xiao Man felt that some magic was hiding in the touch of Long You, that’s why it twitched her skin and she felt his palm so hot on her face. But now that he touched her, she could at least be sure she hadn't dreamed up until now. Tears ran into her eyes as she said:
- You came back ... you really came back ...
In the next moment, Long You embraced her so tight that she could barely breath. But she didn't mind, she felt for three years that she was suffocating. He stroked her hair, and the feeling was so familiar for him, that he thought for a moment they had fallen into a time trap, and the wheel of fate had pushed them back into the past.
- Xiao Man… I promised… And I did what you asked… I didn't forget you…
She felt his chest trembling with every breath and heard his heart beating loud. She took a big breath to command back the tears that tried to burst out. After all, they had important things to do. With one last sigh, she pushed him away.
- Long You… We have to go back. I found out what we overlooked. How many girls have we examined today?
- None… - he realized. – I didn’t notice…
- You must have paid attention at something else. - Xiao Man smiled and strange lights gleamed in her eyes. - Let's go, let’s tell it to the Lady.
She pulled herself out and walked back on the path, but then stopped and looked back. As Long You moved to catch up with her, she went on with relief and smiled broadly.

Lady Hai Tang and Yi Pin were chatting excited in front of the Heavenly Star Pagoda standing on the stairs. So, they only noticed in the last minute that Xiao Man and Long You had returned together. Their words were cut off immediately.
The king bowed lightly and didn't bother that those two were staring at the girl for some reason.
- Master... Lady... We found a hint which we could start on. Maybe we should tell the Sect Chief…
- Master Tai Wu and the other Brothers all went to the Dragon Circle to examine the borders.
- Everybody? - Long You wondered. - But who protects the Sect?
- Master Ling Yin stayed here. - Hai Tang said. - We can talk to her.
Xiao Man tried to glance at the king's face without being noticed, but as she raised her eyes, Long You was already watching her. He said nothing but a smile was hiding in the corner of his mouth. The girl turned quickly. She didn't know why she was tempted to search for his thoughts at the moment when the Lady mentioned Ling Yin's name. In any case, she felt strange, and she headed toward the Master Pagoda.
Long You took a deep breath as the others turned his back on him. The last time he was in the Pagoda of Living Light, Ling Yin wounded him in a duel during a trial. Though a lot of things happened back then, and finally they said goodbye as friends, Long You was forced to admit to himself being concerned. The years haven’t passed without traces over Xiao Man either, who knows what changes were brought into the Master's life. He tried to banish all his thoughts from his head, but when they crossed the gate above the high threshold and heard the whisper of a bamboo grove expanding in the garden, the memories clinged upon him. Maybe his pride made him take those two kisses, but he had regretted it all since then. He began to recite the mantra of Shu Mountain in his head, so that at the time they stand before the Master, at least his eyes should not betray what he was thinking.
- Master Ling Yin ... Master Ling Yin ... - Xiao Man called her, and the woman hurried ahead to greet them.
- What happened? - she asked patiently.
- Master, we examined everyone. - Xiao Man explained. - It turned out that the spell that infected them was both human and demonic. Unfortunately, Tang Ti did not come to himself. And it is also suspicious that only boys became ill.
Ling Yin nodded appreciatively.
- Thank you, Xiao Man. As I guessed, the issue is larger than we thought.
- Sister, have you received a message from the Sect Chief? - Yi Pin asked.
- Unfortunately, not.
- I don't think we can find the answer at the border. - Long You remarked as the others became silent. - Certainly nothing came through from Netherworld. The source of the spell comes from the realm of people.
- But Xiao Man said it was both human and demonic.
Long You nodded.
- That's right. But we all know that demons have remained here after the battle against Kumu, accepted by the human world with the permission of the Sect Chief. Unfortunately, I'm afraid someone has taken advantage of having access to demonic forces and energies.
- Lady, almost 30 children are already sick. -  Xiao Man worried. - And we have no idea how we can protect the others. We should talk to Goddess Nüwa.
Long You did not overlook the fact that the girl did not start to do magic at once to summon the Heavenly Snake Staff she received from the Goddess. Instead, she looked at Lady Hai Tang, waiting for her approval.
Hai Tang nodded.
- We go back to the Witch Moon Shrine. We ask the Goddess for advice. Master Ling Yin, please, pass the message to the Sect Chief. Wait for us. By the time we return, we will be smarter.
- It takes four days to return. - Xiao Man remarked softly, and his grandfather raised his eyebrows, when he heard the hidden disappointment in her voice.
- And?  - the lady answered. - Maybe you have something else to do, girl? - You don’t want to waste time to travel?
Xiao Man swallowed hard, but quickly cut herself out. - Full moon is here again in two days. Maybe something happens to the kids while we're not here.
- Don't worry about that. - Long You calmed her down, placing his hand on the pendant hanging around his neck. - We are there in a moment.
- Hurry. - Ling Yin pulled back as the charm began to shine between the man's fingers. - I'm worried about this, too, like Xiao Man. Take care. - she added when those three were already surrounded by blue lightning. Long You nodded and they were gone in a blink of an eye.

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