Susu and Hong Quan stood before the adjudicators; their battle-worn bodies were outlined by the flickering light from the torches lining the room.
Three officials of the Martial Arts Alliance stood opposite them; expressions dour as ever. Each adjudicator bore their rank with solemnity; their robes were decorated with intricate threads that showing their years of service in the Jianghu.
The lead adjudicator, a tall man with more silver than black in his hair, cleared his throat with a cough then nodded after going through the report. “We’ve reviewed your account of the mission and confirmed the identities of your targets. The Phantom Fox Brigade will no longer plague the roads to Faizou.”
As Susu looked at the adjudicators, she wanted to roll her eyes. This is what she hated about the Martial Arts Alliance, the procedures, the questions.
Yes, she understood that they had to ensure that things were done in accordance, but they could’ve at least given them something to eat whilst they conducted this appraisal.
“Iron Fan Lan was a mercenary that transitioned into thievery.” The lead adjudicator said flipping through a scroll that was placed before him. “Ahh…right, his companion, Smiling Snake Min.”
“I guess that’s why she always smiled.” Susu said glumly, unimpressed. “She’s unregistered with the martial arts alliance, just as Iron Fan Lan. However, she’s known in certain circles due to her association with Lan,”
“She fought with an unknown whip style…I’ve never seen before.” Susu added, “What sect does she come from?”
“We don’t know, the adjudicator to the left said. “She has no ties to any known sect. Which means her roots have sprouted from a secluded sect.”
Hong Quan’s eyebrows arched as he exchanged a quick glance with Susu. A secluded sect, they treated with reverence and disdain. Many legendary figures from within the Jianghu from them.
Susu forced a smile on her face and nodded, “ahh…I see,” Keeping the toxicology manual was the right decision.
The adjudicator nodded to a sentry in the corner and the sentry disappeared. “Susu The Scorpion Maiden…Cold Steel Hong Quan,” we thank you contribution and hold you in high regard.”
“Spare me the pleasantries,” Susu snapped, unwittingly.
A long pause of silence resonated throughout the room. The adjudicators eyed Susu with contempt, annoyance but mostly intolerance.
She was used to it, and she didn’t care. She was more than strong enough to fight a room of adjudicators on her own.
The lead adjudicator scoffed a laugh and shook his head. “I’ve long heard of your temper…warranted I might add.”
“…so, you say.”
“I speak with sincerity when I say this Scorpion Maiden. What you and Cold Steel have done has truly done wonders for us here in Sichuan. You’re aware of the imperial family’s death, yes?”
“I’ve heard the whispers, but there haven’t been official announcements from the government.”
“…right. Now that the Phantom Fox Brigade has fallen, it will lift people spirits, they have been terrorising that corridor for the past eight months. Despite the chaos that’s about to enshroud Huaxia, justice being distributed…will send a message, not just to villains, but Huaxia itself.”
Susu wanted to roll her eyes, they speak justice bringing peace to Huaxia through, but if they knew that Zhao Li was an Axsumite, they would kill her instantly. Pretty words meant nothing. This is why she disliked the Martial Arts Alliance…politics.
She was a martial artist, nothing more…nothing less. She did what she felt was right, as her master taught her, and because of that Zhao Li was now in her care…and that motivated her.
“…right, please distribute the points evenly between the Heavy Sword Sect and Purple Mist Sect.” Susu added,
“Purple Mist Sect?” The adjudicator on the left asked, confused.
“Zhao Xing’s newly created sect, I believe he’s your martial brother, yes?” The adjudicator on the right asked.
“Yes, and yes.”
“I see…interesting, never thought the day Shredding Claw Xing would have his own sect, by Bodhidharma’s light, there is a chance for Huaxia to be enlightened.”
She nodded to the adjudicator, who went on to present their reward: a simple leather pouch containing ten silver coins. Their mission had been perilous, yet rewards were given sparingly by the Alliance.
“…anyways,” Susu said, unbothered. “Will the bounty points be disbursed even to my disciples?”
“Of course, would you be interested in retaking your Qi quantifying test? I see your still registered as Divination Realm.”
“No…this will be my last bounty. I have no interest in doing these missions any longer.”
“What?!” the lead adjudicator scoffed, “you’re needed.”
“To clean up the imperial family’s weaknesses? I think not.”
“BAN—“
“…before you speak any further. I will remind you…all of you here remind me that I am Parsonian…Huaxia’s problems are not mine. I live here. That is it!”
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“Susu!” Quan interjected.
“Cold Steel…I have done my share to earn the respect of the martial arts alliance. I just want to protect my daughter.”
“I know,” He replied.
A resolute silence followed and the room grew thick of anxiety. Not from Susu, she couldn’t care, she would fight all of them if they disrespected her master.
They wouldn’t, he was known as Gentleman Chaoxiang. He might not be a stellar martial artist like the greats from the Wudang Sect or the Shaolin Temple, but he was an amazing in his own right.
“Your contributions have been noted Susu the Scorpion Maiden…you’ve done more than required of anyone. Even your master.” The adjudicator said, he turned his head and motioned to a scribe to record their presence, then dismissed them. “You are free to go.”
The attendant was there with a tray the moment they turned, he stretched out his hand with the tray and it had two pouches on it. Susu collected the first and Quan collected the second.
Both of them left the room, offering a bow of respect, then exited the chambers. They made their way onto city streets of Sichuan.
It was still early morning and the sun’s rays bathed the city in its golden hue, casting long shadows across the stones and creating an illusion of peace amidst the ever-present undercurrents of intrigue.
“Well,” Hong Quan huffed with a faint grin. “Ten silver coins for nearly dying twice. How generous of them.”
“At least we know the true value of our lives.” Susu laughed.
They made their way through the streets to the inn where Luan and the others were staying. As she went up the stairs to her room, Quan gave her a nod and they separated into their own camps.
The moment Quan left her, a pang of concern washed over regarding Liu Fang’s condition. When she entered the room, her disciples were gathered in a corner of the common room, speaking in hushed tones. They looked up at her arrival, expressions a mix of relief and worry.
The disciples rose from their corner of worry and bowed to Susu. “Welcome back Master,” They all said in unison.
“How’s Liu Fang?” she asked.
“We’re worried Master, Mei Ling thinks he needs to see someone that has more experience than him. We took him to all of the physicians within the city, but none were familiar with the poison that was used on him.”
“I see, did the Martial Art Alliance highlight any toxicologist available?”
“There’s none, we have to wait five days for them to return from a mission.”
“Five days? That won’t work…everyone takes turns taking care of Liu Fang, write down what Ming Lei tells you to do. We leave at dusk, get some rest.”
“Yes Master.”
Susu left the room and entered the next room. Ming Lei was lying down on the bed, browsing through what seems to be a note book. Brother Ying must’ve given him as much notes as possible.
“Ming Lei, I have something for you.” Susu said firmly.
Ming Lei jumped out the bed and bowed reverently, “Master Susu, I didn’t hear you enter,”
“You weren’t meant to hear me. I suggest you meditate more to feel everything around you to sense what little is made, that way you will know someone has entered your room, understood?”
“Yes Master,”
“Good…come, I have something that may help Liu Fang.”
Ming Lei eyes ogled in surprise. Susu pulled the Smiling Snake’s to toxicology manual from her robes and handed it to Ming Lei.
The man’s eyes widened even more, completely stupefied by the sight of the manual. He opened the and began turning its pages.
“Interesting, ye?”
“Quite…”
“This manual belonged to Smiling Snake Min…She was a poison master who created the poison used on Liu Fang. Her sect affiliation is unknown, the possibility of being a reclusive sect is high. If word of its existence gets out, that very sect may look for its content, keep it between you and Master Ying, understood?”
“I understand, Master,” he said with a bow.
“Good…where’s Zhao Li and Luan?”
“In your room Master.”
“I see, thank you. Also, I almost forgot, prep Liu Fang for us to leave at dawn, the rest of you are returning to the sect.”
“Master we just arrived.”
“Do you not care for Liu Fang?”
“Of course Master bu—“
“Look,” Susu said, interrupting him. “I’m not willing to wait five days for a toxicologist to return.”
“Yes Master”
Susu turned around and walked towards the door, prepare to leave at dawn,”
“Understood Master.”
Susu walked a room down and entered her quarters where Zhao Li was lying down on the bed. “Its me Luan,’ She said calmly.
Luan dropped from the roof with a thud. He stood up then bowed, cupping his fist together, “welcome back master,”
“Is she ok?”
“Xiao Li is fine master,”
“Has she eaten anything?”
“Just breakfast…”
“Understood, get some rest we’ll be leaving at dawn,”
“Dawn?”
“Yes, I’m not willing to wait for the toxicologist to return, we have to get Liu Fang back to the valley. Master Ying will tend to him.”
“But the valley is one week away.”
“It isn’t, you can reach they’re in three days, hence why we’ll be traveling by night. The horses won’t get thirsty as fast. In the day you will take more breaks than at night, but give the horses six hours rest during the day. Push mostly at night. Try to sell my carriage and take one of horses, that will make it easier on your journey. Mr and Li’er will only need one horse for our trip, alright?”
“You’re not coming with us?”
“You know this Luan; I will be taking care of Li’er. You’re an adult now, a full-time warrior within the Martial Arts Alliance. You’re the lead disciple of the Purple Mist Sect…saving Liu Fang is child’s play for you.”
Luan didn’t answer, he stood there resolute. The daze he held in his eyes turned to coldness. He knows what he has to do, Susu thought.
“I will sort things out for our departure,”
“Good.”
Susu approached the bed and looked at Zhao Li curled up, she stirred for an hour before waking. She opened her eyes and smiled when she saw Susu, but the smile dissipated as if to keep her emotions in check. “Li'er,” Susu said softly, sitting on the edge of the bed. “Are you ok?”
Zhao Li turned to face her, eyes glistening with unshed tears. "=” Mo…Lady Susu…those men…they died so quickly.”
A bitter smile appeared on Susu’s lip, but deep within her chest, her heart ached. She tried to shield Li’er from violence, but circumstances hadn’t permitted it. “Li’er I’m sorry you had to see me fight. I’m sorry you had to see men die. I’m sorry about everything.” She spoke.
Susu caressed Li’er’s hand and looked her in the eye. Li’er eyes were filled with fright and Susu feel her heart sink into her stomach.
“I won’t ever put you in such a vulnerable position again. I promise.”
She stroked her hair and for the first time Zhao Li let her emotions go. She hugged Susu and began to sob.
Susu began to hum an old lullaby her mother hummed to her, she wasn’t sure if it was a Parsonian lullaby or a Huaxian lullaby, she just knew the lullaby soothed her whenever her mother hummed it to her.
An hour passed and Li’er finally fell asleep. Susu tucked her in and made her way to Liu Fang’s room. The young disciple lay pale against the pillows, his eyes fluttered open as she approached. “Master...” he mumbled, trying to sit up.
“Lie still,” Susu commanded gently, taking a seat beside his bed. “I’m sorry, Liu Fang. A master's duty is to protect her disciples, to guide them safely along the path. I’ve failed you.”
“No,” Liu Fang protested weakly, his words slightly slurred. “Luan is right... I was careless. Too eager to prove myself...I should have been more cautious.”
“I see…you’ve spoken to Luan.” Susu said, wiping away his tear with her sleeve. “Do you believe his words to be true?”
“I do, pounced ignoring Brother’s Zhen’s word of caution alerting the bandits to my position.”
“I see, Luan wasn’t too angry with you?”
A slur-like smile appeared on his face. “Brother Luan was very angry Master…but I know him too well, he’s most angry with himself.”
“I sense that as well.”
The two didn’t speak much, nor did they exchange words for an hour, she let him rest. Then she got up and gave him an encouraging squeeze. “We leave at dawn, prepare yourself. You’re heading back to the sect.”
