Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Epic Tale : Twin Sword ❯ Fang Yu Jie ( Chapter 7 )

Chapter 7

Fang Yu Jie

 

 

Act 1

 

Few days later, near Hang Zhou City

 

Yu Jie sat inside the horse cart, which carried them from south region of Zhou and now headed to Hang Zhou. She was lost in her thought as her eyes stared blank to the outside of the window. Since their travel started from Hainan, she couldn't stop thinking about Shuhao and her memories of him. Those memories were sweet but also distressing when she remembered their rotten relationship in these last days.

 

Sat next to the girl, Mr. Fang managed to notice his daughter's strange behavior. These last few days, she became quiet. Her velvet and melodic voice, which always fill their days while in Hainan, didn't appear as if it was swallowed. Her sweet smile disappeared and he always caught her lost in thought.

 

“Yu Jie,” he called her gently. His daughter turned to face him and forced herself to give a slight smile. “Yes?”

 

“Are you alright?”

 

Yu Jie's smile widened, amused at her father's words. “Why you ask that?” she didn't answer him. His father held her shoulder and pulled her close to him. Her head rest on his chest now. “I see… You were thinking about that young man,” he spoke out his guess but she didn't reply.

 

“My… my… It seems that my daughter already grown up,” he smiled at her. “I still remember holding you in my arms. I was feeding you with your favorite red bean soup. You were a child, not even able to speak yet.”

 

Listening to him, she smiled while recalled the memory. “Yes, I remember it clearly. At that age, I used to play the food you gave me inside my mouth and hardly swallowed them.” His father let out a laugh. “You were bold, indeed.” She agreed with that.

 

Silenced for a while, Mr. Fang stroke his daughter's bangs. He spoke in soft tone, “Don't worry. You will find a man who loves you.” He kissed her forehead. “….thus he will gives you his own life.”

 

“….as mother loved you?” she asked weakly.

 

He nodded. “As your mother loved me,” he whispered.

 

Yu Jie didn't reply. Drew a sad smiled, she wasn't sure if she could love another man than Shuhao.

 

Their conversation interrupted when their cart stopped abruptly. From outside the cart, they heard footsteps voices, came along with men's loud shouts. She also heard their carrier cried in fear. The voice soon cut by a sound of sword and turned to be a pain cry before it faded away. Fear consumed her more when a number of vicious faces appeared from outside the window.

 

 

Act 2

 

The same day, some where inside Hang Zhou city

 

That night, Yu Jie just experienced the worst moment in her life. Between their travel to Hang Zhou, some bandits attacked their horse cart. They didn't only robbed all their savings to live in Hang Zhou, but also killed their carrier and her beloved father. As if it wasn't enough, the bandits didn't kill her, instead they kidnapped her into some place she didn't know after took her consciousness before.

 

She couldn't remember how long was the time went when at last she gained her consciousness back. Forced herself to open up her eyelids, she found herself was tied inside a small and dirty room, lied on its frozen floor. Three men were sitting at the corner of the room. Weakly, she listened to their conversation.

 

“White Devil? Isn't he the assassin hunted by all clan in kangouw?” one of the men asked in surprise. His figure was the smallest but his voice sound smart enough.

 

“I heard that he was hunted because he killed nine superiors,” the other with scar on his face said.

 

The youngest one of them got excited and spoke aloud, “That's right! I just saw him a couple weeks ago near Hang Zhou.”

 

The man with scar sneered at his companion, “Yeah right. If you saw him for real, you're already dead by now.”

 

“He's right. It's impossible the assassin will let you alive after you saw him,” the small man agreed but the youngest stayed with his words, “Aiyaa! Why would I lie to you guys? That man carried a white covered sword. A name carved on its surface; Zhu Ni. How could he isn't White Devil?”

 

“Are you sure that was Silver Sword?”

 

He nodded very confidently as he replied, “Cut my finger if I'm wrong! I happened to see Chen Cao when I was a child in Kaifeng! I know what Silver Sword looks like.”

 

The man with scar thought his friend's words for a while and he believed. He asked him eagerly, “So what White Devil looked like?”

 

“What? You take his bullshit?” the small one said in protest but both his friends ignored him as the youngest started to explain, “He was very young, like an immature kid. His body was tall and very lean. I couldn't see his face clearly but he had silvery white hair, dressed in white. His skin was pale like ghost.”

 

His friends looked him with unsure face. “Are you sure? From your description, he didn't look like a murderer at all.”

 

“I was not sure too at first but he carried the sword so he must be White Devil, right?”

 

“Then what he was doing in Hang Zhou?” the small man asked again and he simply answered, “How would I know?”

 

Their chat stopped when their leader came into the room. Growled, he gave them an order, “Stop babbling, you fools! Help us outside! There are a lot stuffs to remove from the cart.”

 

The three stood abruptly. “What about the girl?”

 

“Let her stay like that. Some one will pick her up later. I already sold her to the leisure house.”

 

 

Act 3

 

Yu Jie ran with all the strength she had left. She followed the small paths in the darkness. She managed to escape from the bandits while they were busy with the stuffs on her cart. She was aware that she was running out of energy. Both her legs and body almost reach its limit. Her breath became weaker and her sight started fading, but the image of leisure house forced her to keep running.

 

Her fear raised when she heard footsteps echoed from the dark behind her. They found out her escape and now chased her with fast paces. The next moment, she felt a pair of big arms caught her body and pulled her roughly. She tried to break out desperately as her small mouth let out a weak sound, asking for help.

 

When the arms around her body loosened, she took the opportunity to escape but, running out of luck, that was the limit of her body. After few steps, she no longer could move her body and fell to the ground instantly. Before her conscious faded out, she managed to see a blurry white figure on the front of her. “H..help…,” was her last words directed to the figure.

 

 

Act 4

 

The same day in Kaifeng

 

“Aiyaa!” Li Qiao's loud voice filled the residence's main living room. “I can't believe it! I could see and touch this very legendary sword while I'm still alive,” she said as her eyes gazed in amazed on Black Sword in her hands. “Even in dreams, I didn't dare to think about it! Oh! It's amazing! Very amazing!” she smiled wide at Shuhao. “Chen Shuhao! You are indeed Chen Cao's heir for real!”

 

Didn't give any answer, Shuhao observe at the young fortuneteller. Xiu Juan, instead, confronted her, “You are quite sure this is the real sword.”

 

“What do you mean by that? I am Li Qiao of the west! I will know if this sword is fake or the real one!” she replied her with annoyed tone as she pulled out the sword in her hand. “Look at the black iron of its material! It's very specific and hard to find. The cover was made high qualified and the most important is… it has Chen Yi Ze name carved on its surface! If you know Zhou history well, you will not doubt the sword's authenticity!”

 

Yang Xiu Juan gave her a small laugh. She looked at her meaningfully and simply replied, “I never doubt its authenticity.”

 

“Huh? But just now, you…”

 

Cut her words, Ching Yan explained to her, “Lady Xiu Juan was only tested you out.”

 

“Your knowledge quite good,” Xiu Juan applied to Ching Yan's words and laughed one more time when she saw the expression on Li Qiao's face.

 

“Enough speaking of nonsense, will you?” Shuhao at last joined the conversation. “You asked me to come because you have something to tell, haven't you?”

 

Li Qiao giggled. She always found it interesting when Shuhao lost his patience. “Ah.. About that… my teacher only mention one name; Ren Li Qin.”

 

“Ren Li Qin? You mean… that famous physician?” Ching Yan asked.

 

Li Qiao nodded. She added, “She told that maybe Ren Li Qin now where to find White Devil.”

 

Xiu Juan scoffed at her information. She spoke to her with sarcasm, “My… my… how useful Zhang Yi Feng's information is. Ren Li Qin disappeared for almost twenty years. Where should we find her?”

 

“Well, my teacher is not a God,” she replied in humor.

 

 

Act 5

 

The day after, near Hang Zhou

 

Yu Jie woke abruptly. Both her eyes opened wide, stared at the ceiling above her with fear. She found herself sitting rigidly on a bed inside a room. She felt the unsteady rhythm of her breath and her body was soaked by cold sweat. Her heart was still filled with horror.

 

“Don't worry. You save, now,” a gentle voice surprised her.

 

Yu Jie looked at a lean figure sat next to her bed. It was a very beautiful woman. Both of her warm blue eyes replied her gaze. Her smiling red lips made contrast with her bright ivory skin. Her black long hair tied up, made the woman more attractive. Somehow, Yu Jie couldn't guess her age. She looked young yet mature.

 

“Fear no more. Those bandits couldn't touch you anymore. You save in here,” the woman calmed her.

 

“Where am I?” Yu Jie asked as her eyes wandering her surrounding.

 

“The Stronghold of She,” she answered.

 

“Are you the one who saved me?”

 

The woman smiled. “It wasn't me.” She help Yu Jie to sat comfortly on the edge of the bed. “Could you show your arm, please? I have to check your heart beat to make it sure that you alright.”

 

Yu Jie gave out her arm. “W..who are you?” Her company stared her and smiled once more time. “My name is Ren Li Qin. What's yours?”

 

“Fang Yu Jie. I came from Hainan.”

 

Holding Yu Jie's wrist, Ren Li Qin silenced for a while. “It looks that you alright. You are lucky enough for they didn't hurt you. They only use some cheap drugs to make you unconscious.” She let go her arm. “Were you heading to Hang Zhou when they attacked you?”

 

The question reminded her with the bad event she just through. Both her eyes showed sadness. She nodded slowly to answer Ren Li Qin. “I was heading to Hang Zhou with my father. We planned to sell some art pictures in the town. “ She paused. “They… killed father.”

 

Ren Li Qin could see the sore inside the girl's voice. Slowly, she reached out her arms to hug her small figure as she placed the girl's head to rest on her shoulder. Inevitable, the girl in her arms started to sob, tears fell down to her cheeks. “I'm sorry… If only She Yu came a little early,” she whispered on her ears.

 

 

Act 6

 

Still the same day, She Stronghold

 

It was almost late when Yu Jie finally was strong enough to come out from her room and had a walk inside the stronghold's courtyard. Sunset shone in bright red and filled the sky with orange color. The scenery around her was also become red and beautiful. Yu Jie sat to enjoy the afternoon while her mind was wandering.

 

Took a deep breath, her heart still ached. She couldn't believe at all the things happened to her. She was apart from Shuhao, took a trip to Hang Zhou, attacked by robbers and now she was here, inside She Stronghold which she didn't know where it took place. It all happened very fast. For her, it was too fast to accept.

 

“Miss Fang,” some one called her with respect.

 

Yu Jie turned around and looked at an old servant stood next to her.

 

The old man asked her, “Pardon me, Miss. My name is Su Wang. I am a servant in this stronghold. Is it alright for you to walk out from your room?”

 

“It's alright. I am much better now. I was bored staying inside the room for a long time so I decided to have a walk. Is that okay?”

 

He smiled. “You are a guest of Young Master She. You may do as you please.”

 

Yu Jie gave her attention to the said name. “Master She? Was he who saved me last night?” she asked and Su Wang simply nodded. “Yes. I was very surprised when Young Master came back last night and brought you with him.”

 

“Uncle Su… I wonder if I could meet him in personal. I'd like to grant him my thank,” she asked again. For her surprised, the old man's face turned out seriously for a moment before he gave his smiled again.

 

“I'm sorry, Miss. Young Master was tired after a long trip. At this moment, he was undisturbed,“ Su Wang refused her favor.

 

She understood though she a little disappointed with the answer. “It's fine. Then I shall wait him.”

 

Su Wang smiled at her words, then brought another subject to her, “Lady Ren invites you to join her dinner tonight. Please have a short rest for now. Two hours later, I will pick you up.”

 

Yu Jie nodded and she retrieved herself and walked back to her room.

 

 

Act 7

 

The dinner was set. She met Ren Li Qin inside her private living room somewhere it the stronghold. As she observed more at the huge manor, she realized its beauty. The stronghold was divided into several bungalows, which separated by beautiful gardens and courtyards. It used old red woods and rare stones as its material and was well cared by its owner.

 

“How is your condition today?” Li Qin asked during their dinnertime.

 

Yu Jie nodded and smiled. She answered her politely, “I am much better. Thank you for your care.” She looked Li Qin also smiled at her words. The woman replied, “I'm glad then.”

 

“Please, have some more of the food. It is rare to have Aunt Su's wonderful cooking. You won't encounter other food better than hers outside this place.” Li Qin hand her another plate.

 

She nodded and reached out for another stew as her mind wondering why there were only two of them having a dinner. “Does Master She will join us for dinner?”

 

“You mean She Yu? He is still asleep, probably exhausted from his long trip,” Li Qin explained. She saw the girl's disappointment and gave another smile. “Don't worry. You could meet him when he gets better. It wiil be tomorrow morning, perhaps.”

 

“I want to thank him directly as soon as possible. Soon after I fully recovered, I want to ask him a favor to help me back to Hainan.” Yu Jie smiled bitterly. “I have been a burden for him these two days and I'm sorry for that.”

 

Li Qin silenced at her words for a moment. Her expression was unreadable. Purposely, she changed their subject. “Are you fond of reading?” she asked. “We have a numerous number of books in our library. You will find any books inside that place, even rare ones. If you like, Uncle Su will show you after the dinner.”

 

She was not quite sure how to answer her therefore Yu Jie only nodded at Li Qin's favor.

 

 

Act 8

 

After the dinner, Su Wang escorted Yu Jie to the library. Both of them went to the west area of the stronghold. When they passed a chamber, a bell rang suddenly from the opposite part of it.

 

Su Wang's expression became worried. Hurriedly, he bowed to their guest and asked for his retrieve. “Pardon me, Miss Fang. Young Master calls me and it sounds urgent. Our library is right on the edge of this path. Please go to the place first and I will catch you up later.” With no more words, he turned around and headed to the main private bungalows in the opposite direction.

 

Confuse at the situation, Yu Jie obeyed his words and walked forward. When she passed through a chamber, she looked its door was open. Her eyes caught a glint spark of light from the dark inside it. She reached the door and she was about to close it when she saw, quite clearly, a white sword placed on top of a wood table in the middle of the chamber.

 

“That man carried a white covered sword,” she recalled one of the bandits' words in her head unconsciously. She took another step as she walked into the dark chamber and reached the sword. Her eyes red some letters on its cover. Zhu Ni.

 

“A name carved on its surface,” again, the voice echoed. “Silver Sword…,” Yu Jie whispered between the silence and she stared in horror when she realized something.

 

“How could he isn't White Devil?”

 

 

Act 9

 

Running wildly as fast as she could, Yu Jie felt greater fear inside her heart compared white the fear she felt when the bandits in Hang Zhou were chasing her. She couldn't remember exactly how she manage to escape from the stronghold. She was, at the time, running away from the White Devil through the dark of night.

 

Yu Jie, in fact, did not know where she was heading. She only knew one thing; she had to run away from the stronghold as far as it could be, even though she had to pass through the woods in the night. She did not care of the danger she might encounter. For her, nothing more frightening compared of she in the hands of White Devil, a wanted monstrous assassin in kangouw.

 

During her wild run, she was not aware that the ground below her feet already came to its ending. She had no change to realize what happened when her feet lose their place to stand and her small figure fell down from cliff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Epic Tale : Twin Sword