An unyielding downpour ravaged the Purple Mist Valley, embellishing the valley with some life. Hopefully, also restoring the greenery that once thrived within the valley before the drought.
Branches and leaves bowed under the weight of the rain. The wind whipped through the valley with ferocity, carrying the rain in sharp horizontal sweeps.
The heavy raindrops fell from the heavens, making the sound of drum-like rhythms crashing onto the leaves of trees, creating a symphony of nature’s music, leaving a tempestuous scene.
It was as if the entire world was being washed anew, scrubbed clean by the heavens. The usually cheerful chirping of birds was drowned by the incessant patter of rain on foliage.
Animals sought shelter, their instincts warning them of the unrelenting storm. Their absence made the valley eerily quiet, but also peaceful…in a different way.
A thin mist, born from the clash of the warm valley air and the cold rainwater, brewed on the ground, adding an ethereal quality to the scene.
Susu turned towards Luan, feeling the multiple raindrops hitting her conical hat. breaking the silence. “How has Little Li been living?” She finally asked breaking the silence.
Luan looked back at her, surprise flickering in his eyes. He didn’t expect that question, Susu noted. “Little Li is…well, she’s been alright,” He started, voice uncertain. “She’s been living with Physician Lin in Hollow Mountain Village.”
Susu clenched her jaw, feeling the anger roil within her. She took a deep breath inhaling deeply and calmed herself.
She noticed how scared the young men were of her, so she slid her conical hat back on then placed her veil over her mouth, hoping to hide her anger better. “I see,” She said cooly, “Is she treated well?”
“Of course, Master Susu, Physician Lin adores Little Li.”
“Does everyone, adore Little L?!” She asked, raising her voice unintentionally.
Luan's brow furrowed at her question, a hint of fright flickering within his eyes. “Ye—“
“Luan,” Susu said calmly. “I will warn you, lying will not get you anywhere. If Brother Xing and Brother Ying have asked you to treat me as a Master, just like them…certain sentiments go as well. Sentiments such as lying.”
The other young men began whispering to each other. Hoping the rain would drown out their voices, but Susu’s turned to them. “That goes for all of you,” she said firmly, voice reverberating through the rain. “I know Brother Ying and Xing, they are strict, in the lightest fashion. I assure you I am far stricter. Are we clear?”
The young men nodded to Susu, but that only fuelled anger her. She swirled the Qi within her Soul and Core Dantians, ready to teach them a lesson in fear!
“Yes, Master Susu!” Luan said loudly, dropping to his knees. He turned to the remaining group, looking at them bitterly, “What are you doing?! Kowtow to Master Susu and apologise!”
Confusion aroused their faces, which angered him further. “But—“ Chen tried to protest, but Luan wasn’t having it. “Once a Master, always a Master!”
Chen went to both knees, kowtowing reverently. The rest follow suit and spoke as with sincerity. “We apologise Master Susu, forgive us.”
Susu harrumphed and eyed them sternly. Memories from her training day blossomed within her mind. She reminded of all the time she trained under Master Chaoxiang and how little punishment she got, unlike her Martial Brothers.
She knew full well how much she was favoured by him. Her Martial Brothers always took the chance to remind her of it too, but never said it aloud. She stepped toward Luan and peered down on him. “There’s nothing to forgive,” She said calmly, “You all don’t know me, nor do I know you. Let’s not get off on the wrong foot, because its quite clear there’s something I might not understand.”
The young men didn’t rise, but Susu felt the relief from them, which made her feel at ease…for a moment, because as soon as she realised. Luan’s reaction to her question regarding how Little Li is being treated was more evident now.
“Luan, guide me to the village, the rest of you make your way back at your own pace. I have questions to ask Luan.”
“Yes Master,” They all said in unison.
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“Does the rain usually pour down like this?” Susu asked, feeling her boots seep into the mud for the hundredth time.
“No Master, there hasn’t been any rain in the valley for months,” Luan answered. “And when it did rain, it came in pockets.”
“I see, I’ve noticed the lands are barren more than usual on my way here,”
“From what I’ve heard, we’re in a six-year drought,”
“Six-Year Drought?” Susu said, shocked. I left Huaxia six years ago, yet I don’t remember any signs of a drought.
Susu’s brow furrowed in thought, her gaze lingering on the soaked landscape around them. The world was being scrubbed clean, renewed, and rejuvenated by the deluge. Perhaps it was a sign, an omen of the changes to come.
“Omens,” She whispered, biting her bottom lip, knowing how superstitious Huaxians are, they would think the drought was an act of the gods for having an Axsumite within Huaxia.
“When did Master Xing arrive?” She asked.
“Roughly six years ago,”
“Six years, I see…”
Susu fell silent, retreating to her thoughts, her heart filled with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. She was happy that Little Li was alive, but her main concern was how was she raised.
Did the villagers hate her for the drought? Is she being bullied because of her skin colour? All these things rushed through her mind.
These thoughts brought painful memories into Susu’s mind. She remembered how she was treated because she was the Barren Lands, her skin was darker than most, caramel-like even. But Li? She knew the child’s skin was as dark as a grape. “Soon there,” Susu said softly, “I’m soon there.”
As the rain continued to pour, Susu turned to Luan and eyed him up and down. Noticing how optimum his physique was, yet he was of the Mind Awakening Realm.
As she stared at him, the lad didn’t look at, which she made a mental note of. I’m making the poor lad nervous, by now he must realise Li’s importance to me…I must ask more question, but be a bit round about it.
“Luan, how did Master Zhao arrive within the Valley?”
“Master Zhao arrived with Elder Jun,”
“Elder Jun? Is he one of the village Elders for the Hollow Mountain village?”
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“In a sense yes, Elder Jun has been charged to deliver our flour produce to the Magistrate’s office from before I was born.”
“And he magically returned with Master Zhao?”
“Yes,” Luan answered.
“That’s not like Zhao Xing. He’s more sceptical than a fly”
“I don’t know the specifics, but when Elder Jun arrived at the Hollow Mountain Village six years ago, Master Zhao was with him.”
“I see…so after he arrived, he just created this Purple Mist Sect?”
“No No, it didn’t happen like that. When Master Zhao first arrived. We were being harassed by The Red Stone Band, a group of bandits that lived within the Mountains in the valley”
“Villages?”
“Yes, Master Susu, they are three villages within the Purple Mist Valley. The Hollow Mountain Village, Purple Mist Village and Stone Coral Village.”
“Interesting, it’s not like Zhao Xing to get involved without receiving some form of payment or food.”
“Well, when he arrived at the Hollow Mountain Village, Physician Hodong, the man that was head of the village at the time turned him away because of Little Li, despite the bandits harassing them. So, we went to the Purple Mist Village to see Patriarch Yu. There, Elder Jun vouched for Master Zhao to get rid of the Bandits.”
“…you say we, were you traveling with Elder Jun at some point?”
“I’ve never left the valley Master Susu, Elder Jun has been taking care of me somewhat since my parents died. When he returned, he told me to kowtow to Master Zhao and beg him to be my Master Susu.”
“I’m sure that didn’t go well…Zhao Xing has never had any inclination to teach anyone martial arts. The only thing he cares for is women and wine!”
Luan didn’t say anything but had a confused look on his face. Which made Susu ponder, have you changed Brother Xing? Have you REALLY changed?
She harrumphed and stepped over a rock, turning back to Luan, waiting for him to finish. “I’m still listening, what happened next?”
“Well…Master Zhao defeated the Red Stone Band and took over their residence, creating the Purple Mist Sect.”
“I see, and what about Zhao Li? Her family name is Zhao, yes?”
“Yes, Master Susu, Little Li is of the Zhao family.”
“I see,”
Susu let her mind wander, feeling disappointed by this revelation. Why couldn’t he name Ban Li? It was simple. He didn’t want the responsibility of taking care of her…now she has his name. Which meant…he’s grown closer to her, a lot closer to her. Then why doesn’t she live with him?
“What arrangement does Master Zhao have with the rest of the villages?”
“Arrangement?”
“Yes, is the Purple Mist Sect a true sect, or is Master Zhao using it for other reasons!”
“Forgive me Master Susu, but I don’t know what others you could mean. Since Master Zhao arrived, he has taken it upon himself to train all boys within the village. We train girls as well, but boys are more interested in learning than girls. However, he has mentioned that he hopes you come soon to help with the recruitment of girls”
“All boys are recruited, what happens to those that meet the standard?”
“They returned home to farm.”
“Ahh…that’s what happened.”
“Sorry?”
“The Young men you were with, did all of them return to their respective homes to farm?”
“Yes,” Luan said scratching his head.
“Hmmm, if they were sent home then why were you with them.”
“Master Zhao said, that once a martial brother, always a martial brother. He also explained that the Purple Mist Valley is our home, no one is above another. We can’t eat without farming, and without someone to protect the farm…we won’t be able to eat.”
Susu withheld a laugh and nodded behind her veil. “Zhao Xing…has grown. Has raising Zhao Li helped with this? I must see for myself.
“How close are we to the Hollow Mountain Village?”
“Thirty minutes walk Master Susu,”
“Good…”
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As the downpour dissipated somewhat, the distance of the village could be felt. For Susu’s though, her long arduous journey had finally come to an end. A cluster of structures nestled in the crook of the valley, like a child in its mother’s arms - Hollow Stone Village.
Rain distorted its features, turning the distant village into a watercolour painting. Yet, even from afar, Susu could tell the village was of humble origins.
The closer she got, she realised its layout and structure gave away its past as a former mining operation. The village, she realized, had been moulded out of necessity by the hands of miners and their families.
The people who now called the valley home were descendants of those miners, creating their own history, resilience, and survival.
The Village held a similar resemblance to multiple villages she’d visited during her travels within the Jianghu. The thatched-roof houses of earth and wood were scattered across the landscape, huddled in an organic arrangement forming a maze of narrow, winding paths.
Some houses were adorned with colourful prayer flags, dancing in the gusty wind, while others had intricate carvings of traditional symbols etched onto their wooden doors. Smoke curled up from several chimneys, creating a comforting sight against the grey, rain-soaked sky.
Susu and Luan made their way into the village, the villagers looking on. A few women turned up their noses when they saw Luan whilst a few of the men nodded toward him. Luan returned a nod but was largely by the rest of the village. A clear indication of his status as an orphan in the community. “You lived in the Village?” Susu asked.
“Used to, I live in the Sect”
“Ahh…”
The women finally took notice of Susu, drawing glances and whispers. The veil she wore made her mysterious but that was normal for her, especially in a remote valley like this. Imagine how scandalous it would be, if they were to see my face, she noted. “I should also imagine how Li’er feels being treated worst than Luan,” she said softly.
“Master Susu?” Luan asked.
“Sorry, was talking to myself. Are all the women here like this?”
“Not all…but most of them are.”
Susu harrumphed, feeling perplexed by it, but then she realised these women don’t have any form of entertainment, so anything they found worth talking, was a god send to them.
The two made their way to one of the larger houses within the village. It wasn’t a courtyard but it was big enough to hold three people. It was Luxurious compared to most houses found in the aisle.
As they approached, the door creaked open revealing an elderly man, hunched with age. His eyes spoke a lifetime of wisdom and resilience. He smiled upon seeing Luan. “Lu’er you’ve come to visit an old man like me?” He said cheerfully.
“Elder Jun, how are you? I’m sorry for not visiting as often,”
“That’s alright lad, I’m sure Master Zhao has given you Sect tasks.”
Elder Jun turned to Susu, shrewdness taking shape within his eyes as if he realised the Qi swirling within Susu. His lips drew as he began to swirl his own Qi.
“Ahh…yes, Elder Jun this is Master Susu, Martial Sister to Master Bo Ying and Master Zhao Xing” Luan said.
Xiabo Jun stopped swirling his Qi, then eyed Susu innocently, but she already had surged Qi into her meridians, in case the old man.”
“…Master Susu, this was Elder Jun, Physician Lin’s father,”
Susu pulled off her conical hat, letting the raindrops clinging to it scatter onto the ground. She bowed deeply in respect to Elder Jun. He returned the gesture, his weathered face breaking into a smile. “Thank You Elder Jun, for providing Li’er with a place to stay.”
“Li’er’s a wonderful child,” He said, “It’s been a pleasure to have her here. I assume you’ve finished your training?”
Susu smiled shyly, feeling her cheeks turn hot despite how cold it was because of the run. “Yes Elder, I have finished my training. I apologise for leaving her for so long, but they were things I had to learn.”
“That’s fine…Li’er’s in need of a mother, especially with how she’s been treated at the Jiang Clan.”
“Pardon?”
“Come inside, it’s cold…I’ve already brewed some tea, have a cup. Luan pour us some tea, will you?”
“Yes Elder,”
The interior of the house was warm and inviting. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows on the wooden walls. Elder Jun led them to a low table where a steaming pot of tea sat.
As they sat down, sipping the fragrant brew, the sounds of the rain pounding on the roof provided a comforting rhythm to their quiet conversation. “Where’s Zhao Li?” Susu asked, not giving the tea a chance to cool. Elder Jun sighed, a twinkle of fondness in his eyes. “Zhao Xing did say you’d be antsy to see her when you arrived. I understand why. Don’t worry, she’s probably at the watermill,”
“Watermill?” Susu asked, furrowing her brow slightly.
“Yes, she needed a distraction when she arrived. So, I took her to the watermill to keep her mind occupied.” Elder Jun said calmly.
“I see…”
Susu took a sip of the tea, feeling its warmth spread through her body. The floral scent of the brew filled the air, mixing with the earthy aroma of rain-soaked wood. The tea, a delicate blend of jasmine and chrysanthemum, was exquisite, soothing her travel-weary nerves. But it was not enough to distract her from the anticipation of seeing Little Li.
As the two conversed, Xiabo Jun told Susu about Zhao Li, and how much of a good girl she was. He told her how he noticed how everyone ignored her, making her feel as though she doesn’t exist, but yet she never cried or complained. That infuriated Susu, but she kept her features, ensuring not to show the fury boiling within.
Then, Elder Jun brought up Jiang Li, a woman who fancied Zhao Xing. He went into detail on what lengths the woman went to seduce him, but he never showed interest. He told her how held a banquet in his honour and got him drunk, despite him not drinking for years.
After that night, she got pregnant. She pleaded for her father to force Zhao Xing to marry her, but no one could force a man like Zhao Xing into anything.
The father offered to take care of Zhao Li, he knew the mountains were a dangerous place for a child to grow up, especially an Axsumite child.
Zhao Xing agreed but for only a few years. Jiang Yu, the patriarch of the Jiang Clan promised to make her into a fine young lady. Something he did, but Jiang Li? She didn’t treat Zhao Li as her own…as promised.
Susu pushed herself up and bowed reverently once more to Xiabo Jun. The old man didn’t bant an eye, it was if he expected this reaction. “Master Susu Jun,” She said calmly, “I apologise for having the burden of taking care of my daughter. As of now, that duty will solely fall on me. Forgive my leave…but can you direct me to the water mill, it’s been too long since I’ve seen my daughter.”