The carriage swayed gently as they wound their way through the mountain paths leading to Sichuan. Zhao Li sat beside Susu, her hands folded in her lap as she watched mist curl around the pines in the short distance.
“Li’er, what do you see?” Susu asked, breaking the morning silence.
Uncertain on how to answer, Zhao Li sat there in thought. She wanted to impress Susu, so she let her mind wander before finally speaking. “Mist…” She said softly, “It moves like... like you did. When you fought.”
A smile touched Susu’s lips, she caressed Zhao Li’s cheek and nodded in an approving way. “Thank you, you’ve made my day with your words.”
Zhao Li heart raced at that, she’d never heard such kind words, especially in the morning. She was used to harsh words and belittlement. No…this is just for now, she thought, Jiang Li was also nice to me.
“Li’er…” Susu said calmly, “I know it was presumptuous of me to take you from your father’s care. I did it, because I believe, leaving the Purple Mist Valley is best for you…alright?”
Li didn’t say anything, but nodded as if she understood. “I know you don’t trust me, and I haven’t given you a reason to, but If you’re willing to give me a chance. I’m sure you wouldn’t be so jaded. Alright?”
Zhao Li looked up at her, and nodded slowly before dipping her head again. “Li’er,” Susu said calmly. “I come from Parson a smaller found off the coast of Huaxia. I was born into slavery.”
Zhao Li blinked, trying to imagine Susu, the strongest woman she’d ever met…was a slave. It didn’t seem possible. She didn’t say anything, surprised from the news, which only made her heart thump wildly within her chest.
“I won’t lie to you. I won’t ever say that your life was any better than mine…loneliest is the worst feeling in the world dear.”
Zhao Li squeezed her eyes, trying to force to tears from flowing. She truly felt lonely, despite Susu’s gentleness “they are good days and they are bad days, in this world Li’er. In the bad days. I never thought I’d ever be free, but eventually my master Feng Chaoxiang saved me.”
Reverence and gratitude appeared within Susu’s eyes as she recalled the moment she was saved. She was scared, like anyone would. Her parents were dead and she was dying of thirst.
“You want to know what’s funny?” Susu asked, “out of my martial brothers, he didn’t want me to train in martial arts. I literally had to beg him. You see, I would watch him practice and emanate his moves…just as you did earlier, eventually…he relented.”
A feint smiled painted across Susu’s face, as if recalling the old memories. “Despite, him relenting…I still had to train as hard as your uncles…and look at me now, able to fight with ease.”
“Are you scared when you fight?” Zhao Li asked.
“Of course, everyone is scared…but that dissipates the stronger you get.” Susu admitted quietly. “You may see me as strong, but inside, I fear fire... and being alone in this cruel world. The smell of burning wood still haunts me from a time long ago…”
Zhao Li’s breath caught in her throat. She glanced at Susu’s hands, steady as they seemed, but now she could see the scars, faint reminders of a past that had shaped her teacher into the person she was today.
“…what I’m scared of the most, is being alone, as a Parsonian…in Huaxia.” Susu said calmly.
“Don’t you have friends?”
“I do,” Susu said softly, “…but their journey isn’t my own…in this world, you rely on yourself. Your strength is the only thing that will you safe. I chose this path. I trained so that no one could control me again. I made myself strong so that I would never be at someone else’s mercy. But the fears you carry now, eventually leave…but that depends on you.”
Zhao Li remained silent, her emotions swirling within her. She forced herself to remain composed. She didn't want Susu to see her tears, didn’t want to appear weak. But there was something about Susu’s vulnerability that made Zhao Li feel conflicted.
She had always seen strength as something that required suppressing every weakness, every feeling. Yet here was Susu—strong, fearless in Zhao Li’s eyes—revealing her fears, speaking of them openly. “I want to be strong.” Zhao Li whispered.
Susu turned to her, her eyes soft and filled with understanding. “When you’re ready…let me know, alright?”
Zhao Li’s lips parted slightly, but no words came out. She wanted to ask more, wanted to tell Susu about the fear she carried in her heart, but she swallowed it down like a bitter pill. This wasn’t the time for her to reveal her own weaknesses. Not yet.
Susu reached out and took Zhao Li’s hand gently. “You don’t have to hide everything from me. Strength isn’t just about being able to fight or endure... it’s about knowing when to let others in.”
Zhao Li’s heart ached at those words, but she couldn’t bring herself to respond. She just nodded, a faint movement, enough to satisfy Susu, though inside, she was waging a war with herself.
Susu released her hand and leaned back, gazing once more at the mist rolling through the trees. “I’m telling you this because I want you to understand. Never be afraid to confront what’s inside you. It will make you stronger than any sword or skill ever could.”
Zhao Li sat in silence, staring at the mist again, watching it drift and swirl like memories from a past she didn’t fully understand. For a brief moment, she felt a warmth in her chest—something unfamiliar but comforting.
As quickly as it came, she buried it deep within her, locking it away where no one could see. Not even herself.
Ban Susu
The morning sun struggled to pierce through the thick clouds as they arrived at the eastern gate of Sichuan. A sea of travellers whose faces were etched with worry and exhaustion as the Imperial guards prowled the lengthy line, their armour gleaming dully in the weak light, hands never straying far from their sword hilts.
“Master Susu,” Luan called out from the second carriage “Why are their so much guards?”
“Something must’ve happened…I’ve never seen so much imperial guards and city guards in one city,” Susu said calmly.
It didn’t take Susu long, as she remembered Brother Ying’s warning of the imperial family’s death. They must be hunting the assassination group.
She turned to Zhao Li, keeping a calm face. “Li’er.” Susu whispered, she pulled her sack from the carriage and removed a conical hat and veil. “Change in the back, and put on the black and white hanfu dress. I didn’t know your size, but I had it made for you, its too big for you, but you’ll grow into it.”
Zhao Li undressed herself and slid into a loose-fitting hanfu, its fabric was heavy and the colour was similar to her skin.
The robe’s sleeves fell well past her fingertips, concealing her completely. “Keep your head down and stay close to me.”
Susu looked back, watching as Luan shift uncomfortable in his seat Liu Fang sat up, giving his best poker face. She couldn’t see pass them to see Zhang Wei and Ming Lei.
Ahead of them, a merchant argued with the guards as they overturned his cart, spilling rice and dried goods across the dusty ground. “THIS IS AN OUTRAGE” he spat in disgust. “I’VE TRAVELED THIS ROAD FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS. YOU KNOW ME OFFICER ZHANG, MY FAMILY HAS SERVED SICHUAN MARKETS FAITHFULLY!”
“Its not by my word, Merchant Dan, Times have changed.” The captain replied, unsheathing his sword with deliberate slowness. “The Imperial Family’s blood still stains the palace floors. Everyone is suspect, even old friends.” His cold eyes swept the crowd. “Especially old friends.”
“This is Sichuan for Bodhidharma’s sake! Longyan is over two hundred leagues from here!”
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“Aye…but the assassin could be anywhere, even Sichuan.”
The merchant’s protests died in his throat. He fell to his knees, gathering his scattered goods with trembling hands while his young son watched, wide-eyed and frightened.
“The emperor’s sons and harem have been killed.”
“Yes…I’ve heard that as well. Even the youngest prince,”
“Yes…eight summers old...war’s brewing.”
Susu scanned the crowd, taking in every detail. “Remember, When the guards’ approach only I will speak, understood?”
“Yes Master Susu,” they said in unison.
A cluster of peasants ahead of them huddled together, their voices carrying on the morning breeze. “My cousin serves in the capital,” one woman said, clutching her market basket. “She says the noble houses are already choosing sides…”
“Civil war,” another old woman spat, cutting off the gossip. “Just like the histories warn. Heaven help us all when tigers fight – it's always the common folk who bleed.”
Zhao Li felt Susu's hand on her shoulder, steady and reassuring. When they reached the gate, Susu produced a scroll marked with the Martial Arts Alliance seal. The guard captain studied it, his eyes narrowing as he counted their group.
“Martial artists?” His question dripped with suspicion. “Yes, we are from the Purple Mist Sect?”
“State your business in Sichuan.”
“My students seek identity plaques from the Martial Arts Alliance.” Susu replied evenly. “These troubled times require those who maintain order, wouldn't you agree, Captain? Or would you prefer fewer trained allies in these dangerous days?”
The captain grunted, running his fingers over the seal. Once he was satisfied, he turned to his fellow guardsman. “Let them through,”
Zhao Li caught him staring at her veiled face. Her heart hammered against her ribs until they were well beyond his sight.
“Yes Captain!”
“Thank you, captain, let Bodhidharma’s light protect you,”
“…may his light protect you as well, Lady Scorpion.” He said with a wry smile.
Susu’s lips drew to a line, unimpressed with the captain’s mentioning her martial arts name. She looked back and Zhao Li and gave her a smile, hoping the young girl didn’t think ill of her.
The city’s streets were unusually empty for mid-morning. Those who ventured out moved quickly, heads down, avoiding eye contact.
The few walls they passed had wanted posters plastered across them. Faces of thieves, bandits and other unscrupulous men the government wanted found.
Zhao Li noticed that a few of the wanted posters were torn from the wall, whilst were freshly plastered, making her wander if they were related to the imperial family fall.
It took them a short while to reach the Martial Arts Alliance Office, it rose before them, stone walls weathered but slightly imposing. Unlike the other buildings within the Sichuan, this one was old, but well built.
The Office stood proud, its blue-tiled roof gleaming. Two guards in the Alliance's distinctive blue robes stood at attention, their Qi presence heavy in the air like storm clouds. “Show respect, but not weakness. The Alliance tests both skill and character. They'll be looking for any sign of uncertainty or deception. Trust in your training.”
Susu showed the guards her Martial Arts Alliance identity plaque and their eyes ogled from shock. “Welcome back Lady Susu, it’s been six years, since last you’ve entered the Alliance.”
“It has, these are the disciples from my sect come to join the ranks of the Martial Arts Alliance.”
“Welcome lads, we need more warriors now than ever,”
Susu gave them a short bow, whilst the disciples bowed reverently. Susu grabbed Zhao Li’s hand, not giving her a choice in the matter and they walked inside the alliance’s office.
Inside, they found a spacious courtyard where other martial artists waited. Some bore fresh wounds from recent battles, while others displayed their sect insignias proudly on their robes.
All watched the Purple Mist group with calculating eyes, assessing potential threats or allies.
A grizzled man with red hair, stalked his way up the rampart, eyeing Susu, Zhao Li and her students with contempt in his eyes. Susu saw him, but ignored his callousness.
This was the way of the jungle. The strong ate the weak…and those within the Martial Art Alliance always felt they were better than anyone.
That’s was one thing she hated about them…their arrogance.
The red hair man stopped after reaching Susu and stared down at her, jaws protruding through his scruffy beard. “Is there something you have to say?” Susu asked, disinterested.
“Susu the Scorpion Maiden…I request a duel,”
“I did not come here to fight. My disciples are here to receive their martial arts alliance plaques.”
The red-haired man’s lips curled into a sneer, his eyes burning with a fire that told of grudges long held. “That has nothing to do with us, Scorpion Maiden,” he spat, the name sounding like vermin coming from his lips, “I’ve waited long enough for your return. You owe me a rematch!”
“I owe you nothing, Huo Lang.” Susu snapped, gaze remaining cold, almost bored. She crossed her arms and shifted her weight, deliberately turning slightly away from him. “As you can see, I’m here with my daughter, I have zero interest in a bout.”
Zhao Li’s eyes darted to the man, but she dipped her head quickly, trying to seem small.
“You humiliated me in front of the entire Martial Arts Competition. I’ve never forgotten the sting of that defeat. Not a single day passes without the memory of you standing over me,”
“I’m sure many women have stood over you as I have…in the whorehouse.”
A devilish smile whipped across his face, then a snare appeared. “Stop Crimson Fang…you’re scaring my daughter. If you continue, defeat won’t be the only thing you taste from me.”
Murmur rose from the watching martial artists. A few chuckled, while others watched with silent interest, feeling the tension.
Crimson Fang clenched his fists and Zhao Li felt the muscles in her own body coil, instinctively readying herself for violence.
“I’m not interested in indulging your ego,” Susu continued. “The past is the past. I have no reason to fight you again.”
“You’re scared,” Huo Lang growled, stepping closer, his face now inches from Susu’s. “You know I’ve grown stronger, and you’re afraid I’ll finally be the one to break you.”
“Afraid? No. Annoyed? Definitely.” Susu said raising an an eyebrow, unimpressed.
Huo Lang’s face darkened. His pride had been wounded years ago, and every word Susu spoke felt like another stab to his fragile honour. But before he could retort, a new voice cut through the courtyard.
“Is there a problem here?”
The crowd parted as an older man in flowing robes approached, his bearing that of someone who commanded respect. His hair was streaked with silver, and his sharp eyes surveyed the scene with authority.
“Master Chen,” Susu said, giving a reverend bow, “it’s been a long time.”
“Su’er, is that you?”
“It is…”
The elder man walked up Susu, his robes trailing behind him. His face went sorrowful, as if he was in great pain. “My condolences to you, on your loss, Feng Chaoxiang was a great man.”
“He was…thank you for your condolences, Master Chen.”
“My condolenc—“
“Huo Lang,” Master Chen snapped, cutting him off. “This isn’t the time to settle old grudges. I trust you would let this go and allow these young warriors to see how defeat can drive you to be disrespectful.
The Crimson Fang straightened but didn’t back down. “No disrespect, Master Chen, but this is unfinished business between us. I simply want my rightful rematch.”
Master Chen turned his sharp gaze to Susu, who met it calmly. “Susu, is there truth to this claim?”
“There is,” Susu replied evenly. “He lost to me in the final round of the Martial Arts Competition, but that was over fifteen years ago.”
“And do you accept his challenge?”
“I do not,” Susu said, her voice firm. “I came here to secure my disciples’ martial arts plaques, not to entertain old grudges.”
A flicker of frustration crossed Master Chen’s face, but he nodded in understanding. “Huo Lang, you’ve heard her. Susu is within her rights to decline the challenge. Stand down.”
The Crimson Fang’s jaw worked, grinding his teeth as if restraining himself from exploding. His fists trembled with barely contained rage. For a moment, it seemed like he would defy the order, but then, with a snarl, he stepped back.
“This isn’t over, Scorpion Maiden,” Huo Lang growled.
“It never is,” she whispered softly.
“One day, you’ll have to face me again. And when you do, I’ll make sure the outcome is different.” Huo Lang snapped, with a final glare, he stormed away, the crowd parting for him as he disappeared into the shadows of the courtyard.
Master Chen lingered a moment longer, his gaze softening as he looked at Susu. “Before you leave, lets have a chat, hmm?”
“Of course,” Susu said bowing her head in respect. “Thank you for intervening, Master Chen.”
“Don’t mention it.” The elder nodded curtly, then turned away and strode back toward the inner chambers of the Martial Arts Alliance.
The courtyard settled once more and Zhao Li exhaled a breath, she hadn’t realized she was holding. Her heart still pounded from the tension of the encounter, though she knew Susu had it under control the entire time.
Susu placed a hand on Zhao Li’s shoulder, her grip light but reassuring. “Don’t let fools like that rattle you. He’s the kind of person who feeds off of his own resentment. Nothing good ever comes from that.” She told the disciples.
Zhao Li nodded, though deep down, a small part of her envied Huo Lang’s certainty in his desire for revenge. It was simple, direct. Her own feelings were far more tangled—a slight resentment of her father, her fear of failure, her desperate need to prove herself in a world that seemed to reject her at every turn.
But she suppressed it, as always, pushing the emotions down where they couldn’t interfere with her training.
“Come…let’s not waste any more time. You all have a test to pass.” Susu said, turning back toward the disciples who had watched the entire exchange in stunned silence.
They moved toward the courtyard’s inner chambers, the sense of tension lingered in the air. Zhao Li couldn’t shake the feeling that the confrontation with Huo Lang was just the beginning of something larger.
She knew Susu could handle herself, Zhao Li couldn’t help but wonder if there were more enemies lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike.
The sun had begun its slow descent, casting long shadows across the courtyard of the Martial Arts Alliance. The air was thick with the scent of incense burning in the distance, and the murmurs of gathered martial artists filled the silence.
Ming Lei was the last to complete his test, and like Luan, and the remaining disciples he’d passed.
A hush fell over the space as a figure strode in, followed closely by a small boy dressed in tattered rags. The man was tall, broad-shouldered, and walked with an air allure and confidence. His hair was done in a tight bun and he wore black hanfu with green lining. His dark brown eyes were sharp, gleaming like steel—piercing, emotionless, and assessing everyone he passed.
The boy following him had an emaciated frame, his dirty face half-hidden by unkempt hair. Despite his ragged appearance, there was a spark of something deeper in the boy’s eyes—fear mixed with something stronger, like resolve.
The man’s gaze swept across the crowd before landing on Susu. A smirk appeared on his face and he walked toward Susu, stopping a few feet away from her.
“It's been a while, Susu the Scorpion Maiden,” the man said coldly.
“It has, Cold Steel Hong Quan,” Susu replied, coldly.