HOME | DD

Description
7. The Seventh Telling, in which Zhang Lei commits a great crime.

As Magistrate Ping Yue called out her orders, guards raced to her aid from all sides. Most of them were simple peasants, armed with clubs and sticks; the few who were trained in combat held long spears or staffs. Hearing the Magistrates' commands, they raced towards Zhang Lei and Wu Xiu, weapons raised.

Wu Xiu, whose mind was relaxed and open, surveyed the battlefield in moments. They stood with their backs towards Hong Xiyao's cage; before them were seventeen guards, men and women alike, rushing across the town square. To the sides were some booths and stands, and straight ahead Wu Xiu could see a well, on the other side of which Ping Yue was positioned. Guang Shen Ti was nowhere in sight, which surprised Wu Xiu – had she slipped away and hid? Had she transformed into some other shape than the peasant-boy? Swiftly, swiftly Wu Xiu's eyes flicked high and low, but nowhere could she see Guang Shen Ti.

Zhang Lei, whose heart was full of hot blood, did not take care to scan the battlefield. Instead, she turned around and slashed open Hong Xiyao's cage! The sturdy bamboo fell apart in two clean cuts, and out of the cage leaped Hong Xiyao, naked and savage, unarmed but furious! Lust for battle filled the fierce Westerner, and she charged at the rushing soldiers, slamming into them with full force! Soon, she was wrestling no less than three enemies, defeating them with terrible strength! She snatched a tunic from the first she defeated, and she rose, standing broad-legged and covered above the defeated soldiers, holding a hefty club in each hand and dressed in the garment of her enemy.

Meanwhile, Zhang Lei was rushing towards enemies of her own. Her sword slashed high and low, and guard after guard stumbled on fallen breeches or fled shirtless and weaponless from the battle. She was swifter and more precise than Hong Xiyao, and her flickering blade danced like a butterfly, disarming guard after guard, humiliating them with ease. Wu Xiu watched her from where she stood, and was proud of her student, whose skills had greatly improved since her fight with Little Tiger.

As her companions fought, Wu Xiu also closely watched Ping Yue herself, for the magistrate was calling for reinforcements. A soldier speedily came to her side, and this one was no bumbling peasant with a spear; rather, it was a true warrior. A black-plumed helm with a wicked mask concealed her face, and green armor covered her body: Chest-plate, arm-guards, and plated skirt, her feet hidden inside green boots. She was shorter than Wu Xiu, but her posture told of great strength. In her hand was a long, flexible sword, shining like silver and pearls hanging from its hilt. Whoever this warrior was, she would clearly be a powerful opponent.

Wu Xiu stepped forth, traversing the battlefield with ease, batting aside the feeble attacks of the guardsmen. "I am Wu Xiu, former fencing master of Shanzi Province. I am responsible for both these women, and I will swear upon my sword that they are good people, virtuous and just. I beg you, Ping Yue, call off your soldiers."

"If she is not a bandit, how then do you explain the precious jewel she held?" asked Ping Yue.

"She took it from the throat of the Beast of Lanshui Lake, your Excellency. Only by doing so could the monster be defeated."

As Wu Xiu said this, she looked into the eye of Ping Yue, and saw an evil spark of greed in her eye. "Lies!" cried the magistrate, "This jewel has been stolen from the Imperial Treasury! It is mine! For her theft, she must be punished!" - "Your Excellency has been confused by greed and fear," retorted Wu Xiu, "Stop this madness, before you commit a great sin!"

Hearing this, Ping Yue was greatly incensed. She turned to her green-clad warrior, and spoke imperiously: "Viridian Pearl! Punish this woman for her insolence!"

The green-clad warrior stepped forth, and for a moment, Wu Xiu hesitated. She knew the name Viridian Pearl: A moniker used by a masked swordswoman of great skill, known for her virtue and loyalty as much as her mastery of the blade. Such a foe could be quite dangerous, and she was far better equipped than Wu Xiu, who wore but simple travelers' garments: A yellow jacket and brown trousers, with a broad wicker hat upon her head. Wu Xiu bowed respectfully to this opponent: "I do not wish to fight you, Viridian Pearl." she explained simply.

The other did not respond. She merely raised her blade in challenge, and Wu Xiu understood, that she was honor bound to obey the commands of Ping Yue. Wu Xiu raised her own blade, and the two warriors greeted each other as is customary. And then! Their weapons clashed together with terrible clamor, and a dance of flashing swords begun!

Wu Xiu fought defensively, and little by little Viridian Pearl forced her backwards. Step for step Wu Xiu skipped backwards, calculating her path while evading the swift biting blade of her opponent. Step by step she came closer to the well situated in the center of the square. Only when she reached it did she first lash out! A swift leap up on the edge of the well was followed by a kick to Viridian Pearls' chest! The other lost her balance, and the swift sword of Wu Xiu descended upon her, striking and cutting, severing straps with such precision as normal swordsmen only dream of. Viridian Pearl was nimble, but by the time she regained her footing, Wu Xiu had cut away her arm-guards without leaving a scratch on her beautiful skin!

It was now Viridian Pearl who kept her guard carefully, stepping sideways to avoid the furious blade of Wu Xiu. So focused were they on each other, that they barely noticed the battle going on around them. But then! A torn-off tunic came sailing through the air between them, ripped from a guardswoman by Hong Xiyao's brutal strength, and for a moment neither could see each other. Wu Xiu lunged, but Viridian Pearl sidestepped! Wu Xiu flew straight into a merchants' booth, and the Viridian Pearl seemed to have the advantage! Yet, Wu Xiu was clever, and ducked down low behind the stand, slashing for the enemy's feet. One! Two! And the straps of Viridian Pearls' boots had been severed. Fearing she might trip, she leaped over the stall leaving her boots behind, and came down with a swift slash towards Wu Xiu! The latter dodged backwards, and the deadly sword came so close as to cut through the brim of her hat!

Away from the square the two now moved, into the alleyways surrounding it – and soon Zhang Lei and Hong Xiyao could see them no longer. Now Wu Xiu and Guang Shen Ti were both elsewhere; and now neither Zhang Lei nor Hong Xiyao could see any more foes to defeat. So it was that they turned their attention upon Ping Yue, advancing on her with confident stride. "Stand back!" commanded Ping Yue, "I am a magistrate! I am appointed by the Emperor, in Heaven's name!"

A look of anger came upon Zhang Lei's face. "If you acted in Heaven's name, you would know not to mistreat a great hero such as Hong Xiyao", she spoke. "Yet you have done her a great injustice. For this, you will pay dearly." Speaking so, Zhang Lei turned to address Hong Xiyao. "Sister Hong," said Zhang Lei, "It does not befit a hero to wear the simple tunic of a peasant. Finer garments would suit you better."

"Where would I find finer garments?" asked Hong Xiyao, and as she asked so, she saw Zhang Lei's eyes fall upon Magistrate Ping. "You wouldn't dare!" cried Ping Yue, "To lay a hand upon me would be a crime in Heaven's eyes!"

In one swift motion, Zhang Lei flew towards her like a strong gust of wind. Towards Ping Yue she flew, who cringed and shielded herself – but Zhang Lei went right past, and landed behind her. "The criminal here is you, Ping Yue. Despite this, I will grant you the honor of dressing Hong Xiyao in fine clothing." In one swift motion, she sheathed her sword, and before Ping Yue could react, she had grabbed the hem of the magistrates' dress, and lifted it. Having severed straps and buttons as she flew past, Zhang Lei stripped it off her as easily as peeling a fruit. The undergarments of Ping Yue came into view: A smaller, black dress was underneath the first one, fine as gossamer, with elegant embroideries around the edges. It barely reached halfway down her thighs, and she looked quite undressed wearing it with only her shoes and gloves.

Zhang Lei threw the red dress she had been wearing to Hong Xiyao. The barbarian discarded her tunic, and inspected the dress; then, to the horror of Ping Yue, she took a knife from the ground and deftly cut it apart into two pieces; one around her hips, the other around her breasts. Despite this alteration, it still fit her rather poorly, being sewn for a far smaller woman. Nonetheless, Hong Xiyao was properly dressed once more.

"Do you want this other dress, Hong Xiyao?" asked Zhang Lei, but the barbarian shook her head. "It is useless." she declared. "I agree, Hong Xiyao; what say you, Ping Yue? Is this other dress useful?"

Ping Yue looked quite hesitant for a moment, then she confidently shook her head. "It is not useful. Hong Xiyao does not need it."

"Then neither do you!" declared Zhang Lei, and with a sudden ripping noise, she tore the thin dress in half! Ping Yue yelped in fear and surprise, as she was left standing in her black underpants and brassiere. A blushing hue overcame her skin, and she hurried to cover herself from the shameless stares of Zhang Lei and Hong Xiyao. "Y- you can't do this!" she protested, "It is highly illegal! I will have you arrested!"

"You have no such power now, Ping Yue. What of her gloves?" Zhang Lei asked her sister-in-arms. Hong Xiyao shook her head, and suddenly flashed the sword of Zhang Lei again. One! Two! The gloves fell in ribbons from Ping Yue's arms.

"No more!" cried Ping Yue. "No more!"

"Then you must ask Hong Xiyao your forgiveness." said Zhang Lei. "It is her you have wronged. If she forgives you, so will I."

"Never will I ask forgiveness from a thief and a savage! Were she of the Heavenly Kingdom perhaps, but such-"

Further did not Ping Yue get, before Zhang Lei's blade flashed once more and was sheathed. Quickly, the magistrate reached for her bosom, and indeed, the brassiere had been slashed apart. She held the two cups before her small breasts with her hands, but nothing else kept them up. Hot and flustered she became, and her eyes were filled with anger and shame. Her body shivered as a chill breeze blew over her naked skin.

"I will give you one more chance, Ping Yue. If Hong Xiyao can find it in her heart to forgive you, you shall be spared."

"You two are fools. Soon, my champion Viridian Pearl will return, and she will punish you most horribly for this transgression! Justice will be served, and my dignity will be restored!"

As Ping Yue said this, Hong Xiyao strode up to her and looked her closely in the eye. For a moment, there was absolute silence, as the wild, intense eyes of the barbarian scanned every aspect of Ping Yue's face. Then, with the swiftness and strength of a wild animal, she pulled the magistrates' underpants down to around her ankles. Ping Yue shrieked in horror, and let go of her broken brassiere to cover her womanhood. She stood naked but for her shoes in the square of Feitou township, and only now did pride and arrogance finally drain from her face, giving way to total humiliation. Still she did not apologize, but now it was only because Hong Xiyao had rendered her speechless.

But meanwhile, in an alleyway not far from the square, Wu Xiu was still fighting Viridian Pearl, and a legendary battle it was! But if you wish to hear of how their swords crossed in the small back alleys of Feitou Township, why then, you must listen to my next telling!

Description
7. The Seventh Telling, in which Zhang Lei commits a great crime.

As Magistrate Ping Yue called out her orders, guards raced to her aid from all sides. Most of them were simple peasants, armed with clubs and sticks; the few who were trained in combat held long spears or staffs. Hearing the Magistrates' commands, they raced towards Zhang Lei and Wu Xiu, weapons raised.

Wu Xiu, whose mind was relaxed and open, surveyed the battlefield in moments. They stood with their backs towards Hong Xiyao's cage; before them were seventeen guards, men and women alike, rushing across the town square. To the sides were some booths and stands, and straight ahead Wu Xiu could see a well, on the other side of which Ping Yue was positioned. Guang Shen Ti was nowhere in sight, which surprised Wu Xiu – had she slipped away and hid? Had she transformed into some other shape than the peasant-boy? Swiftly, swiftly Wu Xiu's eyes flicked high and low, but nowhere could she see Guang Shen Ti.

Zhang Lei, whose heart was full of hot blood, did not take care to scan the battlefield. Instead, she turned around and slashed open Hong Xiyao's cage! The sturdy bamboo fell apart in two clean cuts, and out of the cage leaped Hong Xiyao, naked and savage, unarmed but furious! Lust for battle filled the fierce Westerner, and she charged at the rushing soldiers, slamming into them with full force! Soon, she was wrestling no less than three enemies, defeating them with terrible strength! She snatched a tunic from the first she defeated, and she rose, standing broad-legged and covered above the defeated soldiers, holding a hefty club in each hand and dressed in the garment of her enemy.

Meanwhile, Zhang Lei was rushing towards enemies of her own. Her sword slashed high and low, and guard after guard stumbled on fallen breeches or fled shirtless and weaponless from the battle. She was swifter and more precise than Hong Xiyao, and her flickering blade danced like a butterfly, disarming guard after guard, humiliating them with ease. Wu Xiu watched her from where she stood, and was proud of her student, whose skills had greatly improved since her fight with Little Tiger.

As her companions fought, Wu Xiu also closely watched Ping Yue herself, for the magistrate was calling for reinforcements. A soldier speedily came to her side, and this one was no bumbling peasant with a spear; rather, it was a true warrior. A black-plumed helm with a wicked mask concealed her face, and green armor covered her body: Chest-plate, arm-guards, and plated skirt, her feet hidden inside green boots. She was shorter than Wu Xiu, but her posture told of great strength. In her hand was a long, flexible sword, shining like silver and pearls hanging from its hilt. Whoever this warrior was, she would clearly be a powerful opponent.

Wu Xiu stepped forth, traversing the battlefield with ease, batting aside the feeble attacks of the guardsmen. "I am Wu Xiu, former fencing master of Shanzi Province. I am responsible for both these women, and I will swear upon my sword that they are good people, virtuous and just. I beg you, Ping Yue, call off your soldiers."

"If she is not a bandit, how then do you explain the precious jewel she held?" asked Ping Yue.

"She took it from the throat of the Beast of Lanshui Lake, your Excellency. Only by doing so could the monster be defeated."

As Wu Xiu said this, she looked into the eye of Ping Yue, and saw an evil spark of greed in her eye. "Lies!" cried the magistrate, "This jewel has been stolen from the Imperial Treasury! It is mine! For her theft, she must be punished!" - "Your Excellency has been confused by greed and fear," retorted Wu Xiu, "Stop this madness, before you commit a great sin!"

Hearing this, Ping Yue was greatly incensed. She turned to her green-clad warrior, and spoke imperiously: "Viridian Pearl! Punish this woman for her insolence!"

The green-clad warrior stepped forth, and for a moment, Wu Xiu hesitated. She knew the name Viridian Pearl: A moniker used by a masked swordswoman of great skill, known for her virtue and loyalty as much as her mastery of the blade. Such a foe could be quite dangerous, and she was far better equipped than Wu Xiu, who wore but simple travelers' garments: A yellow jacket and brown trousers, with a broad wicker hat upon her head. Wu Xiu bowed respectfully to this opponent: "I do not wish to fight you, Viridian Pearl." she explained simply.

The other did not respond. She merely raised her blade in challenge, and Wu Xiu understood, that she was honor bound to obey the commands of Ping Yue. Wu Xiu raised her own blade, and the two warriors greeted each other as is customary. And then! Their weapons clashed together with terrible clamor, and a dance of flashing swords begun!

Wu Xiu fought defensively, and little by little Viridian Pearl forced her backwards. Step for step Wu Xiu skipped backwards, calculating her path while evading the swift biting blade of her opponent. Step by step she came closer to the well situated in the center of the square. Only when she reached it did she first lash out! A swift leap up on the edge of the well was followed by a kick to Viridian Pearls' chest! The other lost her balance, and the swift sword of Wu Xiu descended upon her, striking and cutting, severing straps with such precision as normal swordsmen only dream of. Viridian Pearl was nimble, but by the time she regained her footing, Wu Xiu had cut away her arm-guards without leaving a scratch on her beautiful skin!

It was now Viridian Pearl who kept her guard carefully, stepping sideways to avoid the furious blade of Wu Xiu. So focused were they on each other, that they barely noticed the battle going on around them. But then! A torn-off tunic came sailing through the air between them, ripped from a guardswoman by Hong Xiyao's brutal strength, and for a moment neither could see each other. Wu Xiu lunged, but Viridian Pearl sidestepped! Wu Xiu flew straight into a merchants' booth, and the Viridian Pearl seemed to have the advantage! Yet, Wu Xiu was clever, and ducked down low behind the stand, slashing for the enemy's feet. One! Two! And the straps of Viridian Pearls' boots had been severed. Fearing she might trip, she leaped over the stall leaving her boots behind, and came down with a swift slash towards Wu Xiu! The latter dodged backwards, and the deadly sword came so close as to cut through the brim of her hat!

Away from the square the two now moved, into the alleyways surrounding it – and soon Zhang Lei and Hong Xiyao could see them no longer. Now Wu Xiu and Guang Shen Ti were both elsewhere; and now neither Zhang Lei nor Hong Xiyao could see any more foes to defeat. So it was that they turned their attention upon Ping Yue, advancing on her with confident stride. "Stand back!" commanded Ping Yue, "I am a magistrate! I am appointed by the Emperor, in Heaven's name!"

A look of anger came upon Zhang Lei's face. "If you acted in Heaven's name, you would know not to mistreat a great hero such as Hong Xiyao", she spoke. "Yet you have done her a great injustice. For this, you will pay dearly." Speaking so, Zhang Lei turned to address Hong Xiyao. "Sister Hong," said Zhang Lei, "It does not befit a hero to wear the simple tunic of a peasant. Finer garments would suit you better."

"Where would I find finer garments?" asked Hong Xiyao, and as she asked so, she saw Zhang Lei's eyes fall upon Magistrate Ping. "You wouldn't dare!" cried Ping Yue, "To lay a hand upon me would be a crime in Heaven's eyes!"

In one swift motion, Zhang Lei flew towards her like a strong gust of wind. Towards Ping Yue she flew, who cringed and shielded herself – but Zhang Lei went right past, and landed behind her. "The criminal here is you, Ping Yue. Despite this, I will grant you the honor of dressing Hong Xiyao in fine clothing." In one swift motion, she sheathed her sword, and before Ping Yue could react, she had grabbed the hem of the magistrates' dress, and lifted it. Having severed straps and buttons as she flew past, Zhang Lei stripped it off her as easily as peeling a fruit. The undergarments of Ping Yue came into view: A smaller, black dress was underneath the first one, fine as gossamer, with elegant embroideries around the edges. It barely reached halfway down her thighs, and she looked quite undressed wearing it with only her shoes and gloves.

Zhang Lei threw the red dress she had been wearing to Hong Xiyao. The barbarian discarded her tunic, and inspected the dress; then, to the horror of Ping Yue, she took a knife from the ground and deftly cut it apart into two pieces; one around her hips, the other around her breasts. Despite this alteration, it still fit her rather poorly, being sewn for a far smaller woman. Nonetheless, Hong Xiyao was properly dressed once more.

"Do you want this other dress, Hong Xiyao?" asked Zhang Lei, but the barbarian shook her head. "It is useless." she declared. "I agree, Hong Xiyao; what say you, Ping Yue? Is this other dress useful?"

Ping Yue looked quite hesitant for a moment, then she confidently shook her head. "It is not useful. Hong Xiyao does not need it."

"Then neither do you!" declared Zhang Lei, and with a sudden ripping noise, she tore the thin dress in half! Ping Yue yelped in fear and surprise, as she was left standing in her black underpants and brassiere. A blushing hue overcame her skin, and she hurried to cover herself from the shameless stares of Zhang Lei and Hong Xiyao. "Y- you can't do this!" she protested, "It is highly illegal! I will have you arrested!"

"You have no such power now, Ping Yue. What of her gloves?" Zhang Lei asked her sister-in-arms. Hong Xiyao shook her head, and suddenly flashed the sword of Zhang Lei again. One! Two! The gloves fell in ribbons from Ping Yue's arms.

"No more!" cried Ping Yue. "No more!"

"Then you must ask Hong Xiyao your forgiveness." said Zhang Lei. "It is her you have wronged. If she forgives you, so will I."

"Never will I ask forgiveness from a thief and a savage! Were she of the Heavenly Kingdom perhaps, but such-"

Further did not Ping Yue get, before Zhang Lei's blade flashed once more and was sheathed. Quickly, the magistrate reached for her bosom, and indeed, the brassiere had been slashed apart. She held the two cups before her small breasts with her hands, but nothing else kept them up. Hot and flustered she became, and her eyes were filled with anger and shame. Her body shivered as a chill breeze blew over her naked skin.

"I will give you one more chance, Ping Yue. If Hong Xiyao can find it in her heart to forgive you, you shall be spared."

"You two are fools. Soon, my champion Viridian Pearl will return, and she will punish you most horribly for this transgression! Justice will be served, and my dignity will be restored!"

As Ping Yue said this, Hong Xiyao strode up to her and looked her closely in the eye. For a moment, there was absolute silence, as the wild, intense eyes of the barbarian scanned every aspect of Ping Yue's face. Then, with the swiftness and strength of a wild animal, she pulled the magistrates' underpants down to around her ankles. Ping Yue shrieked in horror, and let go of her broken brassiere to cover her womanhood. She stood naked but for her shoes in the square of Feitou township, and only now did pride and arrogance finally drain from her face, giving way to total humiliation. Still she did not apologize, but now it was only because Hong Xiyao had rendered her speechless.

But meanwhile, in an alleyway not far from the square, Wu Xiu was still fighting Viridian Pearl, and a legendary battle it was! But if you wish to hear of how their swords crossed in the small back alleys of Feitou Township, why then, you must listen to my next telling!