Tales from Cathay - Journey of Life

Chapter 4

The sound of drums could be heard as the monks entered the plaza. Their orange robes were clean and bright. All of them had bald heads. Yang Ling never knew why they were all bald. Maybe some kind of tradition. He looked at Pang. He is bald too but he is no monk. Only an ex-soldier.
The monks created a circle and none of them said a word.
Their wooden staffs ready at their side in their hand.
Older monk with a long beard and ornate metal staff entered the circle. The sky darkened and a shadow fell upon monks and visitors. Thankfully all visitors were covered by orange blankets. The elder monk looked up to the sky and as he did all monk raised their staffs.
Unsurprisingly it started raining. The falling water was heard as it hit the blankets. The old monk raised his golden staff.
Suddenly tiny sparks started to jump from wooden staffs. jumping from one to the other in a circle.
Yang and Pang could not believe their eyes. Lightning coming from wood? What kind of sorcery is this? Or was this work of Tiantáng zhànshì? This thought could not leave Yang's mind. Tiantáng zhànshì presenting his power in front of him? This is his dream come true.

Bearded monk hummed words Pang and Yang did not understand. Tip os his golden staff started radiating sparks as well. Suddenly in a blink of an eye jumping spark turned into chain connection all wooden staffs. Then is lashed out to golden staff and created a slope of lightning and lashed into the sky disappearing in dark clouds. Monks in red turned toward the monastery and left the plaza leaving old monk alone.
"The power of the heavens are at our disposal," he said and slammed his staff to the ground. And the unimaginable happened.

Dark clouds retreated. The darkness was gone and the sun shined once again. The rain that was falling on orange blankets stopped. Both were amazed. And the dark-skinned man with women were also speechless.
"Tiantáng zhànshì control the heavens as one of the elements surrounding Jin and Jang. Many of you have come here to see training. But this meeting was for another purpose." he said and everyone was expecting what he says next."A number in our order grows thin. With each passing year. And this year we are looking for new members. Only those worthy of becoming Tiantáng zhànshì."
Yang's eyes brightened when he heard that they are looking for new members.

"To become one is to be equal to one another. Today I will test your mettle in combat. Those of you who wish to start new lives in our monastery have one simple task. Defeat me and you shall be accepted. Lose and you may return to your life.
A sound of unsheathing sword could be heard across the plaza. The man in dark robes and decorated curved sword rose from his place."I accept your offer. But not from a desire to join your laughable order. But to test my skill against a warrior of this land." the elder monks was still the same. He was not surprised nor angry. "This is only for those who want to join us and not for those that seek glory," he replied.
"Afraid old man?" it was certain he was trying to anger him. But monk was still and still had his stone expression.
"If it is a fight you want. You won't find it here Sand prince."
"How do you know who I am?" He asked."I saw your future. Try to fight me and you will lose. Leave and your honour will not unscarred. I hope you are not afraid to lose to an old man with a staff." He chuckled. Angered he gripped his sword tight and lowered next to his body. He launched himself forward. His blade gathering sand and dust from the ground following the shape of the blade. He raised his blade and sand dashed forth into monk's eyes. When he brought his sword down upon him he hit the ground. He realised the monk was not there and he stood further away. He then slashed with a sword from the right side but his hand was interrupted by monk's hand. He twisted his hand forcing him to drop his sword. Then with his second hand, he struck his chest with an open hand. Upon impact, the thundering sound was heard across the plaza. The sand prince was sent flying by the punch and fell on the ground. Not moving. Not breathing.

Dark skinned women ran towards laying prince. They started to shake him and mumbling words no one could understand. He gasped and was reaching for air. Shocked and in great pain he turned his gaze upon monk that stood right in front of him.
"Your emotions are what makes you weak and others stronger. Not only me and all your opponents but the GREAT FOUR too. Remember that and you will be victorious." He offered his hand to a man in robes. He took his hand and rose. He bowed to him without a word and women bowed too. The monk offered his curved sword with his other hand. He also accepted it. This day was a great scar on his ego but also a great lesson.

As he walked away the monk spoke to all around him.
" There is no greater weapon than a prepared mind."