Ten Thousand Books, But Only One You

06 The book Snowy Mountain with a Peach Blossom Tree: Volume I

Chapter 6: The book Snowy Mountain with a Peach Blossom Tree Volume I

In the universe of Snowy Mountain With A Peach Blossom Tree, there were a number of significant long-running competitions within the wulin [1] community. One of which was the biennial martial arts convention held in Jing An Town during winter. Aspiring martial artists practice long and hard just to showcase their best performances on the grandiose arena in the town square, hoping to emerge as champions in their respective categories so as to catch the eyes of the highly-esteemed masters of prominent sects. Elite students of invited martial arts schools seized the opportunity to increase their rankings in jianghu by winning against sparring partners from other schools, bringing glory and honour to their masters and institutions.

The general public was welcomed to spectate the event, whether individuals from the pugilistic world or clueless commoners. Some arrived at the venue ahead of time in the hopes of securing a good location to view the action from. Others with deeper pockets may book private dining rooms in the restaurants overlooking the town square, inviting their friends and relatives to catch all the action. Finally, there were habitual gamblers who could not give up a chance to make money by betting on which schools and factions would emerge victorious this year.

The action did not only take place in the arena. Off-stage, disciples from distinguished schools strode around in groups, proudly dressed in their colour coded uniforms. Junior apprentices buzzed excitedly around nervous seniors who were warming up for their sparring bouts, running to and fro with water and instructions from their masters. Masters and leaders of smaller sects left their pre-assigned seats to mingle around, clinking small cups of tea and wishing one another the best for their disciples' performances. Renowned masters and alliance leaders simply needed to remain comfortably perched on their seats and politely greet those individuals wanting to ingratiate themselves with the masters of the top ten martial arts organisations. However, not all high profile individuals or representatives of smaller organisations were busy socialising. There was a group of people who silently scrutinised the movements and actions of all who were present, yet appeared indifferent and disinterested in the competition happening on-stage. Occasionally, they would glance in the direction of an alliance leader and then whisper into the ears of their associates, as if critiquing the latest happenings in the wulin community yet maintaining their non-partisan attitudes. These were people who were at the Convention not to compete, but to keep abreast of new gossips and rumours.

"Hypocrites?" I whispered to Mo Yue who had kindly explained the setting of the Convention to me. As Jinghe Palace was invited as a guest to watch the friendly competition, we were welcomed with a loud resounding announcement of our arrival and ushered quickly to our allocated seats on the far side of the circular arena.

The corners of his lips twitched but he tensed his jaws. Refilling my cup of tea, he said, "They are not the only ones here." He glanced at the group of social butterflies darting up and down the viewing gallery before his eyes met mine again.

I laughed, feeling delighted that Mo Yue seemed more comfortable around me today. "Are you also one of them?"

"Of course not. I'm here to support Brother Bai." He picked up the teacup with his thumb and two fingers, gazing at it with a smile.

"Yea, right." I rolled my eyes internally. Mo Yue was on his way to attend the Convention on behalf of his master, when he met Bai Zhen for the first time. Perhaps, he belonged to another group of spectators today: those who would come and go as they pleased, but actually had secret missions to accomplish. Encountering Bai Zhen was just a coincidence and part of the plot.

"Calling all competitors for the open freestyle sparring category, please make your way to the front of the stage right now."

Swept up in the joyful energy in the air, I sat upright in my seat and craned my neck to search amongst the competitors slowly gathering by the stage. Those competing in this category did not belong to any organisation. Besides disillusioned high-level martial artists who did not wish to pledge their loyalties to anyone and hopeful talented youths desiring to leave a favourable impression on the masters of prestigious schools so that they could be admitted as a student, there were also individuals who were outcasts. To be eligible, a recommendation letter from any leader of an organisation in wulin was required.