The Story of Soul, The Stubborn Vagabond

Nah...
Legend is way cooler.

Soul wrote:Nah...
Legend is way cooler.

Haha nah, I disagree.

It always depends on what one likes. To some, my story is better. To others, yours is better :)

It would take too long for me to tell you what happened next and I'm sure you would not want to go into details.To make it short, Golden Touch arrived at Liuheta Pagoda having used his influence to obtain a warrant to forbid the Vagabond Army from the Hangzhou and the whole province of Zhejiang."Should any of you, man or woman, dare to return, you will immediately be brought upon the authorities and be punished as such".The mad man's plan was to kill them but changed his mind when he realised that Soul knew the truth about Damned Spirits:"A damned spirit cannot be killed for good.They will always return from the other world.However, they do not need to eat or drink as ordinary people did and they were cold as cadavers.They are like walking dead.Since they do not eat,drink,breathe or so, they can be incapacitated.Keep them in an incapacitation state and you won't have any problems with them no more.They are not allowed to take their own lives."

Golden Touch knew his limit, but what happened inside the palace was unique.He knew he shouldn't try it with Soul.Most of his army was dead and his palace collapsed to the ground.All of this because of a humble Vagabond.The least he could do was use his political influence.

After giving them the order, Soul wanted to attack him but soon changed his mind as he was weakened and was almost sure he couldn't access that power again so soon.They wandered around the nearby provinces for some time looking for a place to stay.Soul found for himself a house in Datong.A little rundown place guarded by the Crippled Demon, a damned being.He killed the demon with ease as he was much weaker than Soul.He felt guilty for the turn of events and decided he will find a place for the Vagabonds.So he wandered the Land.He found a potential good temple in Datong but it was riddled with fake Shaolin monks.While he wandered Nanchang he noticed a tall castle that seemed abandoned.He trained there before."The Cane Castle".These words came to his mind as soon as he saw the majestic place.A place that nobody needed.It was perfect for the Vagabond Army.



Before even realising, he was getting multiple range hits from behind.He turned around to see a man dressed in black clothes with a mask on his face.He knew that man was Lian Zhufan, Thief of The Land.



Soul was helpless having been paralyzed by the damned man’s attack.He launched another attack.Within a friction of second the beam was ”cut” by the sword of someone that position himself in front of Soul just in time.He turned around:”Are you alright?”.Soul nodded.”Can you fight?”.Soul:”Yes”.Without saying anything again the man went directly up to Lian Zhufan and started a close range attack.That’s when Soul realised that the man that came to his aid was a Vagabond just like him.He joined him and together they attack the damned spirit.After some minutes they were done and sat on the steps going into the castle courtyard.The man:”I am Gaiden by the way”.Soul:”My name is Soul”.Gaiden:”So, you are a Vagabond too.What are you doing here?”.Soul:”I was thinking this castle would make a potential home for the Vagabond Army”.Gaiden:”There is a Vagabond Army???”.Soul:”Yes, there are quite a few of us now.Why don’t you join us?”.Gaiden:”I never knew about it…

They sat together like this for some time then Soul went to get Legend and introduce him to the Cane Castle.As he thought, Legend was in Hefei and when he arrived he was more than happy to officially make the Cane Castle of Nanchang  ”The Holy Halls of The Vagabond Army”.Gaiden joined Vagabond Army and he was one of the bests.They shared ideals about the clanless life and Gaiden turned out as a trustworthy person as Legend took him and Soul on a dangerous mission in Loulan where he proved himself as a good friend and powerful warrior.

(Read THIS for more information on this event)

And after some time, many of the members quitted and joined clans, Legend was away all the time and Soul's best friend, Tru, was almost never seen around.Shiomi quitted too, she was too tired of the clanless life and could not advance.But she did not join a clan as other did.She liked the path so instead she decided to take her sword and go in a journey.The last time they heard about her she was in Japan.Myiume retired and went into the mountains.So Gaiden and Soul were the only ever active members left.During this time, Soul became closer friends with Gaiden and came to support his ideas about the Army.

And one day Legend returned having been completely changed.He became much of a hermit.He explained everything to them.He explained his displeasure with the clans' attitude towards Vagabonds and the way they were treated.He felt the Vagabond inward was still strong but was not as hot tempered as before.He didn't have the same skil or charisma.He felt like he cannot lead them to victory and asked Soul and Gaiden if any of them wanted leadership but both denied.

That's when he departed again.A few more Vagabonds came to the temple and became part of the group but since Legend was absent, they could not be added officially to the group as Legend had the list with him and Soul, even as a leader, did not have any privileges on this subject.This has been a problem for everyone there until one day when Gaiden broke the silence to Soul:"I had time to think and I want to accept the position as Master of this guild"."Heh, very well", said a voice behind them.They turned around to find none other than Legend.In the end, Gaiden became the Master Vagabond and his friend Soul, became his right hand man.They made a few changes to the guild.The master was called "Grand Master of The Vagabond Army" and Soul was "Chief Counselor of The Vagabond Army".As for Legend, they could not leave him to being a simple "Member" as he was the one that made this guild in the first place so he was given the title of "Vagabond Hermit".He spent most of his days researching and meditating, in the mountains or in the temple.You never knew if he was around or not.

Gaiden did not consider himself the Master.To quote him "I am only nursing the Vagabond Army until Legend returns".The real question was if Legend would ever return as the leader.

Nevetheless, Gaiden was a powerful leader and a good friend.He reached the level of power called "Immortal" so he was officially one of the most powerful Vagabonds in The Land along with his friend and fellow member, Takashi.

But things were not always good, sometimes they encountered problems but they managed to get through them.Eventually, Tru returned along with other Vagabonds and the guild started to evolve at least for a little.

But Soul's story does not end here.It has just started.

"Though the future is unclear and the road ahead is long, The Vagabond Army shall rise again" - Soul, The Stubborn Vagabond.

Hehehe... That's a good one. Has some good parts in it :)

"There cannot be true peace without a war.It seems like a paradox at first but it's the truth.This is the human nature.We are a violent species.Only through meditation will we be able to overcome our true nature" - Entries from Zhou Feng's journal.


The Vagabond Army knew a period of great blooming under Gaiden's leading.For most of the time there was peace, rarely was there a moment of conflict.Their biggest problem was still Golden Touch with his political influence for some time but then he went quiet, deciding not to trouble the Vagabond Army anymore."That one particular fellow, there's something special about him.Something almost...too powerful for a Vagabond", the Alchemist thought of Soul.

During this time our Vagabond was becoming more and more powerful, he was slowly reaching the power level of Golden Lotus.Meanwhile, Legend was still gone from the Land and Soul really needed the advice of Legend because his dark dreams started getting the best out of him.

One particular moonless night the whole nature was in a total state of balance and cleanse, the Ki energy of the Land itself was in perfect harmony...everywhere but the Holy Halls...

Deep inside the fortress owned by the Vagabond Army Soul was struggling with one of his bad dreams.
He found himself chasing shadows in an unknown dark place.Visions of blood, visions of torment and visions of death that somehow carried the same message: "We're out to get you!"
Seconds seemed like eternity in this cursed surreal place.He found himself yelling for help, he wasn't aware if he was begging for help in real life or only in his dream.

"ARGH!", he woke up.He was sitting outright, all of his body frozen with his palms sweating.He went up, took the carafe from his nightstand and started drinking water with fast, greedy gulps.By then, he was completely awake.That was his nightmare routine.That's the way things have been going for the past two years, ever since the day Legend went away.Only that this time it was different...

He tripped on something that wasn't even there and hit the ground hard.He didn't realize he was feeling dizzy at the time.

Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind: "The answer lies deep down..."
Soul:"The Cave of the Conqueror" - The words that came to his mind without any apparent reasons.He went up again, it was strange, he should have become completely awake by now but all of sudden he felt like he was between a state of dreaming and the state of reality - reverie
As if he was being guided, he took his saber and his clothes and went outside, with the cold wind blowing into his face, he started walking to someplace he never knew - The Cave of The Conqueror
He took the shortest way to Hefei, slowly walking, not running.Completely ignoring the creatures and bad people on the way.They couldn't have hurt him anyway, the days the creatures of Nanchang outpowered him were long gone.

He slowly passed through Hefei and he was entering the Bloody Plains.He never enjoyed the place much, mostly because as a Vagabond he wasn't good in melee combat against clan members.From the distance, he saw the small building-like thing that was the entrance to the Cave."It's like it's sinking into the red sand", Soul thought to himself.As he entered the damned place he suddenly felt like he was choking.He rapidly channeled chakra into his right hand and hit himself on the chest with it.He could feel his lungs filling with fresh air.It was the Antidote of the Cave technique he learned from a tome he bought in Hefei.He never thought it would ever help him.After choking he became totally awake again but as he was breathing air, he was suddenly going in trance again, this drunk-like trance.Somehow, it was clearing his mind.He knew what he had to do and at the same time he did not know what he had to do.He unconsciously walked up to the fourth floor, still not knowing what he had to do or where he had to go to.He noticed the creatures there were much weaker than him so it was a relief.After walking around for a while, he felt each step getting harder and harder and he felt the urge to just drop down and sleep.

Suddenly, he saw someone ahead of him, in the distance: dressed in begger rags, complete with a straw hat, a water bottle, sword and a bow.At that moment he realized his mind must have been playing pranks on him because he wasn't seeing one but two of this person.Although the one on the left seemed more... "Immaterial", Soul immediately thought.



Both of the men were looking at him.He slowly walked to them, with each step his vision becoming more blurry and blackish.After some steps by Soul the man that did not wield a bow suddenly turned around and started to walk to the wall.Soul suddenly hastened his steps, he just felt like he needed the man to help him.With each of the man's steps he was becoming more and more translucid.By the time Soul arrived where two men initially stood, the one that left was long gone.Soul was feeling drunk and dizzy, he did not know what to believe.He did not know for how long did he stay there, looking at the wall that swallowed the mysterious person, but suddenly he realized that "the other one" was looking at him.

"Are you alright?", the man asked Soul with a very slight foreign accent.He was a sweet-tongued person, for sure.
Soul:"No.I am not".Those were the only words he was able to say before finally falling to the ground.That's when he blacked out for good.

"Young One?Are you alright, Young One?Can you see me?"

Soul opened his eyes slowly, he could see someone looking down at him.

Are you alright, Young One?"

"I think so..."

He slowly started to see the details that made up this man's facial features - Legend kept asking him is he was alright.Only that, on second thought, he noticed it wasn't Legend.It was someone else.Similar yet so different.He blacked out again.He woke up a few hours later with that choking sensation again, the man was leaning against him.He hit Soul's chest hard.He knew the Antidote technique too.

This time, he became fully awake and aware of everything that happened around him.He was sitting upright against the wall.As he felt the cold wall touching his back he remembered the "other man" dissapearing."Was it an illusion?", he asked himself.The man gave him food and wine to drink and for a few hours he stayed there with him.The man kind of nursed him back toa decent state of psyhical power.
Soul:"Who are you, actually?".The man:"Hmm?", the man asked confused.Soul:"Who are you and what were you doing down here by yourself?You seem like a warrior but you do not seem to belong to any of the 9 clans".The man :"Indeed, I am a warrior.Indeed, I do not belong to any of the clans.I am just like you", said the man with a smile on his face, pointing out to Soul's plate that bore the symbol for "Vagabond".

"There is also another rumor that a boy was born to The Vagabond and Hu ShanShan of The League of Beggars.But I shall not research further.I feel like I have done my part.Good-bye and I wish the best."

"And,the most enigmatic character,and I wish you not to interrupt me and hear EVERYTHING before saying a thing,the most enigmatic character,a young Vagabond born in Tianjin to Hu ShanShan and The Nameless One,The Vagabond.Yes,I know what you're thinking and you heard it right.The son of The Nameless One."

He also remembered a letter from Legend where he said his father was living in the Cave of The Conqueror.

Soul stood up.

"You are the Vagabond."A long pause ensued then he continued:"You are ZhongYuan LangKe, you ended the Great War more than ten years ago...And you are also the father of Legend"

The Vagabond smiled, he liked the wits of the Young One."Indeed I am".Soul:"This is almost too incredible to be true.How can I know you are real and I won't wake up in my room in Nanchang?".The Vagabond:"Young warrior, even if it were just a dream.Who says that it must not be true?".Soul smiled.The Vagabond:"Besides, you felt the taste of rice, the sweet taste of Taishan wine and even the pinchy poisonous air of this place.How could all this not be real?I am as real as you are.And very much alive too".

Soul, somewhat felt relieved that this legendary man was alive.He pretty much felt Legend was like a Master for him in times of need and the ability to talk to his father about his problems felt like a big relief for him.He told him all about his bad dreams, in hope that The Vagabond could help put his mind at rest.

"I am sorry but I cannot calm your troubling Ki", The Vagabond said to Soul."Why is that?", Soul asked with a bit of sadness in his voice.The Vagabond: "I used to be able to help my son with his troubling Ki back in the days.But times are changing and honestly, I don't know if it's for the good.I cannot access your inner self.Sorry.".Soul felt very bad about it.Soul: "It's alright, Nameless One.I know that you would have helped me if you could.But I have another question for you, if you may."Of course.Ask me anything you would like!At least I could help you with some information.The least I can do."Soul, stood silent for a few seconds then he broke the silence: "Can you teach me better Kung Fu?"

The Vagabond: "Again, I am very sorry but I can't do that.The Kung Fu that I know requires a special level of knowledge and years of training and sometimes I can't control it for good either.As long as I know, there aren't any people willing to train Vagabonds in the arts of Kung Fu.Again, I am sorry."Soul: "It's okay, I understand.But I have one more thing to ask you.".The Vagabond:"Please do."Soul:
"What do you know of the Feng Clan?".The Vagabond looked at Soul as if he was looking right through him.Then he started looking amazed:"Say, is it possible that you are the son of Zhou Feng?!"

Soul smiled."I am", he said.The Vagabond:"Unbelieveable.Zhou was a great men and his sons were destined for great things but never did I imagine one of them would remain a Vagabond.Which one are you?No, let me guess.Judai?No?Amanojaku?". Soul: "My name is Soul actually.I knew my older brother's name was Judai but I never knew about the younger one.And both these names sound pretty much eastern.Is my family of Japanese origins?"The Vagabond smiled: "Indeed it is.But I must ask you a question.Do you know what happened the year you were born?".Soul started becoming angry again, like the night he slapped Tru.But he calmed down faster than he would ever think it would be possible.His heart was still beating fast when he gave the answer of "Yes"

That's the moment The Vagabond became serious and stopped smiling.They started a long talk about the Feng Clan Massacre, as it was called.He told Soul that he did not know who the murderer was, thus dissapointing the man the third time.However, he told him he would help him anyway he could.
"I do not know who did it, Soul.Believe me, I would personally want to face the killer of Zhou's family, I really do.The only thing I know is that it was someone close to the clan, might be even a clansman.Zhou never told me, for unknown reasons.I never got him to reveal the name because I dissapeared during the war along with the other dragons, and never got to talk to Zhou again since then."

Soul: "He showed himself to me in a dream one night.I know it was him.Where were his last known whereabouts?".The Vagabond: "Not sure, to be honest.I have a few leads.Let's just say that I know a guy who knows a guy who says a guy saw him in Tibet and another one saw him in Japan, in Osaka.It would have been too risky for him to return to Beijing".Soul: "Beijing?Is that where my clan was settled?".The Vagabond: "Indeed, it was close to the five noble families and also close to the emperor.The assassination of your clansmen might have been a political move.Who knows?I doubt he would be there, and even if he were, you'd have to trespass your way into Beijing, the gates to the city have been closed for over ten years.You can only get in with official business regarding the Emperor or the noble families."

Soul: "What about my other relatives?I know Judai is a Wu Tang and this Amonjaku, as you named him, is a Beggar.Are there any other members of the Feng Clan alive?".The Vagabond:"Not sure about the others.Your mother, Mei, I think she might be with your father.Your best option would be looking for your brothers for you know where they are.Then all of you should look for your father and maybe your mother.The best thing would be to all gather before you take action against that vile monster that ruined the clan.And about leads, I think your best option would be meditation."Soul: "I won't be able to meditate about it with my trouble Ki, it's almost like something is trying to block my Ki.But I thank you for your time, Nameless one, but I have to go back to Nanchang.They might be looking for me".

"I am not able to help you with your Ki, Soul...but there is another one who can."

Hehe, not bad. Though I must say the "there cannot be true peace without a war" part is untrue, I must also say your narrative style has greatly improved. Some parts suddenly became a bit confusing (like the bold part), but all in all, it's very well done :)

Yeah, I know what yo're saying.I need to improve some of the parts.I was in a haste, kind of.I already edited it once or twice before you read it

The parts in bold are flashbacks and now that I went to past chapters I realized I must change some things there too.

About the peace part: peace without war, as simple as it should be, seems like an utopia these days.

Soul wrote:The parts in bold are flashbacks

Ahh, now I get it ^^

Soul wrote:About the peace part: peace without war, as simple as it should be, seems like an utopia these days.

Just because they tell us to believe how limited we are... There's nothing war can do that peace couldn't do better :)

"I am not able to help you with your Ki, Soul...but there is another one who can.In the highest reaches of Tibet, on the highest peak lives the one that Tibetan people never talk to, there lies a powerful Vagabond.He has many names, one of them would be Durpaneus or The Sage Vagabond."



"I am not powerful enough to ascend Tibet", Soul said."The evildoers there would surely kill me".The Vagabond smiled then said:"Then train, my young one.Train so you would be able to ascend to Tibet and finally be able to overcome your dark thoughts.But such things cannot be done without reconnecting with your past and embracing it...Find your brothers".

Soul was contemplating the events of the previous night as he left the Holly Halls that day.He was walking to Hefei when he heard someone call his name from behind, he turned around to see none other than Shiomi herself."SHIOMI!", he exclaimed as he hugged his old friend.She returned the gesture then looked at him:"It is so good to see you again, dearest of all my friends.What have you been doing for the past two years?Where are you headed to?"Soul:"Let's discuss all of this by a cup of sake, shall we?"

Some time later, both were sitting at a tavern in Hefei, discussing their lives and adventures.Taking a glance at her attire, Soul noticed sadly that she had become a disciple of Wu Tang."So you are a Wu Tang now?", Shiomi:"Oh, yes, I had a period of  becoming distant from people, I became a loner, turned to gambling.After one cold night wondering around after having lost all of my money I rested and slept by a tree.I woke up the next day realising I was in Wu Dang mountains, having trespassed into clan territory.The guards wanted to have me killed and they brought me before Master Tianxing.Instead of punishing me he had me do chores for the clan and I started liking it so I prospected for the clan and was able to join.I owe Master Tianxing my life".Soul was speechless for a moment, then he said:"If you went through all of this struggling why didn't you come back to us?Legend or Gaiden would have given your place back in the Army."The girl looked sadly into the ground then turned her head up with an expression of grief:"I did not want you guys to see me as weak after all of this.I was ashamed.Shiomi is dead, Soul.Shiomi was just a girl trying to stand out, to be different.I call myself Hikari now..."Soul could not stand this anymore, he wanted to leave as soon as possible.Never did he think a conversation with his dear friend would make him nervous:"I have to go now, to Wu Tang Shan actually....I am looking for my brother Judai...".Hikari was startled:"Judai is your brother?!This is why I alawys thought he looked familiar!"Soul:"You know him?!"Hikari:"Yes, I do.He's my Senior in the clan.Why did you never tell me he was your brother?".Soul:"I did not find...It was not until...Ahh, does not matter.Would you join me to Wu Tang Shan then?"."I can't, I'm sorry.I was actually on my way to Liaodong.Tell the guards from the Eastern gates that you wish for a meeting with Master Tianxing and that you are the brother of Judai.They would most likely think you'd like to join their clan and let you talk to Master", Hikari said.Soul:"Ha, and what if they don't let me leave until joining their clan?Just kidding.I have to be on my way now.".

At the crossroads they bid their farewell to each other with a friendly hug."Good luck with your life, Soul.May the wind of change always bring you back home, you Stubborn Vagabond."Soul was moved, nobody called him stubborn before, it fit him.The Stubborn Vagabond."May you find your inner peace, Hikari.I bid you farewell"

"Oh, only if I could find MY inner peace... he thought to himself later that day.He arrived at Wu Tang Shan in the evening and checked in at the local inn.He woke up next morning feeling fresh and somewhat nervous to finally be able to meet his brother.He bought new clothes from the Drapery and went on his way to ascend the mountains of Wu Dang



After some time he started noticing the Tao monastery that served as the clan base for Wu Tang, The Divine Sword.His nervousness grew as he approached the East Gate of the temple.The guards were two big men, he felt intimidated by them as he know that one wrong step could bring his death.His heart almost jumped out of his chest the moment one of the guards shouted "Stop right there, vile demon!".Soul froze in place, he was confused.



"Demon?", Soul asked confused.The patrolling guard also stopped and took a defensive stance.The other one, who went by the name of Longfeng, spoke:"Yes, demon.You're carrying a saber which is the customary weapon of Heavenly Demon clan, isn't it?"."Ten minutes here and already making mistakes", Soul thought to himself.He then spoke to Longfeng: "No doubt that you are a fine warrior, Guard.But you misunderstand, I am no demon.I am a mere Vagabond..Longfeng looked at him curious then said: "If so, throw me your plates".Soul took his plate from the necklace around his neck.A wooden plate bearing the symbol for "Vagabond".He then threw it to Longfeng that caught it too fast for Soul's eyes to see.Longfeng looked at the plate then back to Soul then to the plate again.Finally, he lifted his head looking at Soul with a stern look on his face.Finally he broke the silence: "What business brings you to Wu Tang Shan, noble Vagabond?".Soul smiled, he liked the way this man spoke, he spoke respectful even though Soul was much weaker than him.He remembered that Hikari instructed him to say that he wishes for a meeting with the clan Master, which would be a subtle way for saying "I want to join your clan".But since Longfeng spoke so softly Soul decided to be honest with the guard:"My name is Soul, I am submaster of the Vagabond Army of Nanchang.I came here to seek my brother, a warrior by the name of Judai".Longfeng:"Ah, so you are the brother of Judai.I am sorry, Soul, but we cannot let anyone inside of our monastery for such petty reasons.But given the fact that you spend your time climbing the mountain of Wu Dang in search of your brother maybe we can make an exception.He then turned around to the other guard and said:"Send word to Master Tianxing, tell him that a man claiming to be Senior Blue Dragon Judai's brother seeks to see him"."YES, SIR!", the other guard answered and immediately left through the big wooden gates.Longfeng:"It might take a while before he returns", "It's alright, I can wait", answered Soul with a bit of happiness in his voice, his voice suggested a fine limit between happiness and nervousness.He looked nearby and saw a a big tree with big branches that blocked the sunlight entirely.It was perfect for Soul, he went underneath the tree's wreath, ate some pork and finished it all with a good gulp of water from his flask.He drifted to sleep only to be awakened later by Longfeng: "Vagabond, wake up.The Master will see you now.Don't be late!".Soul got up, feeling dumbfounded.He washed his face with cold water so he could make himself presentable and then walked through the big wooden doors.

The temple was as big  as it could get, Soul did not have any time to admire it, he went directly to the biggest temple.Ascending the stairs he could see a very tall man with a long beard and long hair tied in a bun, both white as the snow.Master Tianxing spoke:"Yes, you may advance towards me, young warrior".Soul walked nervously towards the man, he was much more taller than Soul.



"It's so good to be able to meet you, Master of the Tao", Soul said after noticing the greatness of the man before him.Master Tianxing:"You can get up, warior.Now tell me, what brings you to our great Clan?"."I came seeking my brother, Judai of house Feng.Master Tianxing then spoke:"Indeed, your brother is a fine warrior.Judging by the factr that you spend all your time ascending this mountain you must be more than eager to meet him.Soul:"I am, Master, I really am.There are so many questions that need answers.The master looked at Soul with a bit of sadness in his eyes, Soul noticed this and became worried.The master then broke the silence:"I feel sorry to be the bearer of the news, Soul, but your brother was sent a week ago to Nanchang, along two other Seniors.A spying mission to gather intelligence about the Silver Coins Mansion, that's the clan of Golden Coins' branch of Nanchang."Soul was buffled, "Not the Golden Coins again!". he thought to himself.He was enraged all over again:"Three of your Clan's seniors have been missing for a week and you did not do anything about it?!".The master was surprised of Soul's change of tone but he kept a calm attitude towards it:"It is not like that, Vagabond.The Mansion of Silver Coins is a dangerous place, the mission is so dangerous that we had to break my principles and collaborate with the League of Beggars on this!"Soul:"Wow, clans working with each other.This is new."Master Tianxing:"Yes, and you say we are doing nothing, you unschooled brat!.Soul felt a little ashamed for his behaviour, he was ready to apologize but the master interrupted him:"Of course we are doing something about it, maybe you'd like to help form a rescue party?".Soul:"Of course I would like to!He is my brother after all.Master Tianxing:"Excellent, gather your Vagabond fellows, I will choose some of my students to help.Meanwhile, The League send us one of their students that was inside the Mansion and survived so he is very valuable to our mission".Just as the master said this, the gates behind him opened and a man appeared on the door step.



"Soul, meet Amanojaku!"

It struck him like a lightning and words echoed through his mind, words like "Zhou's sons" or a sentence that he seems to have heard years ago even though he heard it two night before: "Which one are you?No, let me guess.Judai?No?Amanojaku?"[/i]

"B...b..brother..."

Soul was filled with amazement and nervousness over the discovery.Destiny really has a way of turning things.The two brothers stared into each other's eyes for a moment that seemed like an eternity then and there.It seemed like the whole world froze in place.Master Tianxing was as surprised as he could get and the man went through Hell and back during his lifetime so almost nothing could surprise him but there it was: two brothers meeting each other for the very first time, all by pure coincidence...or was it?

The semblance was there: same facial features, same build, had Amanojaku not been a year younger with a beard covering his face they could easily pass as twins.

"Brother...", Amanojaku replied.Even their voices were likewise.The silence went on for a few more seconds until both turned to hug each other at the same time.Soul could not believe his eyes and the situation.He came to Wu Tang Shan to find his Blue Dragon brother and instead of this he met a Vanguard Beggar that turned out to be his other brother.He was filled with joy but grieved by questions, suddenly having realised that he did not seek his brothers for being able to get over his hatred and grief.He seeked his brothers because he needed aid in tracking down his family's killer."We have alot to talk about", he whispered into Amanojaku's ear.Amanojaku:"We do, brother.I have so many questions".
Master Tianxing:"I am sorry you had to find out like this, Soul.I am getting old.The League sent out Judai's brother as help and while you were here I did not even realise the connection in my mind.I must be becoming senile by age.Soul:"It's alright, Master.I am sorry for being rude earlier.Please forgive my insolence!".Master Tianxing:"It's alright, Vagabond.It was a normal reaction of a concerned brother.He looked at Soul and then at Amanojaku:"You both know we must discuss about what we're about to do, right?We must gather the people for the rescue.Amanojaku:"We WILL talk about it, Master.But right now I already have alot to discuss with my brother, if you don't mind, Master".Master Tianxing:"Of course, we shall talk about it in the morning.Amanojaku, you can share your room with Soul, right?"."Yes, Master.I shall show him to our room"."Very well", the master said."I shall let you two reconnect.Be on your way, Feng brothers!

"Feng brothers" - It echoed in Soul's mind.Each time his clan was referenced he got mad.That strange burning sensation all over his body, his desire to do unspekaable things.Suddenly he had tears in his eyes and soon his killing intents would go away.He turned his back to Master Tianxing and Amanojaku to hide his tears.When he figured they'd be looking at him he improvised:"The skyline is so beautiful in Wu Dang mountains during the night..."
A few hours later, the beds in the room were empty and cold.Two tall shadows could have been seen resting on the roof of the room - Soul and his new-found family>Both stood in a dead-like silence until Amanojaku broke it:"I know what's been troubling you, brother".Soul tried playing it tough:"Really?Ha!What would trouble me?", by the end of his last sentence his voice had already started shaking."Do you know anything about secret branches of every clan, Soul?", asked Amanojaku.Soul was intrigued and baffled:"No, what are those?.Amanojaku then continued:"It is common lore across the Land that each clan has special members that possess very good inbirth abilities ranging from intelligence, perspicacity, logic and all similar qualities.Stories say each clan has a «special few» that are trained individually.They are mostly used in intelligence gathering missions, attack planning and psychological torture and..." "Where are you trying to get?", Soul asked nervously.Amanojaku:"Ah, sorry brother.Sometimes I go too much into detail.The essence of my words remains the same: I am part of the «special few» of The League".Soul was amazed and at the same time, a bit scared.He hasn't talked to anyone about his hate before and suddenly he understood that Amanojaku was special"You're surprised", Amanojaku said."I would be too if I were you.Don't worry, you're not gonna die.In The League we are very open about anything and everything.We're drunkards after all", he said with a happily voice.Soul was a bit angry: "So where are you trying to get to?!", he yelled.Amanojaku:"All of your hate comes from something you don't want to talk about it!It's all about our family!" Pow!
His words were enough to earn a fist in the face by Soul."ASSHOLE!You can't just keep it all inside of you!You must talk about what happened!".Another fist came in Amanojaku's direction.He was able to dodge it.This scenario repeated itself for a few times, each time with him dodging the fists. "WHAT HAPPENED?" *fist* "WHAT HAPPENED IS THAT... *fist* "THAT IDIOT KILLED MY CHILDHOOD!".His words echoed through the mountains, one could see some doors opening and disciples looking for the cause of the commotion."SOUL!STOP!", Amanojaku yelled."That's exactly what HE wants!, Soul:"HE?!", Amanojaku:"The killer...He knows everything.I can sense it.He is very pleased whenever you're angry.It makes you weak.It makes you...vulnerable...".Soul was angrier than before.He started looking all around like he hoped that he would see a mysterious man looking at him, grinning.Just the thought of this made him angrier."You killed my clan, you fucking bastard!You killed my childhood.DID YOU KILL HUILIANG TOO, JUST TO MAKE ME ANGRIER?!"

"Oh yes, I do.", a voice spoke inside of his mind.The words hurt Soul, he felt like one thousand swords were impaled into his body.The pain was even greater than that time he clashed with Shen Mo."Who are you?!Show yourself!", Soul yelled.The myserious voice suddenly seemed to come from behind:"I am right here!".Soul turned around but suddenly his vision became blurry and his retinas started burning.He fell to the ground.Trying to look ahead all he could discern was light colored clothing, almost robe like.The mysterious man stood in place a few meters away from Soul, watching the agonizing Vagabond.Finally, he started walking towards him.Soul was having a heartache and breathing became hard, he tried to search around for something that could be used as a weapon against the killer.He could not even talk."Amanojaku, kill him.Fetch me my saber" came out from his mouth as just a simple blabbering.The man was finally infront of Soul.He could discern some of his characteristics: he was dressed finely, with hair tied in a bun and he had - "a fan? Union of the Noble Families?!".The man spoke:"You are pathetic.You can't even touch me and you hope to fight me for avenging your clan?Pity..."'.That's the moment he lost his consciousness.He woke up some time later, cold through the bones, to the voice of Amanojaku calling his name.
As soon as Soul was able to walk again, which was three days later, they were both brought upon Master Tianxing that was very angry for their "childish behaviour":
"You both troubled the Yin and Yang of this sacred place.You are very lucky we're not having you killed!BUT you shall both be punished"
Both of the brothers felt ashamed for their actions and both were nervous because of this punishment that were to come.Soul:"I am terribly sorry for my actions, master.I behaved like a madman, I admit it.But leave my brother alone, I attacked him.Only I should be punished!".Amanojaku looked at his brother with amazement, Master Tianxing too."I am impressed", said Tianxing."You gave proof that you are not an immature brat, Vagabond.But still, both of you must answer for troubling the very own people that hosted you!".Anger could clearly be heard in his voice.After a short pause he continued with a normal voice:"Soul answers to nobody as he is a Vagabond...as for Amanojaku, I spoke to Drunken Moon and he agreed on my idea of punishment.You are brothers, it is forbidden for you to fight each other!As a punishment, you shall go rescue Judai, no help from The League or Wu Tang!""WHAT?!", both exclamed.Soul:"This is not moral!This is a suicidal mission.You can't leave this job solely for us!Judai is a Senior member of your clan.You can't leave him there to die!!!", Tianxing:"SILENCE!This is the way you'll redeem yourself in the eyes of Wu Tang and The League of Beggars!"

Ten minutes later, the gates of Wu Tang were closing behind Soul and Amanojaku.Both were descending the mountain in silence when Soul decided to break it:"We're not gonna do this alone, Gaiden will help us".Amanojaku ignored him for a moment then answered:"So we're off to Cane Castle?".Soul:"Yes, we are!".Amanojaku:"What state of power did you reach brother?".Soul:"Golden Lotus.You?".Amanojaku:"Wow, you're pretty powerful for a Vagabond.I only reached Sun and Moon but I am able to hold my ground inside.With your power we might even be able to defeat Golden Shell and Laughing Face!"."Yeah...maybe...", Soul was pretty much nervous for another clash against Golden Coins.He just hoped that his lieutenants were not gonna be as powerful as Golden Touch was.

Soon, they arrived at the Holy Halls of the Vagabond Army



"GAIDEN!", Soul shouted, a few moments later Gaiden did not come but there came out of the shadows none other than Hikari.Soul started to lighten up.Hikari :"Gaiden's not here right now.What is it, Soul?".Soul then started smiling:"We're fucking up Golden Coins again!"

Hehe, I like :) Very well made, your narrative style is getting better.

Perhaps it's time for Legend to return...
Fan-fictionally speaking. lol

YES!
Yes, he should :)

"I don't know why I got to the point of writing this.You might think that with all of their wealth, Golden Coins could at least have a decent prison cell.Instead, I was locked into the riches room.How convenient, isn't it?Dying slowly of poisoned air in a room filled of wealth, every man's dream.I haven't seen any human presence in a few days.The funny thing is, I haven't been imprisoned for so long to become a madman but the venomous air is driving me crazy already.I feel like I have been trapped for a very long time.The Generals of Golden Touch are out there, I hear Golden Shell whispering through the door, whispering with his vile, demonic voice.Paradoxically, his voices are the sole human thing he has left.The other one concerns me, Laughing Face.He has no human traits left.He is just a golden demon.For the very first time in a long time I feel scared.Scared of my future at the hands of those vile creatures.That smile...it's driving me crazy.It's demonic.I am not sure I will ever get out of this place alive, I am barely able to write anymore.I feel my feet getting heavier.I will go rest soon.I don't know who might you be, the one reading this.You might be a peasant or a nobleman, a clansman or a deviant clansman.

I hear commotion outside, a faint, indistinct sound.This poison affects each of the five senses.Now my arms are getting heavy too and my eyes are closing.I shall go rest for now.Should I not make it out alive, mark my words: money is the root of all evil!" - Unknown Hero's Journal, found inside the Mansion of Silver Coins


The heroes were running through Nanchang, there we had Soul, Amanojaku, Gaiden, Hikari and a Tru - the latter three were running side by side while Soul and Amanojaku stayed behind, conversating.Soul:"Say, brother.", Amanojaku:"Hm, what is it?". "I was wondering", Soul said, "During that whole commotion at the clan base, did you see...", "...Him?" - his answer made Soul's blood become cold."So it wasn't a hallucination then.", he thought to himself.Amanojaku:"I saw him and got to take a very good look at him, Soul!".Soul was baffed."Why didn't you do anything?", Soul asked.Amanojaku:"I wanted to help you but I seem to have frozen in place.He was pretty much concerned about you.He practically ignored me.I don't know for how long did this last but he just vanished..."".Soul was thoughtful about this event, "Why would he be concerned only about me?Maybe he didn't know Amanojaku was my brother.No, it's impossible, Amanojaku felt his presence before he arrived pshysically.If this vile man can apparate wherever he likes I kind of have mixed feelings about the moment we'll clash.After all, he entered my mind...".His thoughts were interrupted by Gaiden's announcement that they would be reaching the Mansion soon.From that moment Soul stopped thinking about the previous night and focused on the road ahead.Soon, they arrived at the Mansion of Silver Coins, a majestic villa-like construction with golden roofs.They killed the clansmen guarding the front gates with ease.After that moment, they were put infront of a pillar-like thins with three round empy openings."What are we gonna do about this?", Soul asked.He wasn't familiar with these kind of things, the time he escalated The Palace of Golden Coins he entered through an open roof window.His question was immediately answered by Tru:"With these.", he said, just as he was taking out three strange roudn plates from his backpack.Each of them bore the symbol of Silver Coins branch."They are used for access inside by the clansmen of Golden Coins and Silver Coins, I took them from a disciple I killed in Hangzhou during a fight".Tru then put each of the round plates inside the pillar thing.Suddenly, the pillar went down in the ground and the gates ahead of them opened."Shall we?", Gaiden asked.Soul was getting ready to answer but Amanojaku did it before he could even open his mouth.Then he added:""Stay close to me, I know my way around this place.I might need some help in certain parts where the creatures would be too strong".Without any further talk, they went inside and the gates closed behind them.

They found themselves in a large room and immediately got ambushed by Silver Coins escorts.For the first time, Soul felt the leaderly urge to protect his fellows.After all, theoretically, he was the leader of the group."IN POSITION, EVERYBODY!Tru, protect Amanojaku!Hikari and Gaiden, we'll take them out!", Soul yelled with his new-found vigor.Gaiden looked strange at Soul because, after all, Soul was his second-in-command, not leader.B ut he complied after realizing that in this mission, Soul indeed was his leader.Without further instructions, Soul charged at the attackers with a powerful saber attack that caused them to scatter giving the perfect opportunity for the squad to kill each of them easier.In a few minutes they were done.Amanojaku:"Good job!Now follow me, we gotta go deeper inside.Be careful, we are going deep below ground and the air will become increasingly rarefied."And so they went deeper and deeper inside the Mansion of Silver Coins.The pattern was simple, each room resembled the one before.All they had to do was kill the clansmen and creatures then open the gate.As Amanojaku predicted, air became harder and harder to breathe and Soul was getting anxious over the final battle.After walking clueless for a few minutes, Amanojaku broke the silence:"We're lost..."

The warriors were starting to lose their hope until from one corner emerged another person, not a part of Golden Coins but his garb suggested he was a member of Wu Tang.After seeing them he immediately help his sword in a defensive stance."Who are you?!", He yelled."You don't seem to be part of Golden Coins.Are you allied Clansmen sent to save us?".Soul:"I and my two mates here are Vagabonds.My brother here came on behalf of The League and this is..."","HIKARI!", the man yelled."You came to save your seniors?How come Master Tianxing sent this squad instead of a Clan one?".Hikari:"It's a long story, Tiangfen.We need to find Judai and Biyao.Where are they?".Tiangfen:"Biyao is dead.They executed him.Judai was trapped in the wealth room, so was I".Hikari was visibly furious:"Why did you leave without Judai?!Coward!".Tiangfen:"Don't you dare yell at your seniors, you vagrant girl!".Soul got furious when he heard the disciple insult Hikari on her Vagabond background.He hit the clan disciple in the face with his saber's handle.He immediately fell to the ground coughing.When he got up one could notice his cheek became swollen and bloody - he was visibly furious at Soul."How dare you attack me, you peasant!I am a Senior of Wu Tang.I could kill you!", he yelled.Soul:"Alright, tough guy.Kill me then!".A fight would have ensured had Gaiden not got between them."Alright, people.Calm down!The both of you!We need to rescue Soul's brother from the wealth room!".Tiangfen was surprised to find out that Soul was the brother of Judai and wanted to further insult the Vagabonds when he noticed that Gaiden was much more powerful than himself so he shut up.They continued to descend into the Silver Coins base, not saying anything.From this part on, Tiangfen became their guide.He seemed somewhat nervous.After some time, they arrived in a large room with a very long staircase.One could not see where the staircase ended.Tiangfen spoke with a slightly trembling voice:"We...we..we're gonna arrive in the  main room...the Generals' room.I can't fight them.I mean, yes, I am able to defeat them but this poison has weakened me considerably.Gaiden and Soul should fight them.Soul couldn't help but laugh and say:"You can't fight?Ha, what a surprise there!".Tiangfen's blood was boiling but he did not say anything.Soul was more powerful than him.They started descending the staircase.With each step poison was becomign more powerful.It almost burns Soul's sinuses and there was another reek flowing through the air down there.It was death.

Walking at different paces, they did not realize Hikari and Tiangfen somehow got in the front.The Wu Tang Senior became increasingly uncomfortable as they entered the big room.Soon, they arrived in the middle of the room and there was nothing there.Tiangfen:"Phew, we're lucky.The generals are not here, I'il find something to open the treasure room to get Judai.Just as he said that and turned around he tripped on something and fell to the floor.Having realized the thing he tripped on was a skull he started screaming - All of this was a wonderful thing to look at by Soul.He just couldn't stop laughing

"STOP IT YOU FILTHY VAGABOND PAUPER", he yelled."When we get out of this place I will have Master Tianxing kill you!".

"Hey, what's this?", Hikari asked while picking up a small leather bag from the ground that fell from Tiangfen's pocket."STOP IT!That's mine!".It was too late for that, Hikari had already opened the bag and let its contents fall to the ground: it was gold.She looked at Tiangfen with a disgusted face.Hikari:"That's why you didn't want to return to Judai, you left him there to die and ran away with his money!".Soul felt the rise of that old familiar feeling - he hated it - but it was justified."THIEF!SCOUNDREL!I'il have your head for that!", he yelled.Tiangfen:"You ain't gonna do anything about it.Who do you think Master would listen to?Some stinky Vagabonds and their good friend-turned-Wu Tang or would he listen to one of his Senior disciples?Hah..." *crush*

It all happened too fast for anyone to notice.Before they realized what happened, all that remained of Tiangfen was some blood, a few organs and few bones, all on the floor.Some bloody skin was also hanging loose from a motionless Laughing Face's bag.Tiangfen loved money so much and he died being crushed by a bag of gold, bigger than the one he stole."How ironically", Soul thought to himself.He felt the urge to vomit looking at the gruesome scene but he kept it to himself.He looked at that face.It was horrible, a laughing demon.A demonic Buddha.The demon then turned himself to Hikari.She froze in place."Oh no, you don't!", Amanojaku yelled and stunned the creature with his attack.He tool Hikari and both retreated.Right then, a huge man, all plated in gold came down from the balcony above - Golden Shell.Tru, Amanojaku and Hikari all got behind and both Soul and Gaiden stepped forward in offensive stance."Gaiden, take Golden Shell.I will take Laughing Face, Soul said.Gaiden nodded a "Yes".Then they both started charging at the two golden demons.Laughing Face was even more horrible up close, Soul was barely able to dodge his attacks, he fought with the same bag that he used to crush Tiangfen a few moments eariler.The fight went for some time without incidents.Soul was noticeably weaker than Gaiden so it took him more time to fight his general.After some time, Soul looked at Gaiden for a moment and he noticed that for a moment Golden Shell let his guard down and it was the perfect moment for Gaiden - He pierced his polearm through his chest, instantly killing him."Good job Gai..." *pow* Soul let his guard down when looking at Gaiden and Laughing Face hit him very hard in the head.He desperately tried not to lose consciousness.He was down on all fours and he looked up - Laughing Face was preparing his bag for a devastating crushing blow, just at that moment, Gaiden came and deviated his attack then hit him hard in the head, making him confused.He helped Soul up and they both continued fighting the being.After a few more minutes, Soul could notice the creature was getting weaker.Gaiden hit Laughing Face in the head again and he started spinning, almost comically.Instead of laughing at the scene, Soul took the opportunity, hit him as hard as he could in the belly and threw him across the room, hitting the wall.The creature let out one last cry of pain before dying.

"Good job, everyone!", Tru yelled.Hikari:"We don't have time to celebrate.Amanojaku and Soul break that door and free your brother.Gaiden, come here and help me.Reiforcements are coming.And Tru, find a way out!".They all did what they were instructed to.Amanojaku and Soul went to the door and checked the knobs.Locked, just as they had expected.They both started attacking and finally the doors fell from their attacks.Immediately after that, they were almost blinded by the gold's shine.Soul looked around then saw him: weakened by poison they still bore a resemblance to him and Amanojaku - same round face, same eyes.Soul thought that he and Judai resmeble more than him and Amanojaku did."Brother, we came to rescue you.Can you walk?", Amanojaku asked.No Answer.Soul:"We need to get out of here fast, otherwise he'll die!".Suddenly someone else entered the room, it was Tru."I found a way out!Let's go!", he said.Amanojaku and Soul took Judai, each by an arm and took him out of there.When they arrived back in the main room they could see Hikari and Gaiden fending off the reinforcements."Let's go!", Soul yelled to them.They turned their attentino to him."Tru found a way out!".Gaiden:"Understood!", then he proceeded to seal the gates, cutting the reinforcements' way.They all ran through the gate that Tru found and emerged somewhore in Nanchang.As Soul got up, hot sun rays were playing on his skin and he was breathing fresh air with a greedy look on his face.He looked around to notice that each of his friend was doing the same.Even Judai.He seemed much better."We're close to Yushan Village", Sou lsaid."We'll find a doctor there, for sure".

The next few days the brothers spent were at The Holly Halls of The Vagabond Army.They were peaceful days for all of them.Golden Touch again wanted to make life hard for them but quit his idea when he heard that it was a rescue mission from two main clans.Soul, Amanojaku and Judai reconnected with each other and soon formed a brotherly bond,"I still can't believe our brother is alive, Amanojaku.And I still can't believe this story of how you've met!", he said one day.Soul smiled."Destiny sure has a way of turning things around sometimes", he said.There even came a moment when they discussed about the Clan massacre and for the first time, Soul did not feel anger over it.He felt that with his brothers' company nothing could get to him, not even bad thoughts.Judai:"I have a few theories of my own and information.And Amanojaku, you say you have seen him in Wu Tang Shan.Maybe you should try a portrait?".Amanojaku:"That's a good idea, brother, I shall try drawing him.What is certain - he wore noble clothes and carried a fan".Judai was intrigued."Fan?Do you think he is maybe a rogue member of The Union of The Noble Families?", Judai asked.Soul:"Certainly, maybe we'll need to go to Beijing one day and ask the Families about it.Getting into the city would be the problem but since our family was from there maybe it won't be so hard.Judai:"Yeah...maybe..."



After a few days of sitting around the Halls and training, a pigeon came carrying a message from Master Tianxing:

"Dear Soul, I just got word of your successful mission.I am terribly sorry for the loss of Tiangfen and Biyao at the hands of Silver Coins.They will be avenged, may their spirits find their peace.I wanted to request Judai, if he is alright now, and Hikari to come back to report at the clan base.
Through this I wanted to tell you that the clan of Wu Tang is very proud of the service you did for it.The gates of Wu Tang shall always be open for you, noble Vagabond.Whenever you need help, the Wu Tang will be here for you.May the Yin and Yang guide you through life.
- With sincerity, Master Tianxing"

Soul was moved by the old Master's kindness.He didn't have time to be happy about this letter for long and another pigeon arrived from The League of Beggars, from Drunken Moon:

"My Vagabond friend, I wanted to thank you for taking care of that lil' brother of yours inside Silver Coins Mansion.He is a stubborn little brat but he's a good student after all.You both worked very hard and saved your brother from demise.This is what I call «Brotherhood».We, out of all these clans, know best what a Vagabond life means.

Shall you ever decide you wanna party a little or feel like drinking some mead, come to Tianjin.I'm sure we'll find you a bad to pass out on.The League of Beggards shall always be friendly to you and to the Vagabond Army!
- Best regards, Drunken Moon"
P.S. Send the fool Amanojaku here, he can't escape work by partying with you there!

Soul was moved by these two clans vociing their support to him and especially for Drunken Moon as he mentioned The Vagabond Army.Later that day, Soul, Amanojaku, Judia and Hikari were in Hefei at the crossroads."Well, I'm goign to stay here for a few days, see if I an get some good deals.Shame you can't stay with me", Soul said.Hikari:"Yeah, the Master equested our presence.We'll catch up later, Soul".She then proceeded to hug him tightly.She was then joined by the other two Feng brothers."I won't forget what you did for me, little brother!", Judai said.Amanojaku:"I have to go to Tianjin but we'll catch up sometime, dear brother".He then watched as all of them departed on their respective ways.Soul was happy, the first time in a very long time.He was happy to have met and reconnected with his family.The thought of going into detail about The Feng Clan Massacre did not anger him anymore, although it did make him sad.He started cluelessly walking around Hefei when he heard someone call his name from behind.He turned around.

It was none other than the same rich man that caused trouble for them with Golden Touch."Ah.S.S.Soul.It's so good to meet you, young Vagabond!".Sou lstarted walking up furiously up to him."We let you go on promise that you'd get scarce!I told you to fuck off!".Rich man:"Ehehe...Yes, you did.But I could not leave like that, you know!I have business to take care of business.Perhaps you would help fasten the moving process?".Soul:"Of course I would love to!", Soul said with a cheerful voice as he took out his saber."I am helping you!A one way ticket to the otherworld!".The man was visibly frightened."No, please.I am speakign for real.I was just moving out.Honestly!It's just that I have one more thing to do and the situation is overwhelming.Perhaps you'd help me with a hero's task".Soul:"I'd do anything to get your fat ass out of here.Just tell me what you need done".Rich man:"Right, you see, you should know about the bloody flowers of Bloody Plains.It is said that they get their colour from the blood that impregnates in the sand.My favourite concubine would like a handful of them before moving.Maybe you could get some for me?They grow in the middle of the plains, near the Cave of The Conquerior".Soul:"Of course, I hope your things will be packed up by the moment I return!"."Ehehe, sure they will be packed.When you're back I will be ready to go!".
Soul left but just as he started walking he heard someone whispering his name from across the corner.He went there to check out who's alling hi mand found a humble old man."Oh, how you've arrived in my time of need, warrior.", the old man said."How come?", Soul asked.The old man then continued:"You see, my daughter is very sick and the doctor told me that the only cure that can be made is extracted from the bloody flowers of the Plains.I know that the fat man's concuvine wants them.Truth is, the man offered to marry my daughter before but I refused.His concubine is still jelaous of my daughter, that's why she asked for the flowers.Just out of spite!".Soul was angry again."What terrible people, old man", he yelled."Have no worry, I know what I have to do", and he left for the bloody plains.

Half an hour later, Soul came back to Hefei, carrying the bloody red flowers.The fat man saw him from the distance and was overwhelmed."Good job, Vagabond!You did a very...", but Soul ignored him and went right past him, directly to the old man.The fat man was outraged, he could see the old man thanking Soul, he had tears in his eyes."Thank you, you have a very kind soul!", the old man said.Soul:"It's never a burden to help out somebody".The fat man watched this scene.He then saw Soul walking up to him, he had already become scared.But no, Soul did not come to him.Instead, he turned left and went to talk to a Constable.The fat rich man watched nervous then saw Soul pointing out the man to the Constable.An hour later, the rich man was being judged for conspiracy of murder with the Golden Coins clan

Well done :)

During the next few months after meeting his brothers Soul decided that he indeed needed to change his ways so he started meditating.He rose to the power level of Little Master and was almost ready to ascend Tibet, a thing he was looking forward for.
He finally realized that if anger overcame him he would never be able to uncover the truth about his clan's massacre."They were from Beijing, they were noble and they were close to the Emperor.It might be linked to the Union of The Noble Families for as far as I knew", he sometimes said to himself.

Soul woke up one morning with pangs all over his body."For a big rich city Hefei could afford better futons"", he said to himself.He got up, dressed in his clothes and left the room, too lazy to arrange the sheets.As he got out, the blazing warm sunlight blinded him with a hot touch.It was the perfect day to meditate so he didn't want to waste any time and went straight to Shi Zhang where he had his favorite meditation spot: a stone pedestal under a big waterfall - A stone so cold..."that my hands are wet", he said just as he arrived at the said place.There was a bear around but it didn't bother Soul as long as he left the creature alone.He looked around to be sure that nobody was there then started undressing.He took out his boots, his jacket, wristbands and hat.He left on his pants to keep a sense of decency.He put all of those in the special bag that he had bought a few days before in Hefei - a lightweight material bag greased all over with beeswax - something which made it somehow waterproof.He didn't trust that it would last for long so he was gonna hurry and try to wetten it as less as possible.He looked around one more time make sure that nobody was there and he entered the cold water.It was a medium swim from the shore to under the waterfall.He clenched the bag with his teeth and plunged into the cold water.Before he even realized, he was under the waterfall , on a part where water barely touched him.He let his bag in a safe place and then walked up to the pedestal which was in a perfect spot: a separate stream of water coming from the stone above touches it.He was getting into his usual position when he decided he did not want to get his pants wet so he undressed, remaining in his undies.But since decided that it would be impossible for someone to find him there, he took off his undies and threw them near the bag.

A few minutes later he was already drifting to his mind world as his whole body became more and more numb and, paradoxally, his senses seemed to have become sharper.
And right then and there he heard as if someone whispered in his ear."Excuse me, sir", the voice said.Soul did not panic when hearing that voice in his ear for he knew that it was just an illusion caused by his sharper senses, the voice must have come from someone from the shore.As he regained control of his physical body he grew ashamed of his bare body for the voice he had heard belonged to a woman.He immediately tripped off the stone and scarred his body on the right side."OUCH!Fuck!", he shouted and immediately regretted the decision.He just hoped the woman did not hear him.Before realizing, he was putting on his clothes even though he was about to get in the water, so he decided to put on only his undies and pants.He did the same ritual as when he came and plunged into the water.
As sunny lights comforted his skin he was greeted by a woman in noble attire."I apologize for my lack of courtesy, my lady!", Soul shouted nervous and proceeded to dress."No", the woman said, touching his hands with her left one."I did not want to interrupt your meditation session, Vagabond".Soul was a bit uncomfortable and he felt intimidated by the woman's presence.He soon noticed her round cheeks and unfazing beauty.She was wearing a simple noble attire, hiding her face behind a yellow feathered fan.Soul was amazed at the revelation he got."Noble Families...Could it be?", he thought to himself.Just before he could say anything the woman confirmed his thoughts:"I am of The Union Of The Noble Families..Soul:"Amazing, I did not know this clan still existed!".The woman:"We do.Usually, our ranks would have been for people strictly from the 5 noble families but given the uneasy circumstances lately we...""Uneasy circumstances?", Soul interrupted her."Is another war coming?".The woman was silent for a moment then she continued like nothing happened:"Given the recent uneasy circumstances we decided on recruiting among the most powerful warriors in the land.I was instructed to invite you to join our clan"."Me?Among the most powerful?On what criteria do you make this statement?", Soul asked amazed.The woman:"We observe certain warriors if they make themselves conspicuous to us somehow...""
Soul:"Conspicuous?Did you spy on me?What do you know about my quest?!".The woman was visibly nervous:"I...Does not matter, you must come to us, Soul...".Soul:"I am not going to join your clan, even though it is a neutral one, I am a Vagabond.So tell me what you know about my quest!".The woman:"Soul, I can't...You...fine.I told them I wouldn't be able to convince you to join us but they just wouldn't listen".Soul"Who?Who didn't listen?".The woman:"The upper ones, Nangong Hui, our clan leader and his associates.We wanna help you".Soul:"Oh yeah, if you wanna help me then give me a lead.Tell me where to look!".By that point he got enraged again.The woman noticed that and entered a defensive stance.The woman:"The knowledge you seek does not lie with me, Soul.I have no clues to lead you but another one can"."No no no", Soul said."Whenever I question people they always redirect me to others.You tell me what I have to do!".The woman then said:"Fine, you stubborn prick.Come to Hefei at night, the place that some people call «Vagabonds district».".When she turned around and started to walk away Soul immediately went up to her and grabbed her back.She turned around, splitting the air horizontally with her fan.This move immediately caused a powerful wind that threw Sou la few meters back.He landed on his rear.
"Never touch me again", she said.Holding the fan by her body, Soul could see that the area around her mouth was red, bloody and swollen.When she noticed Soul looking at her she immediately lifted the fan back to cover her lower part of the face.And so she left.

Soul was a bit shaken after his encounter with the woman but nevertheless, after noticing it was dawn he started walking to Hefei."What's up with this woman?", he said to himself."And what the hell should I find in Hefei?"

By midnight, he was already strolling around Vagabonds district.So far, no human presence there.He was alone with the night."Heeeelooo, anyone here?Hellooo!!", he shouted a few times, atracting only the insults of people that he had woken up.Demoralized, he sat down, against a wall, playing with a stone and looking around.Nobody was there.Nobody but him."Nobody is here", he said to himself.""I should go to my room".Just as he got up and turned around he was faced by a man.



"Who...who are you?", Soul asked before noticing the Noble's clothes.The Noble:"Who am I is not important.I am risking my life to help somebody I don't know nothing about."Soul:"Well sorry, I don't wanna be a burden for you but since you're here, I guess we can't change things, right?".The Noble:"Right...We could help you alot more if you join our clan you know.Soul:"I am the true neutral way, I am not bought by promises of money and influence.I won't join any clan, no matter how neutral they pretend to be".The Noble:"Fine, I get it.But this way I will be able to tell you just some small intel.I know the man you're hunting!".Soul could feel something.It wasn't that familiar hate feeling, this was good.He felt some sort of childish excitement.Something like...he urged to kill.
"Tell me all about it", Soul said.The Noble:"Well, that's the thing...Telling you those things.It's classified info.You'll have to join our clan".Soul:"THIS IS BULLSHIT!What are you trying to pull here?!", Soul said."You're gonna hide this away from me?Do you think you stand a chance?".The arrogance of the noble started t osurface."Yes!", he said."If you want to be more powerful and be able to achieve greatness join a fucking clan!This is classified information, regardless of your position, Feng!".
Soul was a bit baffled for he called him on his family name.He did not let his guard down."Tell me who's this shadow I'm chasing.I already know he is or was part of The Union so you think you can hide his name from me?!", Soul said.The Noble was visibly irritated:"Don't even SUGGEST that he is still a member of our clan.Murder is a vile thing that we condemn!.Soul"Still?So you DO admit he was part of The Union!"".The Noble:"Yes, but that's my final word!"".
During his years being a warrior Soul learned to analyze someone to determien wether they're weaker or more powerful than himself.From his weapon, pose, and clothes, Soul was already sure that this noble was weaker than himself.It was going to be an easy fight.Soul:"You sure that's your final word?", he said as he grabbed the noble by the throat with his left hand.Then he proceeded to grab his leg with the right hand and lift him in the air.He immediately threw him to the ground as hard as he could.The Noble left out a gasp of pain."Eugh!You motherfucker, I think something broke"."Not yet", Soul said.Then he positioned himself upon the noble and took his right hand and broke his index finger.The Noble left out the biggest cry of pain Soul's ever heard.Soul:"You have nine good fingers left, wanna make it eight?".The Noble:"The Families will react if you kill me you filthy Vagabond!".Soul looked at him with false perplexity:"Who said anything about killing you?", and broke his middle finger too.Another cry of pain.Soul"Now, are you ready to tell me who am I looking for?.The Noble:"Fuck you!"".Soul then broke the thumb and the ring finger."Oh, you shat your pants, little baby?", Soul mocked him while looking at the big brown stain.The Noble:"FUCK YOU FILTHY VAGABOND!I ain't telling you anything!".Soul:"You're just asking for it!".And so he broke his little finger.Soul laughed at the arrogant noble's cries of pain.He then took a seriosu stance, turned to the noble and said:"You have one hand left.Either you give me the info or I will break all of your fucking fingers.One by one".By this moment, the noble was frightened and in pain.Finally he let out:"Fine, he was part of The Union, okay?!".Soul:"Go on", he said as he put small pressure on his broken fingers.The Noble"Ouch!That fucking Vagabond in Tibet can tell you!".These were the noble's last words before fainting."Durpaneus?", Soul said to himself.Then he got up and left.

"Thanks for your help!", he said mockingly

As he finally started feeling that harsh Northern wind blowing icy numbness into his face he started drifting off to the past - the cold numbness of this unknown land made him tremble at the thoughts of meeting of the meeting that was about to happen...Or so he thought.

"Here we are, North Sea Icy Palace.As beautiful as it can get", he said to himself while looking around the place.He started walking aimlessly looking for a town when he noticed that the creatures there were feral - their eyes were red and teeth sharper, ready to attack at any moment."What's this?Sorcery?!", he yelled as he was being cornered by white wolves.He took out his saber in a defensive stance, spinning around to take a look at the wolves and analyze the situation."One, two, three, four, seven, twelve".Twelve big wolves."This is bad.This is very bad", he yelled.He was being cornered and there was nothing he could do.But it looked like luck was on his side, it was easy to overpower these creatures.So he started attacking them - the wolves immediately responded by growling and biting, some even trying to jump on Soul."Fuck, I need something longer to fend them off.I need a pole or a spe...".He had not time to finish the sentence as he tripped and fell on something hard.He turned around to see to his horror that it was the frozen body of a Shaolin disciple."Argh!", he yelled.He soon noticed the disciple's pole, impaled into the ground near his body.By that moment, the wolves had already started biting his legs frantically.Soul started crawling to the pole, dragging the wolves with him.It hurt like Hell, being bitten by those feral creatures.He grabbed the pole with the both of his hands and started pulling."Forgive me", he said to the dead disciple."It's the only way".But he could not push the pole out of the freezing ground, it must have been there for a very long time.He fell to the ground to rest.The wolves continued biting on his legs.With all of his strength he clutched to the pole like his life depended on that thing and pulled with all of his force.The polearm started moving nad finally it was out from the ground.He fend off all of the wolves with his pole, even killing some with blunt force.From that moment on, it was easy fighting them as they could not reach for his body.A few wolves were killed so the rest just fled in terror.Limping on his left leg, he made his way to the nearby town, North Sea Small Palace, where he got bandaged by the doctor.

"You are lucky to have gotten out of that place alive", the doctor said.Soul:"Yeah, I knew the creatures of North Sea Icy Palace were docile.The Third Princess has alot to explain".The doctor was silent, with a gaunt look on his face."What's the matter?", he asked the doctor.The doctor:"The Third Princess, Xue Di, was banished from the palace.Somebody usurped her throne".Soul was speechless and angry.His former best friend, banished from her home.Soul:"Who did such thing?They should be punished!".The doctor:"We are not sure.All we know is that our peaceful place was plagued by his/her curse.Animals becoming feral, soldiers of the castle are all obeying this new leader's every command.We have no contact with the mainland now".Soul:"Maybe I could help.I could bring The League and Wu Tang up north to help".The doctor:"You?How could a humble Vagabond convince the big clans to help?So far, we sent dozens of letters and nothing happened.".Soul:"I have my ways, I could try.By the way, where is the princess now?".The doctor:"She went to the mainland to ask for help.The last time I heard from her, she was in Hefei"."Hefei?!", Soul said to himself."My good friend was in Hefei and I haven't even noticed her?!".The doctor:"You seem rather pale, are you okay?".Soul:"Yeah, it must be from blood loss.Anyway, I will try speaking with the princess and the clans.Maybe we could arrange something".The doctor:"Oh thank you, warrior of the mainland.Since you'll be around North Sea for quite some time now, you should look for a place to stay".Soul:"Where do I begin searching?"."You don't, you'll live with me" - a mysterious voice echoed from behind.Soul turned around to see a man, dressed in warrior clothes, his hair started greying around the temples since Soul last saw him."DELUN!", he yelled, hugging his old friend, the owner of the tavern in Baoyang, Zhengzhou.Delun:"Let's get inside, it's getting cold here".As they got inside Delun's home, he was immediately greeted by Mei and Dai.The young boy had grown a great amount since Soul last saw him, he was around the age of 10 by then.Soul:"How's it going, chap?".Dai:"Gooood", the boy answered then took off to meet him friends in the marketplace."Don't forget to dress warm, it's getting colder.And don't you and your friends dare to leave town, it's too dangerous!", Mei yelled to her son.Delun:"He's gonna be fine, he's a warrior, just like me".Mei:"That's why I'm fearful...So what brings you to North Sea, Soul?".Soul sat down and told them all about his adventures for the past two years, all about the Vagabond Army, Legend, Gaiden, his brothers and his search."That's a very sad story indeed", Delun said."But is it worth risking your life for this?".Soul:"It is, my dear friend.A whole clan massacred, I was privy of my childhood because of that monster.I am not a Hermit yet so I will stay here for a while, train, and also help put the princess of North Sea back where she belongs.And I need your help for most of the part".Delun:"Well I might be able to help in a few missions but don't expect no wonder, I haven't trained in some time".Soul:"Well, actually, your Chi Kung would come in handy.Your teleportation technique".Delun was surprised."My teleportation technique?".Soul:"Yeah, it would be easier like that to travel between regions and ask for help from people.What's the matter?".Delun looked kind of sad."The thing is...", he said."The thing is I'm getting old, Soul.My technique is not as good as it was before.I can probably still take you and me around for some time but don't expect me to be able to get an army here".Soul:"I don't expect you to get an army here but it would be easier for both, instead of travelling to al lthese places.It would be faster".Delun:"Phew.Alright, I'il help you out.But first, you should check with that knight, Wulan".Soul:"That cynical guy around the marketplace?What would I have to do with him?".Delun:"Rumor is, he was engaged to the Princess".It came as a bit of sad news for Soul but he did not let his friends see this.Instead he said with his normal voice:"And what's up with that?I heard rumors too, Delun.From what I heard from the people, the princess was engaged to her guard's captain".Delun:"Yes, we don't know for sure but Wulan and the captain put their differences behind and now work together in bringing order back to the Palace.The captain is bringing intel from inside the palace and Xue Di instructed Wulan on leading this small rebellion in secret.Isn't it wonderful?".Soul wasn't impressed."Yes, it is", he lied to Delun.Delun:"So, you should talk to Wulan and find out what needs to be done"."What needs to be done is bringing the princess back here to raise the people's morale!", Soul yelled.Delun:"Don't be so angry, Vagabond!The princess can't come back.She was banished.Should the people from the palace find out the princess is back they will kill all of us, and her.And why do you act like the princess is some kind of old friend?".Soul:"BECAUSE SHE IS!".Delun:"What?!".Soul then calmed down and proceeded to tell Delun and Mei the story of how a little girl from Bamboo Village named Yanmei turned out to be the heir of the throne of North Sea Icy Palace, under disguise.

"Well fuuuck me", Delun said."You were friends with the princess.No wonder you're so angry about this whole situation".Soul was speechless so Delun continued talking:"Want my advice?Let's ignore that cocky Wulan for now.Let's see if we can get the clans to help".Soul:"Sorry, but I do not agree...:.Delun was surprised."Why?", he asked Soul.The vagabond answered:"If Xue Di instructed Wulan to lead this, he must know what he's doing.We must listen to his commands".His friend seemed visibly irritated by the prospect of working with Wulan.Soul:"What is that you have against this knight?".Mei:"He stole his girlfriend when he was a teenager", she said giggling.Delun:"MEI!Fine, but he was an asshole and probably still is!"."Well he stole my girlfriend when I was a kid", Soul thought to himself.Then he said:"You must put your differences behind.This is childish!".Mei:"Exactly, my dear.Or would you prefer that sweetheart from Xuexia instead of me?".Delun:"No no no, of course not.Meh, maybe you're both right"."So we should go out there, speak with Wulan and start the good work.Xue Di is now in Hefei aimlessly looking for warriors in the wrong place.Come on!", Soul said.Delun:"Fine, fine.Sweetie, we're going to do something utterly stupid and dangerous, we might get killed.So, see you later".Soul felt pretty weird about Delun's words."I guess we mainlanders have different standars", he thought to himself.As they entered the market, they saw him from the distance: red clothes, a sword in his hand and the coldest white-blue eyes Soul's ever seen.Delun:"Greetings, Wulan!".Wulan:"Delun?I never expected you talking to me.I was under the impression you hate me for something".Delun was shaking a little, the conversation was uncomfortable for him but he gave in."What would I have against you, Wulan?It's just that up until recent I was more preoccupied with family life.Now Soul here came from the mainland offering his help and since he's my friend I decided I shouldn't let him have all the fun".Wulan fixed Soul with his look - "The coldest but still saddest icy eyes I have ever seen"

"I see you're carrying both a pole AND a saber.Which clan are you from?Shaolin or Heavenly Demon?".Soul almsot forgot about the pole he took from the dead disciple.He turned around to Delun and said:"Friend, I told you about how I was attacked by wolves.I need a favor done"."What favor?", Delun asked.Soul:"Take the weapon back to the dead Shaolin.Or bring his body into the village.Just do something so his soul could rest in peace.Build a burial ground around him with stones.I don't know, just don't let him there.I have a bad feeling about it!".Delun nodded."Indeed, I'm gonna see what needs to be done about that.Soul, tell Wulan everything you know and fill me about what I have to do", and so Delun took it off to the constable to inform him of the mainlander's demise."So, are you a Heavenly Demon then?", Wulan asked, his voice as cold as his eyes.Soul:"No, I am but a Vagabond".



Wulan was surprised."A Vagabond?We don't see many of those around here.But you seem pretty powerful for a Vagabond".Soul felt good for these words.So Wulan wasn't as cold as Soul thought he was.Wulan:"What can a Vagabond do to help us?".Soul:"Well, Delun said you always send letter to the clans, asking for help with no response.You want my humble opinion?I think the pigeons are being hunted down by archers of the Palace".Wulan was surprised."Of course!", he said."How could I have been so foolish, it makes sense.We need to send people to ask for help, I don't think the clans listen to the princess.Most of these guys are mysoginistc idiots".Soul:"Well, I have a good stance with both Wu Tang and The League of Beggars.Maybe I could go and ask for their help".Wulan:"You could do that, I'm going to assign Delun to do some missions, scouting, gathering intel, we are on the verge of entering the palace.It looks like the evildoer is the self-proclaimed North Sea Queen, an enchantress.She entered the palace as a maid and manipulated everyone to fall to her spells...This including the former queen, Xue Di's mother and both of her sisters...and the Spirit Leaders too".Soul:"Spirit Leaders?I have no knowledge of those".Wulan:"Four very powerful women, close to Xue Di.And I fear that the only way of freeing these people's spirits is by death...".Soul fel sad."Anyway, I should get Delun and get to Tianjin and Wu Tang Shan, right?", Soul said."Actually, I would want Delun around.To weaken the palace's power, we must destroy the Spirit Leaders and Delun's been documenting them.They scout certain areas and...Oh, I should stop speaking so much sometimes.Thing is, I need you to talk to the clans.Since you are a mainlander, they won't listen to you, since the princess is a woman, they won't listen to her.But together, you can make yourselves heard!".Soul was nervous at the prospect of meeting his childhood crush again."So...will I find the princess in Hefei?", Soul asked.Wulan:"Yes, she must be around that big place".
Soul:"Yeah, okay.When we'll back what needs to be done?".Wulan:"Well there are still soem things that need to be done.We need to cut the palace supplies of fur, we need to kill the palace guards from certai nareas so we can make camp and I think the Frozen Captain reported something to me about a convoy of prisoners we need to rescue.But be on your way, if these things will require immediate control, I will put Delun in charge of them.Be on your way!".Soul:"Well, I will leave then, it's a long way to Hefei".As he turned around to leave, Wulan yelled at him to stop."Take those!", he said to Sou las he handed him 10 round, palm-size plates that looked like small wheels."What are those?", Soul asked.Wulan:"They are Teleport Vouchers.You throw them to the ground, they break and you say where do you want to be transported to.I gave them to you because we must hurry!"."Thanks, knight!", Soul said.He did as instructed and felt that old tickling sensation around his belly button.

He hit the ground hard and felt like he broke his nose.He got up to the smell of freshly baked food, alcohol and a general state of well being.He was not in Hefei.He landed in Baijia Village in Tianjin.

He immediately got up, dazed and confused."How could I have arrived in Tianjin instead of Hefei?".He looked around, he didn't know any of these people.Best case scenario: he finds his brother.And there he was, talking to the peddler."Hey Soul!", Amanojaku said, waving his hand at his brother.Soul responded then started walking to him.Amanojaku:"What are you doing in Tianjin,brother?Do you want to join The League?".Soul:"Good joke!No, but I seek your clan's assistance.It's regarding North Sea Icy Palace and the civil war from up there...", Amanojaku:"There's a civil war in North Sea?I knew nothing of that.Do you want to talk to Drunken Moon?"."That would be nice", Soul said."Can you get me a meeting with him?".Amanojaku:"Sure, just let me get back inside, wait for me here.It won't take long".And so he took off, behind the big wooden gates.Soul sat on the ground, meditating and waiting for his brother.After about 15 minutes, the gates opened and Amanojaku emerged from behind them."Soul!Drunken Moon is slightly sober and ready to hear you out!".Soul got up and walked directly past the gates, inside the fortress that was the clanbase of The League of Beggars.He went to the left and went directly up to the tallest building, climbed the bamboo platforms and arrived infront of Drunken Moon, King of Beggars.""M'boy, come closer.Don't think I'm sober enough to hear you out?", Drunken Moon said between his hiccups.Soul:"It is a pleasure to meet you, King of Beggars, he said and then bowed down."Fo'get those stupid formalities.Git up ya fool!".Drunken Moon's uncomformist behaviour sure made it alot easier for Soul to interact.He waited for a moment and said:"We require your clan's help in North Sea Icy Palace..."."Is that so?", Drunken Moon asked."Why does the palace require our help?".Soul:"An enchantress put a spell unto the palace and the surroundings.Beasts became feral and bloodthirsty, the third princess, heir to the throne was banished.This so-called new Queen makes life hard for everyone there, some peopel are even starvign to death.And soldiers of the palace follow her blindly".Drunken Moon:"Indeed, we heard those rumours about North Sea.Unfortunately, we can't supply them with many troops".Soul:"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.And why is that?".Drunken Moon then continued:"Bamboo Master is already in Tibet, fighting the Black Dragon Clan".Soul was speechless for a moment."Black Dragon Clan?!", he exclaimed."First I meet people from the Union of the Noble Families and now I hear that Black Dragon Clan is in Tibet.One hell of a week", Soul said to himself.Drunken Moon:"Yes, those troublesome losers re-emerged in Tibet.They're making life hard for everyone.Rumor is, they even turned Miao tribe against the people of Tibet, King Liang himself being involved in this.This is why our troops have been stationed in Tibet.Hell, there are even disciple of The League that defected and joined these deviants, same for the other 5 clans.They have been spotted aroudn Dragon Cave Tavern".Soul:"Looks like Tibet's situation is as bad as North Sea's.Drunken Moon:"Indeed it is.But we will help North Sea.We cannot supply them with troops but we will send warm clothes and food provisions, as I understand the palace cut the towns' supply line".Soul:"YES!Thank-you alot, Drunken Moon!".Drunken Moon:"Don't get overhyped ya fool, your friends there will have to ensure safe travel for these supplies, don't you think the palace will try to stop us?".Soul:"They already are trying to stop us.Wulan the knight, the fianceé of the princess already sent pigeons before, asking for help.The palace scouts killed them using bows".Drunken Moon:"Sneaky little bastards, those palace guys.Don't worry, I will send supplies immediately.You should check with the other clans".Soul:"Thank-you, King of Beggars.You have no idea how much I appreciate you helping us.I gotta go and ask for Wu Tang's help".Drunken Moon:"Safe travels, Vagabond".Just as Soul turned his back and left, Drunken Moon called his name."Hey Soul!".Soul stopped and turned around."I almost forgot, I have a gift for you.I did not have time to give you something for helping your little brother in Mansion of Silver Coins but I found something"."What is it?", Soul asked.Drunken Moon:"Well we raided the place afterwards and found these clothes, they might have belonged to a beggar that perished down there a long time ago, we're not sure.Fancy as shit anyway.They might fit you, they sure will keep you warm in North Sea."



"Wow, it sure is warm.Thanks alot!", Soul said.Drunken Moon:"Safe travels, if you meet Bamboo Master in Tibet be sure to have a talk with him, I'm sure he'll have some work for you!"."Enjoy your drink!"[/]i, Soul wished him as he jumped to the ground.Outside of the clan base, he met his brother.Amanojaku:[i]"So what are you going to do?".Soul:"I'm going to Hefei then Wu Tang Shan to ask for their assistance too.Is Judai there?".Amanojaku""Must be.Want me to come with you?".Soul:"No, I'm sorry.It's something very personal to my visit in Hefei".Amanojaku was visibly insulted by Soul's words but he kept it under control."Alright, it's getting dark late, I must be back to my chambers and you must be in Hefei so I bid you farewell, brother!".Soul:"Farewell, brother.Thanks for your help".And so he departed in the wilds of Tianjin, he wanted to use the Teleport Voucher but he feared another unexpected outcome so he took the road to Hefei and walked

.In some time, the sun was almsot rising and he was back to his room in Hefei, falling on his bad and drifting to his dreams.He woke up a few hours later, the position of the sun made it clear that it was noon, he got out to Hefei marketplace and started looking for...he didn't know what he was looking for.He just guessed she must look like a princess, in expensive clothes and all that."Think Soul, think.What would you do if you were an exiled princess looking for aid?", he said to himself while wondering around the marketplace.Then it finally struck him:"If I were a foreign princess looking for help I'd be in the middle of the marketplace where I can see anyone and anyone can see me!", and he was right, she saw her, right there, near the fountain.



He froze in place as he saw Xue Di, as beautiful as she could get.He didn't know how to talk to her, "Hell, I don't even know if she'll recognise me at all", he said to himself.The princess was speaking with vigor."Please, warriors of the land.Please help me in my quest.The North Sea Icy Palace was overrun by some bad people.An evil witch usurped my throne and now the soldiers are killing innocents.If there are any good-hearted warriors that would like to help me, please talk to me!" - she was beign ignored.By everyone - This was Soul's first thought."Nobody is listening to her, they are too preoccupied selling their junk".Suddenly, he had an approach idea.Instead of walking to her, he casually went to the area that was behind her, just to not attract any attention from her.Then he sneaked up behind her, as light as he could, until he was literally blowing into her neck."I would like to help you", he said."Argh!", she was startled.Soul then got infron of her."You startled me, warrior.I'm sorry".Soul:"And would the good lady consider my aid in her quest?".The princess was totally clueless to Soul's identity.The princess:"You remind me of a beggar, warrior.But you carry a saber.What are you?".Soul:"My name is Soul, I am, or I consider myself to be, a powerful Vagabond".The princess was amazed."A Vagabond?I have never seen a Vagabond at such a state of power.Most of Vagabonds I've seen were just untrained warriors in Ba...".Then she stopped.Soul was happy for he knew she was about to mention Bamboo.Things were going good for him."Continue, noble princess.Say what you have to say".The princes:"Well, I was about to say Bamboo, I...I was there during an official visit and saw many weakling Vagabonds in Bamboo, on their way of joining a clan.That's where I met Vagabonds".Soul:"Interesting, my dear princess.I am a native of Bamboo Village and I have never seen you during any official visit there".She was a bit scared."Umm...Maybe you were out of town, who knows?".Soul:"Yeah, maybe.Dearest Bamboo Village, how I used to play with my friends there.I think I should visit it, now that I am so close to it.I have so many memories from Bamboo Village".An emotional barrier was starting to fade from the princess and she seemed to express her feelings more easily.She was a bit sad."Yes, that place was beautiful, makes you forget about your troubles.Life is so much simpler there".Soul:"Yes, life certainly is more simpler in Bamboo Village.That's why sometimes I think and I wish you wouldn't have left, Yanmei".She was suddnely shaken."How do you know that name?!", she asked scared and confused.Soul looked at her with the most honest and sincere look he could give.He looked directly into her pure blue eyes.She did the same, not speaking a word.She knew."Soul...my old friend..."



"Where have you been?Where have you been all this time?!", she asked behind tears as she was hugging her old friend.All this melancholic happiness suddenly turned into pure sadness."Why didn't you come look for me earlier?!North Sea Icy Palace is a harsh place, the life of a princess is hard, I hated it in the beggining and I had no one to take care of me.My mother was very strict and my sisters did not talk to me because of some stupid ancient tradition, every friend that I had was banished from the palace, the Queen saying they would distract me from my true purpose, of ruling North Sea fair and just but she did not know that all of this made me grow int oa depressive person.And then she wanted to wed me to Frozen Captain, a man I despise alot.Then I met Wulan who's been the only kind person to me since I left but my mother thought he wasn't fit to be my husband.Argh!Why am I saying all of this actually?".Soul was speechless to his old friend's sadness."How old are you right now, Yanmei?", he asked.Princess:"I'm twenty two.Why does it matter?".Soul:"For the past 12 years I've been thinking about you.About the moment I would get powerful enough to get to North Sea Icy Palace and be reunited with you.Now I blame myself I couldn't have done it earlier.But mark my words, Yanmei.I will reclaim North Sea Icy Palace for you and I will kill the evil witch that calls herself Queen.I promise!".Princess:"Really?You also promised you'd wear the locket I gave to you but all I see are those ugly plate tags".Soul put his hands on his chest, the locket she gave to him wasn't there."Crap, I forgot it in Shi Zhang at the waterfall where I meditate".Princess:"Ah, that's alright.But what have you been doing and why are you a Vagabond?".Soul:"Does it matter that I am a Vagabond?This Vagabond just spoke to the League and ensured new supplies for the people of North Sea.And this Vagabond is just about to get you the warriors of Wu Tang to help reclaim your palace".The princess was speechless and with tears in her eyes."You did all of this for me?", she finally said.Soul:"Yes, and I am going to do ALL I can to see you back to your palace.But right now, I need you to join me to Wu Tang.My brother will get us a meetign with Master Tianxing".The princess:"You've got a brother?!".Soul:"Yes, it's a long story and I'il explain it on the way.Gather your things".

And so they started walking to Wu Dang mountains and over a course of like a few hours, Soul told her literally everything he's done for the past twelve years, especially his adventures for the past two years, the people he's met, the bad people he's fought, his strange rage moments, his clan massacre, etc.'Soul, you've passed through alot.I am sorry for complaining about my life.Honestly", she said.Soul:"It's alright, Yanmei, I understand".In a few hours, Yanmei, Soul and Judai were before Master Tianxing in the Wu Tang clanbase.

Master Tianxing looked at Judai, then at Yanmei and after that, at Soul.Then he silently repeated thsi process a few times.He did not speak a single word while doing all of this.Soul finally broke the silence."So, what is the verdict?", he asked."Will you help us Master?".Master Tianxing:"Soul, what you're asking for is very much, more than I could provide.Soul:"Please, Master!The whole North Sea is suffering because Xue Di here was banished from her place.The new Queen made the beasts feral, alot of people died and might be even dying right now.We can't destroy her on our won.The League agreed to help.With their supplies and Wu Tang's soldiers we can bring an end to this reign of tyranny of the North Sea fake Queen.Just imagine what would happen if we don't stop this right now.What if she decides to seize parts of the mainland too?If we ignore this for too long she'll grow a force more powerful than that of the six clans!".At Soul's words, Master Tianxing became worried and meditated upon them for a few minutes.After that, he turned back to them."Soul, I think we might be able to help you".Both Xue Di and Soul smiled at the same time.

"Now that we got the support of Wu Tang where are we going?", Yanmei asked Soul while they were departing from Wu Tang Shan."We're going back to North Sea Icy Palace, of course", Soul said.That's when Yanmei stopped walking."What's the matter?", Soul asked."I can't return to the North Sea, Soul!", she said.Soul""Why not?You being there will surely raise the people's morale.Yanmei:"Alright, I am scared...Hell of a queen I am, scared of my own land.But it's true, those people from the palace will immediately have me captured or killed should they find out I came back".Soul:"The warriors of Wu Tang are coming up north to help, they will protect you.We shall establish our base in North Sea Small Palace, we'll fortify the place.Yanmei:"Are you sure you know what you're doing?".Soul:"Yes, people from the main clan will come to help.We'll ask for the support of other clans too.You being there will surely raise people's morale and make them fight better.It would be easier to get adepts for your cause if you are there.Make them feel like you actually are IN".Yanmei:"You're right, Soul.I must be there".Soul was happy and grabbed her hand.She started blushing."Be ready for North Sea Small Palace", Soul said as he took out from his bag the Vouchers."Are those Teleport Vouchers?", Yanmei asked worried."Yes, I know they sometimes work like crap but we can't go all the way to North Sea on foot".Yanmei:"Alright, let's go.By the way, expect some criticising from Wulan.He is the one who urged me to flee to the mainland".Soul:"I do not fear Wulan", he said just just as he threw the plate to the ground -"North Sea Small Palace!", they yelled at the same time.And so they took off and after a few seconds, they got up from the freezing ground of North Sea Small Palace.Wulan did not scold Soul for bringing Xue Di as he was too busy kissing her passionately.Soul turned around at this scene and walked directly into Delun's home where he was greeted by his friend.Delun:"How did it go?".Soul:"The League will send supplies, food, weapons and clothes.We'll need to ensure the safe route of their caravans.We're lucky we're close to Liaodong here.Wu Tang is sending warriors just as we speak".Delun:"Good, we should have no trouble with the route from Liaodong.While you were gone, I established a base near Nanxiang village to be able to better observe the palace.There are many things that need to be done.I have also spoken with Heavenly Demon and Sacred Flower, asking for help".Soul was surprised."Really?", he asked."How did it go?".Delun:"Sacred Flower almost killed me for being a male and Heavenly Demon simply denied helping us".Soul:"That's very bad".Delun:"It is, but we sent people to discuss with Shaolin and The Brotherhood Of Thevies too.We are not awaiting their response".Soul felt good."Great!", he said."I have brought princess Xue Di here, we should be discussing this war.We should fortify this place, assure that Xuexia and Nanxiang are prepared in case of an attack and then launch a full attack on the castle".Delun was kind of upset that Soul brought the princess."We should hold a war council right now", he said.Soul:"Just tell me what to do".Delun:"Send word to the officials of each three towns.Tell them we're holding a war council at small palace.Pigeons won't do it, find a powerful warrior with a lightfoot as equal as powerful.Go!".

Soul did as instructed and the next day around noon, the tavern of Small Palace and the surrounding areas were full of people: village chiefs, warriors, constables, officials, couriers, all the sorts.Wulan was with his feet on a table overlooking everyone."Quiet, please!", he said with no hope."Please be quiet, people!".Still no result."SILEEENCE!", Delun yelled.Wulan:"Thank-you, Delun.Now people, we have gathered you here for one single purpose - to discuss the fate of North Sea Icy Palace".One warrior with a long scar across his face spoke:"So how are we going to stop the evil queen?We got no support from the main clans"."You're wrong!", Soul said to him."I spoke to Wu Tang and the League.The beggars will send supplies through Liaodong and Wu Tang has already dispatched warriors to help, they are on their way right now.And now we are negotiating with Shaolin and the Brotherhood for more warriors to help".The scarred warrior spat."And what are we going to do about Spirit Leaders?"[/i[.This time Delun answered:"I have kept them under sureveillance, I know where each Spirit Leader is positioned and when they are scheduled to patrol the said area.I have already met...and KILLED Silver Spirit Leader.I met her by accident".People were amazed.Then Delun took out a round, clear sphere, clearer than Soul's ever seen."This is Silver SPirit Leader's soul, purified and freed from its spell.When you kill a spirit leader, a sphere comes out of their chests, a sphere like this but black and ugly and dirty looking.Princess Xue Di will explain further", Delun said.Then the princess got up from the bench and spoke:"If you encounter and kill any Spirit Leader, bring their soul orb to me, I can purify them.When all of the Spirits are dead and their souls purified, we can place them in the North Sea Altar, and this will weaken the evil queen's power, allowing us to penetrate the palace.As soon as we're done with placing them upon the altar, we must directly attack the palace, when the queen is at her weakest point.Not earlier, not later!Any questions?".A village representative from Nanxiang spoke:"Since we are the closest, geographically, to the castle, how will our village be protected?".Wulan answered:"We were thinking of evacuating the villages, move everyone, temporarly, to Small Palace.And before anyone complains, you should know that this is the best place for our base of operations, closest to Liaodong and safest.When clansmen arrive everything will be a piece of cake".A man from Xuexia spoke:"We can't just leave our places like this, soldiers from the castle will surely occupy OR destroy them".Soul spoke:"I understand your concern and I have an idea to it.The towns should be fortified and used as bases bu our clansmen.Each village has a strategical position, it would make it impossible for the soldiers to reach us if we guards both the surrounding ares from Nanxiang and Xuexia.And so the princess will also be safe".Everyone agreed with Soul's point of view regarding this matter, including people from the other villages."It's settled then", Wulan said."You are to return to your places like nothing happened, we are going to prepare the Small Palace and await the clansmen.When the clansmen arrive, they will escort all of you people to the Small Palace.Then we'll officially start this war and...", "Captain!", a constable interrupted him."It looks like the Queen started the war earlier.A convoy of people was kidnapped by Gold Spirit Leader while passing through from Xuexia to Nanxiang.They are being held in the Quarry".It all culminated in panic from everyone, everybody talking to each other, people screaming."THAT'S ENOUGH!", Delun yelled creating a dead-like silence.Soul:"We were taken by surprise, yes.But everyone makes mistakes so don't come to us like you've never made a mistake before.We're going to save those people, ok?Delun!Let's go to the Quarry and settle this one and for all all!".Wulan:"You can't leave right now!", people started becoming noisy again when someone arrived at Small Palace."Am I interrupting something?", the man asked, creating a total silence.He was a member of Wu Tang, clearly.Then he continued speaking:
"Ok, I need to talk to two people, a knight named Wulan and a Vagabond named Soul"



"So Wu Tang sent us disciples to help?", Wulan asked.Wu Pungja, the disciple answered:"Yes, and we talked to the League.We are to ensure the safe passage of their supplies.[i]"Great", Soul said."One hundred Wu Tang warriors but what about the Brotherhood and Shaolin, did we get any info from them?Will they join us?".Before Soul could say anything further, he looked behind to see hundreds of soldiers of the Brotherhood and Shaolin entering Small Palace.Both of the small armies stood in formation.All of sudden, the Wu Tang soldiers entered the courtyards and did the same, filling the space between the clansmen of Brotherhood and Shaolin.

"You know, Soul", Wulan said."I think this answers your question"

Nice, hehe. You're improving fast. You've used more humor, especially the 1st of those four chapters. I like it :)

Started to write some things too... ;)

Post them then :D

Soon... :lol!:

"You can't kill me, I am immortal!", her words echoed through the Icy halls, bringing icy tremors to the heroes' bodies.He gave an equally powerful reply."You're just a petty human being, an enchantress.You're less than a human", Soul said in his most confident voice.She was clearly dying and in suffering but even in the end, her arrogance proved to be her leading trait.Gaiden was lying on the ground in a pool of his own blood, holding Soul's hand like his life depended on this."I have failed you, my brother", he said with a hint of dissapointment in his voice."You did not fail me, brother", Soul said to his friend."I'm going to die", Gaiden said.Soul:"No, you are not going to die, brother.Healers, tend to him", and the Brotherhood disciples started healing Gaiden with their unique skill."She's weak!Now's your chance!", White Ray said.
Soul got up, taking one last look at Gaiden.He then turned around and went to Tru's body.He approached his dear friend and closed his eyes.It looked like he was peacefully sleeping.A tear rolled down Soul's cheek as he blamed himself once again for his friend's demise.He then turned around, facing the Evil Queen.She was smiling.He held up his saber in attack position - he charged with all of his force



"Are you alright?", Delun asked, touching Soul with his bloody left arm."Yeah", Soul answered."Go rest, you were hurt bad.Me and White Ray can take care of this!", he said, pointing to the Shaolin disciple near him.Delun nodded and retreated.Soul and Fu then both attacked her.After a few more minutes of intense fight, Gold Spirit Leader, the last of the Spirit Leaders, was dead - exactly three months after the ressistance declared war on the palace directly after freeing the prisoner convoy.Soul went directly up to her and watched as her body started fading away, leaving there only a dirty-looking perfectly round crystal sphere.He took her corrupted soul into his hand and immediately dropped it in shock.She was more powerful than the other Spirit Leaders.He tried picking the sphere up again, gently and it was alright.He started playing with it."Take this to Xue Di", he said to White Ray.He nodded in approvement."Now that we have all of the souls will we be able to enter the palace?", Ray asked.Soul:"Yes, we will need to take them to the North Sea Altar and place them there, it is our only hope of fighting the queen".Ray:"I understand", and he left carrying the soul sphere.He was one of the most powerful disciples of Shaolin and he was of great help in the war that plagued the palace.
There's no need going into details about the North Sea War that occured after Soul came to the place, the gravity of the conflict was grave enough for the informations about deeds done in this horrible war to have been spread all across the Land.By the time Gold Spirit Leader finally hit the ground dead, the North Sea Small Palace was already full of starving people crying for their once-happy lives.Nanxiang did not last for long as it was not positioned in a good place.It was the palace's first attack that destroyed the town and killed almost the whole garrison.In the meantime, Soul had reached the state of Hermit but could not leave all of this fight behind until finishing it.
Soul's thoughts about the war were going from far to worse and everything was starting to become obvious: they had no chance.That was until Ice Spirit Leader, the weakest Leader, laid dead as his feet, dead by his blade.That was the moment when he regained trust in himself.That night they celebrated, even though resources were going scarce.But for a moment, people forgot about how they got beat miserably at their every attempt of conquering the palace.They laughed and drank and eaten, celebrating the first ray of hope.But that was long before killing Gold Spirit.By the time they killed Gold, they had already suffered miserable defeats.Their hope of ending this war finally came.Hikari and Judai joined the fight, Amanojaku did too.Even though all of them were way too weak to join the fight.They were helpful around the village, tending to the injured ones and taking care of the defense.Hikari proved to be a great strategist, once even saving Small Palace from a surprise attack of the Goldenbells.
Soul arrived at Small Palace and a gaze of victory floated through the place.Wulan:"So what are we going to do now?".Yanmei:"I have cleansed Gold's soul.I can feel her soul ascending to a greater realm...".Delun:"So you do mean that now we are ready to take the attack to the castle?Warriors from our camp there have become more than eager for a fight for the past few days".Xue Di:"Yes, we shall attack the castle soon.By now, the queen must have gotten the news about Gold's death.We must place the freed soul spheres inside the North Sea Altar as soon as possible!".Soul was getting nervous over the prospect of going to attack the castle."I can do it", he said."Absolutely no!", Xue Di yelled.Soul:"Why not?I have helped killing the Leaders.Now is our chance!".Xue Di started crying."You don't understand!", she yelled."My mother fell under the enchantress' spell too".Soul heard alot of stories about the former Matriarch, she was said to have been an extremely powerful warrior, her power being even greater than some of the best clan disciples Soul's met.But still, he could not make the connection."I don't get it", he said.Xue Di:"The enchantress anticipated our plans.She made my mother protect North Sea Altar!".Everyone around was speechless."Well I can take on her, and I think Ray can too", a voice from behind Xue Di said.Gaiden came forward.Many Vagabonds had joined the fight, including Gaiden, Tru, Sorrow Dragon, Errant and Takashi.White Ray spoke:"Yeah, I think me, Gaiden and Takashi, with our forces combined can take on her", he said, followed by a wave of "Yeah!"[/i], coming from many people including the ones mentioned."I need to go too", Soul insisted.Xue Di was doubtful."Soul, you might die...", she said, like she was begging for him not to do it.Soul:"This is war, you win some, lose some.People die everyday.If destiny wants me out alive, then we'll see".Xue Di:[i]"Very well...Assemble the force and be ready to leave.We don't have any minutes to lose!".Soul then looked at Wulan and said:"What about you?".Wulan answered:"Yes, I should come too.Who will go inside the palace though?".Delun answered that one:"I'm going there, with Brotherhood and Wu Tang, Shaolin shall raid the camps of palacemen from around the hills.We should do this all at once, incase the palace will send for reinforcements".Soul:"Good, let's get ready then!".
All of the Small Palace suddenly became noisy and active, people running away, and a constant feeling of unease over the following battle.They were most certain the North Sea Icy Palace would attack them as soon as they got word of Gaiden's band being on the move.They had to be prepared.Brotherhood pikemen along with Shaolin warriors were defending, side-by-side, the front lines.Archers were defending from the ramparts and boxes, crates, statues and all the sort formed the barricade on some parts."This barricade ain't good!", a constable yelled."You, Wu Tang men, build a better fortification from these blocks!".A set of similar commands came next from other high officials.Guards of North Sea from nearby way to Liaodong abandoned their posts to join the ressistance at the Small Palace.

"We might be dying tonight!", Soul yelled as he was nervously walking around.Gaiden:"I know, ain't it an awesome feeling, knowing we might have had our last dinner?"."It is", Soul answered becoming a little bit nervous.In the courtyard, it was a general state of agitation and confusion with all of the people running around.Tru was evacuating civilians who wanted to leave, but many chose to stay and fight."No, you ain't staying, little man!", he said as he grabbed little Dai by the collar of his improvised armor."Let me go, I need to join my parents in battle!", he yelled.Tru:"Your parents will kill you if you die!".Delun, all clad in his armor came to aid the situation."Leave it to me!", he yelled.Tru nodded and ran away back to the centerplace confused, looking for anything more to help.Delun leaned down to his son, staying in his knees he spoke:"Now listen here...", before he could finish, he looked to the door of his house which opened.A silhouette came out and ran to them.It was Mei, all clad in a red, heavy armor, complete with helmet and a spear.She spoke:"Listen son, we don't want you to get hurt here, leave all of this to us.It's going to be alright.I promise!".The child nodded, confused, with tears in his eyes.He then proceeded to hug his parents and then he left with a constable to the road to Liaodong.People were promised protection in Beiwei village there.Soul became confused about all that was around him and ran frantically all around the place, looking for his comrades.There came Xue Di out of nowhere and she proceeded to hug him and kiss him on the mouth."Good luck!", she wished to him and Soul ran off.
After some minutes, the band was ready: Soul, Takashi, Gaiden, White Ray and Wulan."Are you ready to go?", Gaiden asked, as the appointed leader of the band.All of them nodded.Delun came and bid farewell to all of them in a hurry."Soul, when you're done placing the spheres there, we'll know.We have a change of plans.When you're done there, meet me and the clans at the entrance of the palace, all of you.We'll finish this together!", he said.Soul:"Alright, good luck!", and they took off.After some time, they saw the big Altar from the distance, the nervousness grew as they got closed.When they got there, they were immediately confronted by the fallen queen, in all of her frozen ardoir."Soul, stay behind!", White Ray instructed."She's too powerful for you and besides, you carry the spheres, we don't wanna lose them!".Soul nodded and stayed behind as the warriors started attacking the queen.It was a fairly easy but lenghty fight, the queen would have easily defeated Gaiden if he were alone but he wasn't.Soul came from time to time to their aid with herbs.He even attacked the matriarch once but he was easily overpowered so he stayed behind.

After what seemed to be like an eternity, the former matriarch was defeated but nobody celebrated."Get the spheres up there!", Gaiden yelled.Soul immediately ascended the altar and places the four spheres inside, each gently on a pillow.A spark of light came from each of them.The sparks then joined and fired something that seemed like a Chi Kung technique directly towards the palace.That was the signal.They immediately left and positioned themselves outside of the palace.On the nearby hills they could see fires - their forces killing the Palace campers.Soul felt good, it seemed like their efforts were not in vain after all...only that they waited for an hour and Delun never arrived with his army.White Ray:"Where is he?".Takashi:"I don't know, shall we return to Small Palace?", a question that plagued all of them.They were officially instructed to meet Delun's army there."We shall wait for one more hour, then go back!", Gaiden instructed.And so they waited and waiter in a mortuary silence, though nobody was thinking of the worst that could have happened."Delun is alright, they just stayed behind to aid the injured, they won.Yes, they did", Soul said to himself during all of this time.Thirty mintes, forty-five, an hour.They left.

As they ran across the cold night of North Sea Icy Palace they could see smoke in the distance."Oh no!", Soul said to himself.When they arrived at Small Palace, it was but a ruin of what it used to be earlier that night.All of the buildings were damaged, some completely destroyed.People were going all around the place, carrying dead bodies and taking care of the injured.It was a dead-like silence.And the smell of death was in the air.A guard looked up and noticed them."You've returned...Though it isn't much left here...".Soul:"What happened?!".The guard:"As we anticipated, attack from the Palace.It looks like they had more camps than we knew, more soldiers than we were prepared for.We were able to fend them off.But at this cost", he said pointing to the bodies on the ground.Soul started running."No, no, no.It can't be!", he said to himself.But it was, Delun and Mei were both lying on the ground, their hands holding each other.He had a big cut across the chest and she was clearly killed by an arrow shot.Soul fell to the ground and started sobbing, clutching his friend's body.Wulan came up to him and tried getting him away from the bodies."No, no.Let me here!", he said between tears.Wulan:"There is nothing we can do for them here.We must attack the castle.Regroup, and attack the castle!".Hikari and Tru came up to them, Hikari's left arm was broken and Tru was limping and a bloody scar streaked his face.Soul:"We should have all stayed here and defended the village, we could have gone to the altar afterwards.We waited for too long!".

"It's not too late", Hikari said, grabbing Soul's hand.he looked at her."We attack the palace, now, together!It's the only way we can avenge Delun!".Soul looked at her, completely lost."Where is the princess?", he asked.Before she could answer, Xue Di came and hugged her fianceé.Wulan:"Are you alright, my love?".Xue Di:"I am, though there is no time for mourning.We must get back on the move.The Queen is weak, now's our chance".She then started patting Soul's cheek, comforting him."Do not lose your hope, Soul", she said."You will avenge them, and everyone that died here", she then handed him three purple crystal snowflakes."You can get inside the palace using them.When the soul spheres got placed, I was hit with a sudden wave of knowledge about these.I crafted them myself during the fight.I have certitude they will grant you passage".He took the snowflakes and placed them gently into his bag.Suddenly, he felt nothing, it was like this tragic set of events completely wiped out his feelings.He got up, with a stern look on his face."We don't have any minutes to lose", he said to them.Tru and Hikari joined the squad, Judai and Amanojaku wanted to do it too but Soul asked them not to since it would be too dangerous."You are my brothers, I don't wanna lose you too.Stay here, care for the injured and protect the princess!".Judai:"Very well, good luck brother!".Soul then took Gaiden aside for a talk."I want to lead this attack", he said.Gaiden:"Why do you wanna do it?".Soul:"This whole thing became personal to me.She killed my best friend and she shall not remain unpunished!".Gaiden slapped him."Do not judge this through the light of those recents events.That palace is a damn cursed place.You could get yourself killed.I won't let you do it!".Soul felt that old familiar rage again but he got over it."Fine, you lead.But let's leave already", Soul said in his coldest voice.And so they left.They arrived at the palace.They were immediately greeted by an army of the palace.They got in defensive stance but their leader spoke:"We want no more blood shed.Just go ahead and do what you gotta do".Soul was surprised.Gaiden:"Very well.You should go to your friends up in the mountains and tell them to surrender".Soul:"Yeah, by the moment you get there the Queen will have already been taken care of.I assure you of that!".Leader:"Very well, Vagabonds.Go your way!".Soul and the others aproached the castle.Soul took the snowflakes out of his bag and put them in their places.The big doors to the palace immediately opened and the heroes entered.They were immediately surrouned by soldiers but they were defeated with ease.As they advanced through the palace, a voice started echoing from the walls:"I know you're looking for me but you stand no chance!", it was a cold, glacial voice.Soul became angry."We do stand!In fact, we're going to kill you!", he yelled cluelessly to the walls.Wulan:Friend, don't let your guard down with all of this hate".Soul:"I'm alright, sorry.I shall shut up".

Finally they arrived in a big room where they were confronted by a large, threatening man."Frozen Captain!", Wulan yelled.The Frozen Captain sketched no emotion, his eyes were cold and white as fresh fallen snow.Wulan:"He felt under her spell, be ready to attack.Soul, Hikari and Tru stay behind!".They did as instructed and watched as the warriors fought and defeated with ease the captain, they were some of the most powerful warriors in the land, for sure.Takashi delivered the final blow and the captain fell to the ground."Thank-you...", he whispered before breathing his last breath.Wulan:"Alright you three, it's safe to advance!".The two Vagabonds and the Wu Tang advanced and so they arrived in the main hall.They aproached the icy throne slowly and all of sudden, two women appeared in front of them.On of them was - "Xue Di?" - both of them looked like her.Her older sisters, both fallen under the enchantress' charm.Wulan and Gaiden started fighting the first princess while Takashi and White Ray fought the second one.When both of them were done for, the queen emerged from the room behind them.An ugly being ,blue skinned.She looked like she was made out of the coldest ice."Very well, you have proven yourselves to be exceptional warriors.But this is the end!", she said, attacking Gaiden.The other three jumped to her aid and Soul started attacking her too.Gaiden:"Soul, stand behind!She is too powerful!".Soul:"No, we're in this together!".And so they fought the queen together.She was a very powerful foe and it was hard for Soul to whitstand her attacks but his motivation came from dark, avenging thoughts.Finally, the queen became weaker, she was almost dying but she was enraged."Stupid fools!You cannot kill me!", she yelled.Suddenly, she felt confused, she looked behind, Gaiden had hit her with his pole on the back.Enraged, she hit him with all of her power, sending him a few meters back with a fresh cut across his belly.Soul went to tend to his friend."Are you alright, Gaiden?".Gaiden:"It's alright, brother.Take my pole and attack her.If you use the pole it will be harder for her to attack you".Soul did as instructed and took Gaiden's polearm and started attacking the queen.After some time, it became apparent that the queen was dying but she was desperately clinging to life, using all of her power that she had left she let out a wave of energy which threw everyone behind.
"You can't kill me, I am immortal!", her words echoed through the Icy halls, bringing icy tremors to the heroes' bodies.He gave an equally powerful reply."You're just a petty human being, an enchantress.You're less than a human", Soul said in his most confident voice.She was clearly dying and in suffering but even in the end, her arrogance proved to be her leading trait.Gaiden was lying on the ground in a pool of his own blood, holding Soul's hand like his life depended on this."I have failed you, my brother", he said with a hint of dissapointment in his voice."You did not fail me, brother", Soul said to his friend."I'm going to die", Gaiden said.Soul:"No, you are not going to die, brother.Healers, tend to him", and the Brotherhood disciples started healing Gaiden with their unique skill."She's weak!Now's your chance!", White Ray said.
Soul got up, taking one last look at Gaiden.He then turned around and went to Tru's body.He approached his dear friend and closed his eyes.It looked like he was peacefully sleeping.A tear rolled down Soul's cheek as he blamed himself once again for his friend's demise.He then turned around, facing the Evil Queen.She was smiling.He held up his saber in attack position - he charged with all of his force.
The queen was surprised at his vigor and power, rage was flowing through Soul's veins."Good, let the hate flow through", he heard that familiar voice.He ignored it and tried calming down.The queen became confused for a few seconds, she looked nauseous and she fell on her knees, looking into the ground.Soul threw away his saber and took Gaiden's polearm."This is for Delun and Mei", he yelled, killing the queen with blunt force - a hard hit on the head.It cracked her skull open, steaming hot blood splattering the cold floor.The queen dropped dead.

Celebrations followed this fateful event the next few days, everyone was happy at the outcome that they forgot to mourn their dead.For his heroic deeds during this short war Soul was from then on known as the "Exceptional Northern Sky".Soon, the wedding of Xue Di and Wulan followed and everyone was invited.The bride and groom were lovely in their festive clothes, everyone was cheering, expressing their hope for better days under the rule of those young people.Soul stayed behind, having preferred to do so."It's better this way".He said to himself.He stayed there for a few more minutes before leaving without saying anything to anyone.Gaiden was in a coma and Tru was dead, the Queen's power wave proved too powerful for him.The Vagabond Army had no leader.He headed to Tibet, finally being enough powerful.He arrived in the mountaineous area after climbing for a few good days.



Still, the long days and the cold wind could not take away the pain from the loss of his friends.[/i]

It was more comical than tragic, or the other way around, depends on whoever looks upon the situation.For the past months, all that Soul ever wanted was to reach Tibet and now, he felt empty and did not really want to continue.He felt like his whole life had no meaning anymore.Nevertheless, he started doing jobs for people around Tibet, most were for Bamboo Master of the league and so he learned about Tibet's bad situation which, in comparison with what happened in North Sea Icy Palace, seemed like nothing.He did not help the people out of kindness, as he did before.Rather, he helped people for money, ambrosia and good items.He also turned to drinking somehow, in spite of repeated warnings from a member of the Black Society.To quote him:"Alcohol is the root of all problems".

One of the days when drinking in Dragon's Cave Tavern, he decided to go train a little further before starting to look for Durpaneus.He started fighting creatures and fiends of the clans, deserters from the war of the nine dragons.He did all of this, and when he was done, a division from Black Shadows branch of Secret Shadows clan cornered him."Hm, strange.I did not expect to find Secret Shadows in Tibet", Soul said.The disciples did not say anything to him."What are you all doing up here?You spread the rumors about the nine dragons being in Tibet?".Still no answer.Soul:"So, how about you let me go and we put all of this behind of us?"."It won't be that easy", a voice echoed from behind the disciples ahead of Soul.The disciples suddenly stepped aside, forming a lane, for the speaker to be seen.It was none other than Shen Mo himself.Soul was surprised of how he could not feel anything towards the vile man, even though he wanted to kill him a few years before."Ah, Shen Mo.What are you doing in Tibet?You usually hide in Jinan and let your disciples do the dirty work for you as far as I can remember", Soul said.He was menawhile a lot more powerful than Shen Mo and coudl easily defeat him.Shen Mo:"Big words coming out of your mouth, as far as I can remember, last time we clashed I almsot killed you.You are cornered and yet you display no sign of scare.Why is that?".Soul:"It's simple", he said as he took out a dagger from his backpack.Playing and spinning it in his hand, he planted it directly into the chest of the disciple that was on his right.The disciple let out a gasp of pain before succumbing."I feel nothing", Soul said."I feel nothing and it feels great", as he came and help his saber to Shen Mo's throat."If anyone interferes, your leader dies", he said to the disciples.Shen Mo:"Bastard, if you kill me you'll never find Durpaneus!".Soul froze in place after hearing his words."What do you know about him?!", he asked.Shen Mo:"Let me go and I will tell you".Soul let Mo go.His biggest mistake.Shen Mo turned around, placing a fist in Soul's cheek.He fell to the ground."You fool!How do you expect to become more powerful if you can't even keep your guard up in obvious situations?", he said to Soul, spitting on him."General, take care of him.I have to go", and so he left.Soul felt dizzy from that fist and could not fight back.Two disciples picked him up and he started making out the features of the silhouette ahead of him.He was a Black Shadows Master, only that his clothes were not crimson and blue as usual, they were black - General of Secret Shadows.

Soul broke free from his captors as soon as he completely regained his power.He took out his saber and started fending out the disciples with his pole.After some time, the disciples were dead and he was facing the General who carried Soul's saber."You, give back my saber!", he yelled.General:"You'll have to fight for it".He then entered an offensive stance.Soul did the same."As you wish", he said as he started running up to the General.He was a formidable warrior, especially with Soul's good saber.They fought for some time but Soul was able to overpower him."You are good, but you shall perish!", the General yelled.He looked around, saw a dead fiend of Shaolin, pole plunged into the ground.He took the dead man's pole and proceeded to attack Soul with it.They fought like this for some time, the long range offered by the pole gave a bit of advantage to the Shadows clansman.He hit Soul in the chest and ribs and so Soul fell to his knees.As the General aproached to deliver the final blow, Sou lstayed put.When he sensed the General was nearby he got ready, clutching the polearm in his hand.The General held up the polearm and then let it down with big force, inteinding to crack Soul's head but Soul then rolled on his back to the left, got up and hit the General in the legs.he fell to the ground letting out a cry of pain.He probably crushed his knees.Soul aproached him with the intent of putting and end to his suffering.He held up his polearm ready but then the general spoke."Well done, you did it".Soul let the pole down."Hm, what do you mean?", he asked the Shadows clansman.General:"You took me down, a clan general.Be proud of yourself".Soul:"Well I am kinda weak.I am a mere Vagabond.That means your clan must have kinda weak disicples".General:"Hey, don't insult a dying man's beliefs.All this fighting is stupid, this is what I've been telling Shen Mo for a very long time.We should join the main clans to defeat Black Dragon clan".Soul:"The Black Dragon reappared here?!".General:"Reappeared?More like, reincarnated.More disciples, more powerful and more deadly techniques.If they get to the Central District it will be bad for everyone...".Soul:"I understand, but what can be done?".General:"You, Vagabonds.You are the true neutral way of this land.Not those Noble fools!You are the ones destined to bring peace to the land.If anyone can unify the clans, it's the vagabonds!But now, all I need is to rest"."I can honor your wish", Soul said as he pulled a sharp dagger from his bag.General:"The Vagabond you are looking for lies up in the most mountaineous areas, take the road up to Potala Palace then ascend the mountain behind it.It wil ltake some time and it will be very dangerous for it's Black Dragon area".Soul:"Alright, I will take care".General:"Take my clothes, they will give you some sort of protection in dangerous situations.Most ordinary deviants won't dare to attack what they believe to be a Shadows general.You don't need to speak, just keep a cocky pose.It will also keep you warm".Soul nodded and he started taking the Shadows clothes from the man, he left him with the woven pants and shirt he had beneath.Soul dressed in the Shadows garb, putting those clothes over his regular ones."This should keep enough warmth.They remind me of the clothes that Legend used to wear".He said to himself.He then turned back to the dying General whose eyes became whiteish and watery."Mercy...", he cried."Mercy...", Soul answered as he closed his eyes, keeping his left hand on his eyes and mouth.With the dagger in his right hand, he slit his throat open."Mercy...", Soul said one more time to himself as he left.



He went through the canyon pass that was controlled by Secret Shadows.A Black Shadows Captain stood guard at the entrance.He said nothing to Soul as he passed by, disguised as his general so it appeared that the clothes did give him some sort of power.He ran through the dangerous ares of Tibet.The costume did not always grant him autonomy as he was attacked a few times by creatures and members of the Maoi Tribe but he managed to run away.
He spent nights in Formosan Village, Bai Tribe village and then he finally decided to cross the bridge to upper Tibet.He fastly ran throught he Black Monks courtyard.To his left he found out a pair of big wooden doors that he pushed aside to find himself in some sort of survivors' village.He did not stay for long though and he continued his journey.Ascending the mountain behind Potala palace took him some time but he was glad no deviants or creatures wre in those mountains.
He walked for three days and three nights and finally, he reached the highest peak, where the cold winter wind made his face go numb and he stopped feeling it.And then he saw him: dressed in beggar rags, sitting on the ground in meditation position.Soul did not know how to introdcue himself, the sage vagabond seemed not to be aware of Soul's presence there and his eyes were closed."What if he froze here to death?!", Soul asked himself shocked."The icy air must have frozen your brains, Soul.He can't be bead", he spoke further ot himself.He took his hat off and aproached the man slowly."Master, I've been looking for you for a very long time" he said.Durpaneus did not answer.He just continued standing there.Soul stood in place, wondering what to do.Finally, he remembered of a day when Legend behaved similarly so he went near him and started meditating too.After some time, the sage spoke:"I have been expecting you", as he opened his eyes, fixing Soul with his gaze.Soul:"Master...You must help me".Durpaneus:"Initially you came looking for me for a different reason than your actual one.Is it right?".Soul:"Yes, it is.I seeked help with my ngihtmares and dark visions.They have logn stopped happening.I have no nightmares and visions now, they all became real.My friends are dead and the woman I love is married to another man".Durpaneus:"Hard a Vagabond life is, I know well.But you don't seek enlightment, young Vagabond.DO you?".Soul sat in silence for a second and then answered:"Yes, Master.I came seeking answers regarding not enlightment.I came seeking answers for revenge".Durpaneus:"Yes, a delicate situation you have there.I have most of the answers you seek.But to really understand the truth you must meditate with me", he said as he touched Soul's hands with his/"Do yoou think you are ready for this?", he asked.Soul:"I am"."Very well.But know that once the smoke is cleared and the answers are there, there is no way back", Durpaneus said as he took Soul's hands with his and closed his eyes, entering the meditation stance.

Slowly, his mind started drifting away from his body, he felt immaterial and at the same time not.He heard Durpaneus' voice speaking:
"A long time ago, a clan that seems to have been forgotten by today, was entirely slain.The killer, a vile man by nature was just a mere man corrupted by dark thoughrs and promise of fame, power and money.Few people survived the massacre and most went into hiding.The moment they hear this name they start trembling"
Soul:"What is it?!What's his name?!"
Durpaneus:"I have many names, the same goes for him.Few know his real name".

Before Soul could continue any longer, his mind started becoming filled up with dark, corrupted thoughts and voices, whispering names. and he could see an image in his mind.The man he saw through fog in the WuDang Mountains, only that the fog existed no more, and he could clearly make his features.The smile, the horrible smile that hides an imminent killing intent.That was the worst features of them all.The contrast between appearance and essence highlighted the true nature of this man.



"He's a master of deceitful arts and forbidden knowledge - Diyu Xue, The Shi Shen"