Chapter 12

Theres a big snowy mountain behind the Shengling sect. The top is covered in snow all year round. Shengling sect has a manor on top of the mountain called Fengxueshan (wind snowy mountain) manor. No one lives in the manor. Its only used for martial arts purposes.

Shifu said that since hes teaching me martial arts, well do it at the manor. He said that the air there is better for practicing. But climbing a mountain is already a challenge for me. I tried for half a month, but there isnt a time in which I reached the top. Often when I reached halfway, I would just sit onto the snow and wont get up. Shifu will then squeeze my face; Ill just look at him blankly. Finally, its always shifu, wholl piggyback me back down the mountain.

One time shifu was really angry. He pinched me really hard and said: You are doing this on purpose, arent you?! Is this training you or training me, ah?! Today, Ill not piggyback you. If you can go down the mountain, then go down. If you cant go down, then you can continue to sit here!

After saying that, he left. I obediently sat there, from noon till evening. I then watched the moon climbed onto the mountain.

I was hungry and my legs were numb. The moon turned from one to two then to three and finally, it shook brightly. I closed my eyes, wanting to sleep. Just as I was about to lie down someone picked me up.

Fool!

While cursing, that person cleaned the snow on my back.

I sniffed. Its the smell of shifu, warm and clean like the first ray of sunshine.

I subconsciously clung to his shoulder in a warm hug. My head rubbed on his neck.

Shifu, really cold.

If its cold, dont you know how to stand up and walk?!

Before I was too tired to walk, then I was too hungry to walk and then shifu said I have to sit

Shifu was silent for a long time. Finally, he laughed: Youve become so obedient now.

I know that shifu will come back to me.

I faintly closed my eyes.

Can we not train like this anymore?

I didnt hear if shifu answered or not.

A bit later, I heard many voices. I heard a hoarse voice said: Shaozhu, youyou were too reckless this time. You abandoned a five- six year old baby girl at a mountain. Getting a cold is nothing, but if she gets eaten by a beast

Isnt she lying here safe and sound? What are grumbling about? Just do your treatment!

I mean, if she gets sick or injured, arent you the one wholl be the most uncomfortable

Who is uncomfortable?! Go, go, I dont want your treatment anymore, too talkaktive!

When I woke up again, I was lying on shifus bed. Shifu was sitting with a lifeless face next o me. Seeing that Ive woken, he pressed his hand on my forehead. He was silent for a long time and then took his hand back. He turned his head and said: Reallyreally useless! Lying in bed for three days just because of a little cold. Hmpf

I still didnt understand what he meant, but since shifu is unhappy, it must be because of something I did wrong. I grabbed shifus hand, afraid that hell turn away and leave like that day.

Shifu, Im sorry.

What do you know

He didnt finish speaking, gritted his teeth and turned his head again to not look at me.

Your body is too weak. After you get better, learn some basic martial arts first with the others. Later, if you can climb the mountain on your own, then well go practice there.

After saying that, he shook his hand. I still hold his hand tightly, not letting go. Shifu got a little angry: Why are you grabbing my hand?

Shifu, dont throw me away. Dont let me be alone, cold and hungry.

His expression turned strange. His mouth moved, but after a while did he say something: Alright, Ill not let you be alone again.

He paused, turned unwillingly around to pinch my face: Dont you dare to put that pathetic look again. Dont you dare to sell that shameful act again.

Shifus pinch was too hard. Tears dripped down from pain. I was really frustrated. I dont know what I did wrong to let shifu get so angry.

Shifu

The hand grabbing me loosened. Shifu seemed really tired and muttered to himself: If you were like this in the netherworld and in heavenI wouldnt have the heart to whip you.

He kicked the bed in extreme frustration, gritted his teeth and said: But! Butwhen I could just bully you..you must be acting, you are acting, arent you?!

After that day, I was really afraid that shifu will leave me again on the mountain. So I trained really hard with the people of Shengling sect. Learning what shifu called basic martial arts. I can finally climb the mountain when I was eight.

After that, I and shifu settled down on the Fengxueshan manor. He didnt teach me anything else. He just gave me a sword and told me some formulas, I couldnt even memorize.

Shifu resented me for being stupid; while he comforted himself by saying that I was still young. But in a blink of eye five years have passed. Im thirteen and shifu is sixteen. He patted my shoulder and finally admitted: Drinking too much soup of oblivion has let you become stupid

I couldnt make out from the tone of his voice if hes happy or unhappy, while saying those words. But he always says things I dont understand. Im used to it.

Today is the day to go down the mountain, to Shengling sect, to take food. I heard something Im really puzzled about. I didnt have the nerve to ask then, but now its only shifu and me. I asked heartily: Shifu, are we harmoniously cultivating1 together?

At that moment shifu was drinking tea. Hearing my question, he spouted his tea. He raised his head and looked at me. His ears were inexplicable red.

Where did you hear that?

Today when we went to pack things to eat, there were a bunch of people together, saying that the reason we two always stay at the manor, is because were harmoniously cultivating every day, every night, without pause and without rest.

Shifus mouth moved. He repeated the eight words every day, every night, without pause, without rest twice. He pressed his hand on his forehead a rubbed it.

Theres enough spiritual power at the top of this mountain. Were just doing an ordinary cultivation. No, youre too stupid to practice cultivation. Im the only one absorbing the spiritual power, filling my body.

This isnt right, ah

I felt pity, scratched my head and said: Shifu, I heard them say that, that harmonious cultivation is a really good method to improve ones power. Its like no other; simple, convenient and the effect is really good. Should we give it a try?

Shifu put his cup lightly on the table. While walking out he said: This method isnt suited for us. Ive got something to do down the mountain. You go memorize the things Ive taught you two months ago.

O.

Later I heard that the people of the sect were severely beaten that day

That day I also met a demon. I can see some things that ordinary people cant see. After thinking about it, it began after I learned the things shifu taughts me.

Originally I didnt think that the things shifu taught was useful. But today, I think that theyre pretty useful, because marching into the manors backyard with a panicked face, is a big ginseng demon. He was standing next the hens, shivering in the backyard. A naturally fragrant pot of soup appeared in my mind. I stared at him, while my mouth filled with saliva.

I pulled the sword that can kill demons. That pretty ginseng suddenly went on his knees. Kneeling, he walked to me. He knocked his head three times on the floor: Good girl, good girl, good girl! Help me!

Those three cheers good girlmade me feel good. It wouldnt make a difference if I wait a little before making ginseng soup. I pulled him up and asked: Whats the matter?

Ginseng demon wiped his tears and sobbed: IIm being hunted down by people.

This demon shouldnt know that I can see his true identity.

I nodded my head. My mind was thinking that if there are good things, I need to wait till shifu came back before stewing it to eat. So I answered: Then you come in and hide for a while. My shifu has great ability. After he came back, hell surely help you.

In the midnight, shifu came back. I didnt have a chance to explain the situation to him. The moment he entered the hall, he frowned and asked me: What did you bring here?

I was about to speak, when the ginseng demon with a face full of grievance came out. He bowed to shifu and said: Im Nanpei2. Today Im sorry to disturb you. I didnt have a choice

He didnt finish speaking. Shifu raised an eyebrow, sneered, walked to me and pinched my face.

Nanpei? You really know how to bring people here, ah.

Shifu pinching my cheeks has become a habit now. I didnt resist, followed his strength and leaned to his ear: Shifu, ginseng essence, is very nourishing.

I said these words a little too loud. The ginseng demon instantly looked scared, took few mouthfuls of air and sat on the floor.

Youyouare not a good girl

He desperately looked at us.

Shifu raised an eyebrow, rubbed my head and said: Well, its rare that youre smart for once, but

He glanced at the ginseng demon, curled his lips and said: Eating vegetation of a thousand years will harm the yin side. You and I are not ordinary people. Its better to let him go.

I was shocked, pulled at shifus sleeves and said: The hens in the yard grew too oldtheyre all old.

So we can kill the chicken and eat it.

But! But!

I was not willing, but I couldnt find a reason to rebuke shifu. I scratched my head and looked full of resentment at shifu. Shifu didnt look at me. He glanced at the ginseng demon and said: Go back to where you came from. Otherwise, if this girl eats you, I wouldnt care.

I gritted my teeth. I really want to rush to the ginseng and eat him.

Butbut out there, there are people who want to kill me. They want to make soup of me

Ginseng demon sat on the ground. While wiping his tears, he said: I escaped for so many days, Im really exhausted.

Someone dares to dig at my Shengling sects mountain?

Shifus voice raised a decibel. I looked up and saw shifu thought for a moment.

Alright, this young master (hes referring to himself) just has a too good heart. Nanpei, I allow you to hide in this manor for three days.

I kept staring at the ginseng demon. Shifu covered my eyes and dragged me to his room.

I said not allowed to eat is not allowed to eat. Im tired today. Come, massage my shoulder.

I was accustomed to receive orders from shifu, but today I was unhappy.

Shifu, ginseng soup with chicken is really nourishing.

En, Ill let the cook give you a basket of ginseng another day. Love how to nourish and you can nourish

But thats a ginseng of a thousand years

Eating it will harm the yin in us.

Anyway, he didnt allow me to eat. I was very unhappy and didnt massage shifus shoulder. I just went back to my room.

The moonlight shone into my room. I toss and turn in my bed, yet I couldnt sleep. My mind is full of images about the ginseng demon and the mother hen together. Suddenly, a light flashed in my mind and I remembered something else. The people of the sect down the mountain said that harmonious cultivation is a quick method to improve ones energy. Shifu said that the method is not suited for us. The ginseng demon became such a fine ginseng essence, he mustve some cultivation. Should I just go cultivate harmoniously with him? Every day, every night, without pause and without rest, for about ten days. Then my progress will be quickly and shifu wont say that Im stupid anymore!

As I was thinking, I felt that Im not as stupid as shifu usually says. Im actually pretty smart.

The next day, I dont know why but shifu went down the mountain again. I searched for a really long time before I found the ginseng demon in the firewood place. The moment he saw me, his face turned pale.

Dont! Dont eat me! I can do anything! I can do anything!

After what he said, I immediately laughed.

Good, good. Lets go cultivate harmoniously!

The ginseng demons face froze or a moment. His pale face turned red.

I I I I I have always been doing clear cultivation (meaning hes a virgin)I I I I dont know how

I frowned. I felt that besides cooking this ginseng, he really isnt useful. He looked up and glanced at me, seeming to know where my thoughts are going. There were cold sweats on his red face.

Howhowever, I generally know how its done, if if .

The ginseng began to cry, looking really miserable.

If you reallyneed, Im willing to try with you.

En, then lets try here first.

Ginseng demons face turned white: Here?

Should we do it in the hall?

The hall?

He was stunned again.

I angrily asked: Why dont you say where?

This, this is more suitable doing it in a room.

My room is too small. There isnt any place to practice. I thought for a moment. Shifus room is the best place. Its broad and large and the air is good there. If something went wrong while we practice there, shifu will know when he comes back. So I took him to shifus room.

I and the ginseng demon sat on shifus table for a very long time. I dont know how to cultivate so I just glared at ginseng demon. I dont know what hes thinking, but he looks like a madman. He was trembling and his face is red.

He he must be getting into the right state, right?

I copied him and began trembling and trying to get my face flushed. Ginseng demon asked: Youwhat are you doing?

Copying you, ah

I blinked and asked: How do we start?

He pinted his trembling finger at shifus big and soft bed.

From from there.

I walked there and sat on the bed.

And then?

Ginseng demon also walked to the bed and sat beside me. He lowered his head.

Then, then, probably, probably undress.

I remembered shifu once told me that Im not allowed to casually undress in front of others. But then I also remembered that shifu said that I shouldnt treat learning martial arts as a casual thing. I was conflicted, so I obediently took off the coat.

And then?

Ginseng demon also took his clothes off, piece by piece. He lowered his head even lower. His voice was barely audible: Continuecontinue to take off.

I obediently took my clothes off. I waited for the ginseng demon to take all his clothes off. Suddenly I saw a stream of blood streaming down ginseng demons face.

I was shocked and grabbed ginseng demons face. I saw that hes having a nosebleed.

Ah! 3!

Suddenly, I heard the door made a zhiyasound. Someone opened the door. Shifu stood in the doorway looking at me. His brows rose.

Shifu,I yelled. Something went wrong.

Shifu walked at a very slow pace into the room and stood by the bedside. He squinted his eyes and looked back and forth at me and the ginseng demon. With a very soft but really scary voice he asked: Xiao Xiang Zi, what do you want to do on shifus bed?

I stared at shifu and seriously answered: I was going to cultivate harmoniuosly with ginseng demon.

Shifu took a slight step back. His expression was really strange. It gave me an unfamiliar feeling.

I wanted to say more, but shifu suddenly grabbed ginseng demons collar and dragged him to the window. Shifu didnt even bother to open the window. He broke the window and threw the ginseng demon out, like throwing trash.

Very, very far, did the ginseng demon landed on the mountain. I dont know where. Only the trace of ginseng demons nosebleed on the ground, is proof that he really has been here.

My mouth fell open in surprise and I looked blankly at shifu.

He turned. The cold wind entered the room through the broken window, making his hair messy. He looked at me and said in a tone that he usually used when he jokes with me: Xiao Xiang Zi, your gut turned fatter. Say carefully again, what were you doing?

I vaguely saw that something in shifus eyes isnt the same as usual.

I didnt care about the storm in shifus heart. I felt that no one in the whole world can understand the pain in my heart. I shook my head, stared at shifu and said tearfully: You dont let me make chicken soup, you dont let me cultivate harmoniously, you even threw him away! Do you really not want to see me well?!

I hugged my head and said hoarsely: You do not hate Xiao Xiang Zi, youre just in love with Nanpei ginseng demon!

I heard shifu taking deep breaths. The thought that master no longer likes me, felt like the sky was falling on me. Its so heavy that I cant face the reality.

I picked up my clothes and began dressing myself, while walking out.

Shifu doesnt want me! I also dont want shifu anymore! No ginseng to make soup with chicken, but there still mushroom to make soup with chicken!

Thirteen years old me, did the greatest thing Ive done in my life. I, Xiao Xiang Zi, without dressing properly, ran out of shifus room, while crying, ran down the mountain, then.ran away from shifu (home).

Comments:

Poor ginseng demon, victim of all of this. Now I really want to eat ginseng soup with chicken.