Arknights story · Fantasy in the Mirage
Reaching the Top
The secret tome that all jianghu seeks turns out to have been stolen by Huai Tianpei at the behest of a Shanhaizhong member by the name of Mo Yi. Mo Yi uses it to summon a massive illusion in the form of Shuo, which Huai Tianpei duels.
1 scenes, 354 lines
1. Interlude
354 linesWhat is this...?
That madman barged into the training grounds and just started brawling. I think he's the one who fought the Grandmaster in this same place six months ago.
We don't know what's wrong with him, but we tried to avoid hurting him. He knocked a few dozen guys out cold, and then just went away.
...Huai Tianpei?
What madness is this? What happened to the Grandmaster's sword...?
General!
Someone just broke into the armory!
What did we lose?
The Grandmaster's Book of Kung Fu.
Dear General Zuo,
War is on the horizon. The lives of your soldiers and the livelihoods of your people must be your priority.
The best strategy is to disrupt your enemy's strategy. Non-aggression is the essence of justice.
I have borrowed your book for a time. It will be returned to you in due course.
Mo Yi, Shanhaizhong
Best Regards
The contents of the armory are unmolested, except for an empty space on the bookshelf.
There is only a letter where a book should be.
......
Guards!
Yes, sir!
What are your orders?
Prepare a Messenger. I have a letter to be delivered to the Sui Regulator.
Yes, sir.
And... a second Messenger, to deliver a secret message to the Tianshi Bureau.
Understood.
Impressive, Master Huai. Stealing an army camp ten thousand strong and escaping without breaking a sweat... no one in Yan's history could have achieved such a feat, and it's unlikely anyone else ever will.
Huai Tianpei does not answer, striding around in circles, muttering under his breath.
No need to worry, Master Huai. You helped me obtain the book, and I'll help you in turn.
You will have a bout with the Grandmaster, in an arena with all eyes upon you.
I will prepare everything for you ten days hence, at the peak of Mt. Mang.
...Uh-huh.
But I want ask you, Master Huai... no mortal man is your equal, and you know that the Grandmaster is no mortal man. Why do you insist on defeating him?
Humans have not held their own against Beasts for thousands of years by pitting their own weakness against their foes' strength.
You're not making any sense.
If someone's stronger than me, I train until I beat them. If heaven and earth are stronger than me, I'll do whatever it takes to beat them.
This obsession of yours is not fit for a mortal man.
But you would not have been forced into your current circumstances by the 'merchant', if you'd completely forgotten your humanity.
Should I pity you, or laugh at you?
Interesting...
Dad came this way, Uncle Lee?
The footprints are widely-spaced, but the distance between them is consistent, and every print is equal in depth.
They could only have been left by a kung fu master.
Hehe...
I caught one glimpse of him that time, and then he got away... this is the only way now, based on the clues that we have.
We deal with smart people in smart ways. But your dad is a kung fu-obsessed fool... so we handle him the foolish way.
Just keep looking...
......
Are you worried about him, or angry that he's making trouble again?
I just... don't understand.
No one would ever call him reliable, but he's always honest and upright when it comes to kung fu.
Never bully the weak just because you're strong, and never hurt the innocent. He raised me on these ideals.
I don't get it. What changed him?
I've heard that people lose their reason when they lose what they love, or if they let their obsessions get the better of them...
Is there anyone under heaven who could break his heart over kung fu?
Unless—
Unless he's gone so far down the martial path that he's no longer dealing in mortal affairs...
Well... I haven't forgiven him yet, but I won't forgive whoever turned him this way either!
You're right... they won't get away with it.
But you just reminded me...
There's a town near here. Perhaps it'll offer a clue.
You're looking for someone?
This has been a busy clinic lately. You see those people with plaster casts all over them? Maybe the one you're looking for is among them.
Looks like business has been booming for you.
Mind if I ask... why are there so many wounded here?
It's a long story... this has always been a peaceful town, with no real martial tradition.
Maybe a couple of people make a living with the sword, but nobody worth writing home about. Best they can do is to stand guard at a manor, or escort some goods a short ways.
In recent days, though, we've been getting jianghu adventurers from all across the country coming to these parts, for some reason.
More people means more trouble. These guys are showing up with hot tempers. A little argument, and fists start flying.
They're in pretty bad shape. What kind of argument gets them going at each other like that?
That's another matter altogether...
The folks who've come to this town are after some kind of secret kung fu tome. Legend has it, the thing will make you First Under Heaven. And there's nothing they wouldn't do to get their hands on it.
First Under Heaven... again.
There's one particular nutcase among their ranks.
He challenges anyone who looks like a jianghu adventurer, whether they want to fight or not.
Total nutcase, but incredibly strong. Half the people who've been in here these past few days got hurt fighting him.
......
...Is this guy still in town?
Who knows? He's made his share of enemies. People might be after him now.
Do you know that madman?
Well...
Don't worry, we came to put a stop to the conflict...
Either way, you'd better get him out of here, if you can.
What happens in the jianghu may stay in the jianghu, but the Tianshis and imperial court aren't going to keep quiet if this carries on.
Anyway, I've got patients to see. I hope I have enough medicine in stock...
That sounds like Dad alright.
I've never heard of such a powerful tome either.
Whether it's true or not, there's one thing for sure: A treasure's whereabouts only become publicly known when it's being used for bait.
And we should try to hook whoever set this bait.
Hm?
I think I just saw a familiar face...
You are... Mr. Lee? We met in Shangshu, correct?
Are you looking for the martial master drawn here by a supposed secret kung fu tome?
I'm looking for the one who brought the tome here.
What do you know of all this?
Not much.
All I know is that it is an elaborate plot, and many have come to this town believing those claims.
As for the true purpose behind it all...
They must be trying to put on a show, the way they've drawn so many... what's the best place for a show in a town like this?
Do I hear some commotion outside?
I think this is the second time we've met, Mr. Yun.
I suppose it is fate that determined we should meet again. What a pleasure.
Young lady...
You can call me Mo Yi.
Why have you called for me, Miss Mo?
You are the Grandmaster's favorite student. No one knows him better. We would like you to appraise a certain artifact.
Tell me, is this book a product of his pen?
Intriguing...
All the troubles that have befallen this town over the tome were part of your plan, weren't they?
Let's just say... ask no questions and you'll be told no lies.
In any case, I must ask you to appraise the authenticity of this Book of Kung Fu for Mr. Liang here.
Mo Yi takes out the tome and hands it to Yun Qingping.
This is the second time that Yun Qingping has seen the book in this town. He saw the waiter steal the book in the teahouse, but now it has ended up in Mo Yi's hands.
(Flips through the pages)
Yes, this is the book that the Grandmaster dictated to me, which I put to paper with my pen.
This was a gift from the Grandmaster to General Zuo Xuanliao of Yumen. How did it end up in your hands?
We can talk about that later—is the master of Garden of Grotesqueries interested in this, Mr. Liang?
It is a remarkable feat, obtaining this book. I won't ask how you did it.
I shall communicate this to my master, for him to make a decision.
Will your master still not show himself, even though we've confirmed that this is the original manuscript?
It is not my place to judge on behalf of my master. He has his own standards for determining whether or not an item is truly treasure.
I will give you the answer once I've spoken to him.
What a shame...
Can I ask the question now, Miss Mo?
Why have you stolen the tome and spread such rumors through the jianghu?
You have one foot in the jianghu, don't you?
I accompanied my master on his travels in my early years, but I would not count myself as a kung fu master.
Neither would I. I'm just a jianghu nobody with no knowledge of kung fu.
But I love watching self-proclaimed kung fu masters kill each other like starving beasts for a tiny bit of fame, some ridiculously insignificant squabble.
The quarrels and bickering of real people is so much more interesting than staged plays.
Much blood will be spilt for this play of yours.
Isn't it a little... dishonorable?
What do heaven and earth know of honor? Why should I care?
Just sit back and relax. I'm sure you'll enjoy the show too.
All these things... what's going on?
Am I imagining things? Did all those chairs and tables on the street turn into people? Even the brooms?
No, you're not...
There's something strange about this town. Just think of the objects turning into people as some kind of illusion, and don't let it bother you too much.
Well, I've seen stranger things...
These abominations... could there be one of Miss Ling's siblings in this place?
...I'm afraid the situation is slightly worse than that.
But I've never seen them in an uproar like this. What happened?
The peak of Mt. Mang is packed with people, not just jianghu wanderers chasing rumors, but also the non-human residents of the town who have taken human form.
It's an honor to have so many heroes of the jianghu assembled here today.
I'm sure your time is valuable, so I'll get straight to the point. Here it is—!
Mo Yi raises the Book of Kung Fu up high, and many in the crowd begin to whisper to one another.
This is the legendary tome written by the Grandmaster defending the borders of Yan.
Not only does it contain the greatest secrets of kung fu to elevate your school above all others, it also reveals the secret to shedding your mortal hide and becoming a god in flesh, reaching the heights of the Grandmaster!
All who practice kung fu dream of elevating their schools above all others. For many in the crowd, however, they are more interested in the 'shedding your mortal hide and becoming a god' part.
Whatever they are seeking, Mo Yi's words are enough to send them into a frenzy.
With all the rumors flying around the jianghu lately, I'm sure one book would not be enough to convince you.
This is why I've invited Mr. Yun here.
Mr. Yun is the Grandmaster's record keeper. Perhaps some of you even recognize him, and know that I speak the truth.
He has attested to the authenticity of the book. There can be no greater assurance.
......
Mo Yi pauses to ensure that the crowd does not doubt her before continuing.
I'm young and unlearned, and it is not my place to keep this treasure for my own. That's why I'm hosting this 'Banquet of Heroes'.
All who have assembled here today—this tome shall belong to whoever manages to take it and keep it!
It is as though the crowd has exploded.
Everyone has weapons in hand, brandishing at the people around them. All they need is a cue to start killing.
Those who know better try back off quietly, but even more rush towards Mo Yi, drawn by her promise.
The geists who share the same thought join flesh-and-blood humans in the scrum.
Everyone! Hear me out! Please!
In the commotion, Yun Qingping walks to the front of the stage, and speaks to the crowd below.
Some of them hear his words, and one after another they stop doing whatever they were doing, curious to hear what this frail young man has to say.
My master says that testing oneself against another is the only path to self-reflection, and competing against others is the only path to self-improvement. Competition is a virtue for students of the martial arts.
But we must not forget the most basic rule of kung fu: hard work is the only path to mastery.
The study of the martial arts is, fundamentally, the improvement of oneself. To take shortcuts to make oneself stronger for the sake of fame and glory is to confound the end with the means to that end.
...What are you trying to say?
There is no doubt that this is the original manuscript of the Book of Kung Fu. However, what you should know is—
This book was dictated to me by my master, and put to paper by my pen. It is not imbued with any of the magical effects that Miss Mo claims.
If this book is, in fact, so wondrous, why is it that I, who wrote the words with my own hand, remain an ordinary man, with no kung fu to boast of?
His voice is not loud, but every word rings clear. A commotion of a different kind begins to spread through the crowd.
Mr. Yun, I suggest you refrain from making any wrong moves at a time like this...
Yun Qingping pretends not to hear the girl's threat and continues speaking.
The Book of Kung Fu contains the Grandmaster's understanding of kung fu accumulated over his vast lifetime, as well as key points often missed by martial artists during training. It is of great benefit to any practitioner of the martial arts.
Other than that, it has no unique properties.
If you don't believe me...
Yun Qingping takes out a printed copy of the Book of Kung Fu.
This Book of Kung Fu is no secret, and certainly not one-of-a-kind. There is no need to spill blood over it...
Watch out, Uncle Lee!
There're too many of them...
Do these pots and pans turned humans have something to do with that 'secret tome' too?
These pots and pans must be headed in the direction of the culprit. We take them in custody, and everything else will become clear.
I would like to ask the two of you to help.
Of course, Master Lin! I'll clear a path for you.
What did you say...?
It was my master's most sincere wish to help more people go further down the path of kung fu. But teaching martial arts is a very personal thing, and the Grandmaster's time and energy are not unlimited.
What he could do was record his thinking and understanding in concise language, so that those who come after can avoid certain pitfalls without learning the hard way.
The Book of Kung Fu is certainly his labor of love, with countless generations of record keepers' archives that I had the honor of organizing.
The Grandmaster gifted this book to General Zuo in the hopes that its teachings would be known throughout the army, and eventually by all the people. He never intended to keep it secret.
In other words, if those present want to take their kung fu to a higher level, I am happy to request another print run. It would be trivial to get everyone a copy.
Profanities begin flying out from the crowd, after a brief moment of silence.
If one person took a step forward, the rest would follow, to throw this Liberi fraud from the mountaintop.
......
Good... very good...
You've learned courage from the Grandmaster, if nothing else.
But did it occur to you that I could take your life here and now with ease, if you so pushed me?
Then I would be an unlucky man. It can't be helped.
I'm no martial artist, but I know the rules of the jianghu. I can't stand idly by when injustice occurs.
Please, return the Book of Kung Fu to Yumen. It's nothing special to these jianghu adventurers.
But it means a lot to General Zuo.
You... how dare you...?
Allow me to say a few more words, Miss Mo.
You said you wanted to put on a show, of real-life people quarreling and bickering.
I suppose you wanted me to see people spilling blood for the sake of a kung fu tome. All I see, however, is people who want to improve their martial skills.
There's nothing wrong with pursuing mastery of the martial arts.
I've seen much evil in the world, but very little done for the sake of evil. More often, so-called evil begins with good intentions, only incorrect means.
I don't know why you're doing this, but deceiving people like this is not the proper way.
Your skills and your cleverness could be used to better ends.
You may not have learned kung fu from the Grandmaster, but it looks like you did learn this holier-than-thou attitude.
Don't blame me then—
I have you at last...
—!
You are guilty of theft from a critical military facility, and now you are deceiving the people with your lies! What is your purpose?
Ah, this must be the famous Deputy Minister Lin.
But you've already resigned your position, haven't you? It's not your style to overstep your bounds, is it?
As a Tianshi, I cannot stand by and watch this evil take place.
I'm taking you to Baizao.
Haha...
Hahaha...
What are you laughing at?
I'm laughing at how short-sighted you are, despite all the big words you say.
All of Baizao and Yumen are on the brink, yet you're trying to sabotage me while claiming to represent justice.
What do you mean?
Perhaps I don't understand kung fu as deeply as you do...
But you don't understand the Feranmuts nearly as deeply as I!
I didn't want to do this, but...
Mo Yi leaps back and creates some distance.
Standing at the summit, she holds the tome in her hand, with rare focus and reverence in her eyes.
The nine provinces are dark—
The sky darkens at her words.
Heaven and earth are silent—
Heed my words, great mystery—
In the earth, lines warp and weft; in the heavens, the genesis of martial prowess—
In the name of the Shanhaizhong, I bid ye cometh, First of the Twelve, the name of which is Shuo!
The darkness that engulfed heaven and earth is suddenly dashed apart, revealing the manifestation of the bestial Sui, whose towering figure reaching towards the heavens.
All present are starkly reminded of their insignificance, even standing at the peak of a mountain.
Whether this is really Him or simply an illusion, the appearance of this massive shadow signifies one thing: the power of Shuo lives within the manuscript.
(Rumbling roar)
What...?!
...Master?
I suppose there are few living people in Yan who have seen this aspect of Him.
It's a reminder of what Yan has been facing all these years.
If you want to catch me, you'll have to fight Him first.
Look out!
The massive shadow slams its palm towards the crowd on the ground. The entire mountain shakes.
Many are knocked off their feet. But it is no simple blow; Yun Qingping could see clear form and meaning in the palm strike.
With a swiftness that belies its size, its every movement and its presence announce its nature as the manifestation of kung fu itself.
Scatter! Get out of the way!
I call upon the Five Thunders—
Thunder hits the shadow, but it is as though it had struck the void.
It's no use?!
What under heaven is that thing...?
No... that's not the Grandmaster.
The Grandmaster's sword is not here. That is no more than an illusion reflected in the Book of Kung Fu.
I don't know how the girl did it, but there must be a way to break this spell...
If we can bypass the illusion and attack her directly—
Finally...
We meet again...
As the crowd scatters, this 'Shuo' greets its first challenger.
Stay back! It's dangerous!
Master Huai?!
Huai Tianpei does not answer, striding toward 'Shuo' with firm steps.
I lost the sword. I broke my promise. I should not have come to see you.
My dream has yet to be realized. My life is finite. I must come to see you.
(Menacing murmur)
The fist moves winds and clouds.
Huai Tianpei does not dodge or cower, letting the wake of the punch brush against him.
Another punch, heavy as a mountain, inexorable as the tide, falls upon Huai Tianpei.
Fist meets fist. Strength meets strength.
H-How is this possible?
It is the shadow of a god, the manifestation of kung fu itself, yet somehow it has met its match.
It is a duel between equals.
Yun Qingping takes out pen and paper by instinct.
The palm strikes, shattering heaven and earth.
Inhale, exhale, and let the breath be one with the cosmos.
Fist meets palm, still evenly matched.
Huai Tianpei matches 'Shuo' move for move, continuing to step forward. With each exchange, 'Shuo' becomes more corporeal, more real.
One round after another. Finally, Huai Tianpei stands at the summit, gazing up at the illusion's wrath.
...Eleventh rounds?
Yun Qingping flips open his Record of Martial Combat, to the page where he recorded that duel for the ages. He still remembers the final punch, which could not be described with language.
Master Huai has taken another step forward...
Simplicity is perfection. It is a simple thing to understand.
But with life and death on the line, how many could set aside their ego, set aside themselves, cutting everything down to its most simple elements: a single punch or kick at exactly the right time, be it in offense or in defense.
Kung fu has become an inherent part of him, in his limbs, in his muscles, in his viscera.
Thirty rounds have passed. Huai Tianpei still stands.
The power of the punches have left two deep ditches in the boulder beneath his feet.
But he can go no further forward. One more step, and he will fall off the cliff.
Huai Tianpei shows no intention of backing down.
No... he's in danger!
But who dares intervene in such a duel? Who can?
Dad!
—!
The cry causes the man to pause for an instant, in the midst of a fight for life and death.
It's you...
Well...
...I remember now.
I remember now.
I made a forty-year promise.
I handed over the sword, because I could not abandon it...
I remember now.
I have a daughter to protect...
My name is... Huai Tianpei.
But I forgot.
I forgot all the moves I learned.
I forgot my opponents and enemies.
I have never lost. I am without equal under heaven.
Who am I fighting against?
I am only fighting against myself.
There is no path ahead. I must turn back.
Haah—!
Huai Tianpei leaps into the air, and sends his fists into the chest of 'Shuo'.
He cuts a ragged figure, but his eyes are crystal clear.
As the illusion dissipates...
Huai Tianpei falls from the cliff.
A wind blows by, and the sky is restored to its previous color. The battle that shook heaven and earth might as well have been a dream that everyone went through together.
The spectators continue to look up at the sky, forgetting to turn their gazes away.
Zuo Le?
Master Huai fell from the cliff in the fight with the illusion. Please send someone to search for him...
Yes, sir.
Someone fell from the cliff. Send men to look for him.
Yes, sir.
I came with a platoon when I heard the thief who stole the Grandmaster's Book of Kung Fu from Yumen had been sighted causing trouble.
But the culprit—
Only now do they realize that the girl has disappeared without a trace.
She got away again.
All the routes in and out of the mountains are being watched. She won't escape.
As for the rest of you... ahem!
By imperial decree, those present are deemed to have been incited by an outlaw, and your culpability in this matter will not be pursued if you leave this place at once.
Those who do not comply will be dealt with harshly.
Many of those present have not always lived on the right side of the law, and their hearts sank like a stone when they saw the soldiers arrive. It is thus a massive relief to hear that they will not be prosecuted, and they bow in apology before leaving as quickly as they can.
Only the geists remain, not quite understanding the situation, looking lost and bewildered.
*pant* *pant* Made it just in time...
Look at you, acting like the worst of humanity, engaging in vanity and avarice! What did I teach you?
If you want to become human, you must learn humanity little by little, starting with right and wrong! You may have the body of a human, but if you don't have a conscience, then you're not human after all, just a beast wearing clothes!
You've seen how the book you longed for was just a dream...
Come with me back to the school, if you still want to learn...
Mr. Pu sees Lin Qingyan and seemingly bows in apology.
He turns around and leaves, in as much a hurry as he came. He is limping a little; perhaps the climb has taken a toll on his legs.
The geists linger for a little bit, then turn back into their original forms one by one, forming a long line as they follow the old man down the mountain.