waaifu

If sides are displayed winning or losing in a public setting, then it's common for the loser to offer a 'reconciliation gift,' and then arrange for a feast.

The two sides each send a representative, the two publicly discuss how no one style is inferior to another, and they go back to minding their own business.

If someone violates this rule, then all the schools target them, ensuring it's hard for them to find their footing in Shangshu.

I mean, I'm against going around challenging schools too, but doesn't this stink of a sham?

And on top of that, you make it sound like you're all cozy with each other. Are you saying you do things pretty much the way the Plated do too?

We just exaggerate a little to advertise—let's put that aside for now. The main thing I'm here for is to make you a deal. An excellent one.

You declare to everyone that you're a follower of our Traceless Fist, and then our school sends someone to make peace with the Plated. That way, all your troubles are gone.

You called this a 'deal.' I assume I have to do something?

Of course. There's always a give-and-take in the kung fu world. All we hope for, after things settle down, is that you come to our hall and be a nominal instructor for a month.

A nominal instructor?

Haha, we won't make you teach us your secret techniques, of course. We just want you to stay with us. You can act as living publicity for our school.

We won't make you stay for free, either. We'll pay you a month's wages, and split the Plated Fists' reconciliation gift 20/80! How do those terms s—

Are you done?

You've made up your mind?

I'll kindly refuse.

Er... If you feel it's an unfair price, we can still discuss—

Listen. I may not be totally in the loop about this kung fu 'business,' and I'm probably not qualified to wax on about the rules and customs and so on?

But to my eyes, this fraud has no fundamental respect for the martial arts at all. I would never accept it.

Miss Heroine, you seem to be mistaken...

The age of true kung fu is long gone... We're all just putting on a show to make a living. That's not some terrible crime.

All we ever need is to save a little face. Why take this so seriously?

Maybe you're right. Maybe I shouldn't judge the lives of others so lightly.

We're just of different mind and different ways. Thank you for your 'kindness,' and goodbye.

Come on... You're so young, girl. Why are you clinging to something so old-fashioned?

What era do you think this is? All the real warriors have been beaten to death by now...

Dad, is your kung fu so strong that nobody could beat you?

What a joke.

How vast do you think the land is? Just because I pass through a few cities with no opponent, I can pretend I'm number one?

But you've trained so hard, and you look for opponents everywhere. So why?

Training is training. Why all the 'why?'

All I'm doing is seeking the masters, finding the peaks. Only by witnessing the heights of the sky and the breadths of the land can I know where I stand, can I go further!

To reach the 'peak of perfection' of the martial way, that is my life's wish!

Dad, just what is it you're searching for, even now...?

There's a rough face you're pulling, guest. Not used to Shangshu spice?

No, not that. The food's great, it's just my own worries.

Peheh, I happened to overhear. Those people made a fine racket in the inn yesterday, and I heard talk of you getting caught up in it.

I must've made a mockery of myself—no, I'm the one who got you caught up in this.

No harm done. What are you planning to do now, though, Miss?

I know what. I've already agreed to the challenge, so I have to show up. And I'm going to have a fair and square martial competition with them, no tricks or schemes.

It's something all martial artists understand. 'Seek to go forth, think not to halt.' I made this mess myself, so no matter what happens, it's my responsibility to bear it.

Fine words. Your righteousness is commendable, young lady, but I think you should know what it means to take it all on yourself.

The first apprentice, in your upcoming match, is probably just as much a martial nobody. But if they're scrambling to control the damage, whipping out every dirty trick in the book, do you think you'll cope with the onslaught?

I'll do all I can.

And further, if you win, and they kick off and call you the wrongdoer instead, then I'm sorry, but even if their sort can't lay hands on you, it'd never be worth it to get tangled in a lawsuit.

Besides, ultimately, you can't stomach the way they connive together, pulling their dirty tricks. Even if you teach the Plated Fists a lesson, what use will that be in the kung fu circle of Shangshu?

You have a point, sir...

I don't like to lecture on my seniority. But I hope you give some weight to what I've told you, young lady.

I'm not interested in meaningless scuffles, and at the same time I don't want those people getting what they wish for. But no matter what, I can't see a way I can pull off both.

There's always some way. You just have to think a little outside the box to find it.

Outside the box, you say...?

The way the world works, it's like a net. Sometimes it's protective, and sometimes it ties you up like a finfish—and it's not something you can use your fists to shake off.

In this net, the way you act and carry yourself gets bound up, and there's rules to play by. Know what it wants, and you'll know what it fears.

Just rambling, rambling. You don't need to understand what it means just yet, hahaha...

Know what it means, know what it fears...

They won't let me go without a match, and it's just to win back their reputation.

If they love face so much, I could just give them some.

It looks like you have a plan, young lady?

Thank you for your advice, sir. I think I've got a solution!

What's happening? Who invited so many other halls here?

We don't know! We heard your warning, we kept away from all the other schools!

Even the 'Yin-Yang,' 'Seven Shocks' and 'White Feather' houses are here. You think they just came on their own?

Please, brother! I genuinely have no idea what happened!

I'll get you all for this later! Is the one who beat up our second here yet?

She is! She's over there!

What's with that flag she's holding?

With all eyes on her, Waai Fu ascends the arena, and stands a flagpole easily a zhang high in the center. The banner flutters, on one side written '#1 in Shangshu,' an awe-inspiring scene.

(Innkeeper Zheng really did invite all these people.)

(I've never spoken in front of this many before. I'm kind of nervous...)

(Huff—)

Ahem—Thank you, martial minds, for accepting the invitation to this meeting.

I am Waai Fu, taught in the ways of the Hong Mei Wing Chun. I had the privilege to meet the followers of the Plated Fist some days ago. It was perhaps even... instant chemistry.

My seniors are determined to exhibit their house's prowess, and invite me upon this stage with them, so we can compete for number one in Shangshu kung fu.

What?! You l—

It was the Plated who arranged for this feast. Isn't that true?

Zheng Q—Innkeeper Zheng, what are you doing here?

It's the most interesting thing to happen to our kung fu in a while. Let a rickety man join in the fun.

No need to greet me, you sit for now.

Very well...

Though I can only speak for so little, I want to do my own part to revitalize the kung fu scene here, so I've taken it upon myself to establish this challenge.

Whoever bests me gets this '#1 in Shangshu' flag. The last one standing on this stage takes it to hang it in their own hall.

Good nephew, I hear your house's master has been traveling far as of recent. You truly show determination for your school in arranging this battle as its first disciple.

It seems the Plated Fist's undertakings are so grand, Shangshu alone couldn't hold them anymore.

Go on, then. Take up that flag and give us old fogeys a good slap and a what-for, hm?

Honored Shih-fus, this is all wrong, it's a misunderstanding...

I thought it would be a shame to take up your invitation to the Plated Fist's banquet but have no one to fight, so... what say you about this contest, schoolbrother?

You must be joking, Miss... I've only invited everyone here for some tea and a meal. What's this talk of competition?

If you would just quickly put this banner away...

Er, could it be I misunderstood your intent, brother?

Alright. If that's what you say, then that's what I'll heed. This contest today is thus canceled.

Waai Fu makes a quick sideways chop, and the solid wood flagpole, thick as a wide bowl, topples in answer. The '#1 in Shangshu' banner lands neatly in her hands.

Wow, look at how thick that pole was, and the cut even looks genuine!

Brother, I want to learn that! When will Shih-fu teach us that?

Shut up!

If there's nothing else today, I'll be taking my leave for now, so as not to spoil your teatime mood.

I'll keep this flag in my care for now. If anyone still wants this '#1 in Shangshu' title, you can challenge me at any time. I'll gladly offer up this flag to you, if you beat me.

May fate bid us to meet again, martial minds.

Thank you, sir. Without your help, that could've been a much stickier situation.

No thanks necessary. You came up with the plan yourself, really. I just sent a few letters, nothing worth mentioning.

You have more than diligent training. There's a fine, clever mind in there too. Very rare.

*Sigh*... You know, my own little girl's around your age, and she has kung fu to speak of at that. If she were half as prudent as you, I wouldn't be getting so many white hairs.