[July 16] [Original] How To Lead A Serene and Enriching Life

[lilacfield.livejournal.com]

Title: How To Lead A Serene and Enriching Life
Day/Theme: July 16/take these verbs and enjoy them
Series: Elegy of the Willow Sword (original)
Characters: Bai Shi, Dong Yao, Qiu Heitong
Rating: PG


"The chances of running into old enemies, even supposing they are still alive, are not that great," Qiu Heitong insisted. "They probably have shut themselves off in some remote corner of the world, just like we do. Or they could be too old to even get it up in the morning. At any rate, they won't be much of a threat to us."

"I disagree." Bai Shi did not raise his eyes from the strokes he was tracing across the obliging piece of paper. "As I recall, the one person we would do better to avoid has acquaintances and at least one disciple. They might remember us, and they might not be so decrepit as you so earnestly wish."

Dong Yao had been sitting moodily by the window, picking at his nose. When it was obvious Bai Shi had finished stating his argument, he belched. "Brother Shi is right. Brother Heitong, you haven't run into any of them so far just because you're lucky. How long do you think you'll stay lucky? And some of these folks might be young and superbly trained in martial arts." He scratched absently at the edge of his nostril before resuming the nose-picking. "There was this young man, Mu Junjie I think he is called, that at that time struck me as potential future trouble. If he has learned at least three-quarters of what his master can teach him, things might get rather warm should our paths ever cross his."

Qiu Heitong was not giving up. "But, Brother Shi, traveling might be beneficial for you. You can search for new books. You might even stumble on rare old volumes. And Brother Yao, think of all the pretty girls and gaming houses you are yet to visit! The girls in the north - from what I heard, when they sing and recite poetry, you'd think you are in the presence of divine maidens. Well? Still not interested?"

"Brother Heitong," Bai Shi interrupted flatly, "Brother Yao and I are content to have you share your stories with us. We like it here at the Frozen Plum Waterfalls. We shall leave the roaming and wandering to you."

"Ah." Qiu Heitong heaved a dramatic sigh. "Your loss, then." He made a show of contemplating the ceiling, then the two other men. "I hope I'll run into this Mu Junjie boy someday, just to make you both envy the experience."