Chapter 7 — Taking a Master
The Sword Questions the Heavens · Page 5 of 5
In truth, among the Canglan Sect's Dazhu Peak line, the master Tian Buhui was lazy by nature. He cared about face but could never be bothered to discipline his disciples. As a rule he taught them a few methods of the Way and then paid them no further mind, leaving them to practice on their own. His wife Su Wan, however, was strong-willed and fond of martial exercise. In her youth she had made quite a name for herself and enjoyed great prestige. After marrying Tian Buhui her temper had softened considerably, but for one thing her hands often itched for action, and for another her disciples were not much use. In the "Seven Peaks Martial Trial" held by the Canglan Sect once every sixty years, the Dazhu Peak disciples had lost again and again over several sessions—only the eldest senior brother, Song Dayi, occasionally won a match, while all the rest were soundly beaten. Thus they became a laughingstock throughout the Canglan Sect.
How could Su Wan, proud all her life, swallow such humiliation? So she often took it upon herself to "instruct" these disciples in her husband's place. Fair and gentle as she looked, her temper was quick and her cultivation exceedingly high; a careless blow and she would send the disciples scurrying with their heads covered, bruised and battered all over—until they feared this beautiful mistress far more than their short, stout master.
By now it was growing late. The sun had sunk in the west, and the evening clouds burned bright across the sky. The setting sun shone on Dazhu Peak as the three of them—one grown and two small—walked slowly back toward the front of the mountain. From the buildings before the peak in the distance came the long barking of dogs, and mixed in with it the shrill cries of certain poor souls yelping in pain.