Outlaws of the Marsh Volume 1 : Spirits and Bandits [1 ed.] 9788998341787

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TA L E S F RO M CH I N A

Wei Dong Chen • Xiao Long Liang

Spirits and Bandits

Vol.

01

TALES FROM CHINA

Vol.

01

Vol.

01

Spirits and Bandits created by

WEI DONG CHEN

Wei Dong Chen is a highly acclaimed artist and an influential leader in the “New Chinese Cartoon” trend. He is the founder of Creator World, the largest comics studio in China. His spirited and energetic work has attracted many students to his tutelage. He has published more than 300 cartoons in several countries and gained both recognition and admirers across Asia, Europe, and the USA. Mr. Chen’s work is serialized in several publications, and he continues to explore new dimensions of the graphic medium.

Illustrated by

XIAO LONG LIANG

Xiao Long Liang is considered one of Wei Dong Chen’s greatest students. One of the most highly regarded cartoonists in China today, Xiao Long’s fantastic technique and expression of Chinese culture have won him the acclaim of cartoon lovers throughout China.

Original Story “The Water Margin” by Shi, Nai An Editing & Designing Jonathan Evans, KH Lee, YK Kim, HJ Lee, JS Kim, Lampin, Qing Shao, Xiao Nan Li, Ke Hu © Chen, Wei Dong 2014. All rights reserved. Scanning, uploading, and electronic distribution of this book is prohibited.

Characters

JIN WANG Jin Wang is a martial arts master, and the former grand marshal of the royal imperial army of the Song Dynasty. When an old foe, Qiu Gao, chases Jin Wang and his mother from the capital, the two must trudge through the countryside looking for shelter. This will lead Jin Wang to meet a very auspicious young man with plenty of raw talent.

QIU GAO Qiu Gao rose from a background of desperate poverty to become, by way of ruthless scheming, the highest grand marshal under Emperor HuiZong of the Song Dynasty. Once he is installed, Qiu Gao seeks revenge against old rivals, including Jin Wang.

Volume 01

LORD SHI Lord Shi is a generous old man whose family owns a home on the outskirts of HuaYin Prefecture. One day he invites two travelers into his home, not knowing that one of them will alter the course of his son’s life.

JIN SHI Jin Shi is a prodigious young man with an abundance of raw talent in martial arts. He is known as Nine Dragons, because of the tattoos on his body. When Jin Wang meets the young man, he instantly sees his potential, and asks to take Jin Shi as a student. The months they spend training together will turn Jin Shi into one of the great martial arts masters of his lifetime.

Characters

WU ZHU, DA CHEN, AND CHUN YANG Wu Zhu, Da Chen, and Chun Yang are three low-level bandits who have run afoul of a local governor and have a bounty on their heads. They hatch a plot to kill the governor, a plot that requires them to cross paths with Jin Shi. When they do, they will learn the true extent, or limits, of their abilities.

MAJOR DA LU (ZHISHEN LU) Major Da Lu is a junior officer in a local village militia who has enormous appetites and an uncontrollable temper. When that temper gets him into trouble with the law, he must flee his village and seek shelter in a Buddhist temple. But even though his head is shaved and he’s given the Buddhist name of ZhiShen, his true nature is no match for the quiet life of the monastery, and it doesn’t take him long to find more trouble.

Volume 01

ELDER PRIEST ZHIZHEN ZhiZhen is the elder priest of WenShu Temple on Mount WuTai. Because of the temple’s long relationship with the family of Lord Zhao, ZhiZhen agrees to shelter the fugitive Da Lu for a period of time. But he will soon learn that his charity endangers every monk in his temple.

LORD LIU Lord Liu is the master of Peach Blossom Manor. His daughter is set to be married, practically by force, to a local bandit. But when Lord Liu invites a traveling monk named ZhiShen Lu into his home, he doesn’t realize that the wedding plans are about to be turned upside down.

TONG ZHOU Tong Zhou is a bandit who dwells on Mount Peach Blossom. He is set to marry Lord Liu’s daughter in an arranged wedding, but Lord Liu has an unexpected guest who is willing to persuade Tong Zhou, by any means necessary, to call off the wedding.

Chapter 1

Spirits and Bandits Summary During the reign of RenZong, fourth emperor of the Song Dynasty, a devastating epidemic ravaged the land. In an attempt to appease the gods and bring relief to his kingdom, RenZong instructed a grand marshal named Xin Hong to make an offering to the heavens. While doing so, Xin Hong came upon a strange vault with mysterious markings. According to legend, when Xin Hong opened the door, he unleashed more than 100 demons – 36 spirits and 72 fiends. These demons sought to create mischief and mayhem for the Song Dynasty. Years later, during the reign of HuiZong, the eighth emperor of the Song Dynasty, a vicious schemer named Qiu Gao curried favor with the emperor and was installed as Supreme Grand Marshal

of the Dynasty. Qiu Gao used his position to take revenge against an old adversary, Jin Wang, who had been Grand Marshal of the Imperial Guard. Jin Wang, along with his mother, fled the kingdom. Jin Wang and his mother are bound for an area called YanAn when Jin Wang meets a young prodigy named Jin Shi. Wang takes the boy under his wing and trains him in the art of defense and attack. Soon after, Jin Shi becomes a master martial artist. Wang leaves when their training is complete, and some time later Jin Shi sets out to find his former master. Along the way, Jin Shi encounters a man with enormous strength, insatiable appetites, and a short-fuse temper that does as much harm as good. That man’s name is Major Da Lu. Shenyang

Qinhuangdao

CHINA

BEIJING Tianjin Qingdao

Lanzhou Xi'an

Zhengzhou

Chengdu

NE

PA L

BHUTAN INDIA

Chongqing

BANGLADESH

Macau

VIETNAM

Map of Modern China

Shanghai Ningbo

Yangtze River

Taipei

Guangzhou

MYANMAR

S. KOREA

Nanjing

Wuhan

Shigatse Lhasa

N. KOREA Dalian

Hong Kong

c

DaiZhou

CangZhou

Mt. WuTai YanAn BeiJing HuangNi YunCheng

A WeiZhou

JiZhou

B

XiJing

Mt. TaoHua LiangShan Marsh WaQuan Temple

DongJing (KaiFung)

Mt. XiaoHua

NanJing

Map of China During the Song Dynasty

A Jin Wang and his mother are bound for YanAn when they encounter Jin Shi, commonly known as Nine Dragons. Jin Wang tutors him in martial arts, and leaves at the completion of his training.

B Some time later, Jin Shi sets out to find Jin Wang. In the town of WeiZhou, he meets Major Da Lu.

c After committing a heinous crime, Da Lu flees to DaiZhou.

Well, what are you waiting for? Don’t be shy… Go ahead, open it. He he he!

Ask yourself, what’s the worst that could possibly happen?

In the days of the Song Dynasty, Grand Marshal Xin Hong was ordered by the emperor to ask for a heavenly blessing over the dynasty. While doing so, Xin Hong came upon the door to a mysterious vault. The inscription on the door said that the contents of the vault would remedy the ills of the one man who could open it – and the inscription said that man’s name was Hong.

There…there’s nothing to be afraid of. The markings on the stone say that only I can open it. That must mean a heavenly blessing can be found inside!

Of course…of course that’s what it says. And surely the best days of your kingdom are to come once you open the seal.

That’s it! You want to open it. Do it now!

KREAK

K O L SP

HUH?

SHAW

OOM

HA HA HA!!! AT LAST!!!

108 spirits and fiends, free at last! Now we will dwell in palaces and marshes!

But now we breathe air again. Now we rejoin the world!

Thirty-six spirits and seventy-two fiends!

We’ll paint the world red! Ha ha!

Do you feel the tremors? The Song Dynasty is crumbling!

HA HA HA!!! Guh! Guards, guards! Come quick! Someone help me!

Your Majesty, we’re here. What’s the matter?

I had…I had the most horrible dream. I dreamed that more than 100 demons were unleashed on the world. And those demons have one goal: to end this dynasty!

Write this down, and send it out as a royal decree: beginning tomorrow, every civil servant and military commander will join me in making an offering to the heavens. I fear we have angered the gods, and now we must do everything we can to earn back their goodwill.

CLOP CLOP CLOP

! E V MO KRONCH

H S OO

WH

UFF

H HUFF

WH

OM

HELP!

P There is no point in resisting, no matter if you are a marshal or a mouse!

YOU CANNOT WIN!

Mother! What are you doing? Put her down!

MOTHER! nO!!!

no, the same dream. The one about Qiu Gao.

In a wooded area far from the emperor’s palace, Jin Wang, former grand marshal of the royal imperial military, was hiding out, along with his mother. The two had been driven out of the capital after the promotion of a man named Qiu Gao. Jin, wake up! Wake up, my boy! What’s the matter? Another dream?

Every night, that fiend haunts my sleep. He had always resented me, I assumed because he started out as nothing more than a street bum. But it’s worse than that. no sooner had he weaseled his way into power than he actually tried to kill us. That man has a core of pure evil.

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It’s not your fault. Qiu Gao still carries a grudge against us because your father defeated him years ago.

now that he’s back, we’ve been banished. But I fear there is nowhere for us to run where he can’t find us.

Qiu Gao will pay for what he’s done to us. I swear on my father’s soul.

Come, Mother. We’ve rested long enough. We must keep moving.

By the time I’m done with him, he will have bared his neck to me and I will give his head to the children for kicking around the playground.

Once we’re through the forest, we might find a town. Then maybe our luck will change.

21

A short time later, Jin Wang and his mother came to a manor.

You’re exhausted. Let’s see if anyone’s home.

CKOCK O N K KN

Mother, look! Do you see the lights over there?

I’m sorry to bother you this late, but my mother and I need a place to sleep.

If it’s too much to ask, I understand. We can find lodging elsewhere.

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Outlaws of the Marsh Volume 01

Hang on…

yawn Can I help you?

Wait just a moment. I’ll fetch my master.

Just stay awake a little longer, Mother.

After a while…

All right. You may come in.

Good sir, I don’t know what to say. It is no trouble to host weary travelers. This way, please.

Well, thank you. 23

Rest assured, you are welcome to stay here for a few days while you regain your strength.

You appear to have traveled far.

Ha ha! Too kind? For wanting to help those in need? That’s human nature!

You are too kind to offer such a welcome.

Here. You two must be starving.

My Lord, the charity you’ve extended to my son and me goes beyond basic human nature.

Ha ha! Well, I don’t concern myself with the heavens. And they don’t seem too concerned with me.

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Outlaws of the Marsh Volume 01

Surely the heavens will smile on your good deeds.

These days, people must band together in order to survive. now, if you’ll wait just a few more minutes, I’ll have my men prepare your room. Would you, please?

Yes, My Lord.

Early the next morning…

CHIRP P CHIR

THMP

Mother? MOTHER!

25

Mother, what’s wrong? Talk to me! I can’t help you unless I know what’s happening. Young man, I’m coming in. What’s wrong?

Our journey has taken a toll. She’s too old for this.

She has a high fever and exhaustion. Well, it is clear that you two can’t leave right away. You must stay until she’s better.

Jin Wang and his mother stayed at the manor for several more days while she recovered.

Again, I thank you.

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Outlaws of the Marsh Volume 01

K A E KR

One day, while Jin Wang was wandering around the manor…

! H A HY

WHA

M 27

WHOOSH

Your commitment is impressive, young man. But your discipline is lacking. You’re leaving yourself exposed. If you were fighting an actual opponent, you would lose.

Come again? Who the hell are you?

Ah, you’re one of father’s guests. Which means you should know your place and keep your mouth shut!

O O W SH

Unless you’d like to settle this without words.

That’s enough, Jin Shi. Don’t be rude to our guest.

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Outlaws of the Marsh Volume 01

I apologize for my son. As you can see, he’s head­ strong.

no apology needed. He seems like a fine young man.

Jin Shi, this man would like to instruct you.

Give me a break. Hmph. Fine enough for you to criticize when you don’ t even know me.

This is Jin Shi. Because of his tattoos, he is called nine Dragons.

This old man barely made it through our door. He won’t last a minute against me. If he does, I’ll call him master.

It’s a deal!

He seems very talented, but I think I can teach him a thing or two. Would you mind? Of course not! You are most kind to offer.

29

So much conversation. I’m already getting bored! Come at me!

Sigh… You will teach him some manners, yes?

Well, I don’t want to injure the poor boy.

I’ll worry about that. You just teach him a lesson.

As you wish. It’s the least I can do.

On guard!

SHOOM

Easy, old-timer. You’ll hurt yourself.

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Outlaws of the Marsh Volume 01

We’ll see.

HUH?

WHACK WHOOSH

Are you going to run and duck, or are you going to strike? I’ll admit, you have talent to spare. But your mind moves faster than your body.

K N U L P WHOA! You will not beat me, because you’re not as good as you think you are!

WHAM

huff, huff

OOF!!!

Ha! Who are you? You’re the best martial artist I’ve ever seen!

I would be proud to study under you, My Lord.

You owe me nothing. But I owe you my thanks. Who’s hungry?

Please, don’t bow to me like that. It’s the least I can do to repay your father’s generosity.

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Outlaws of the Marsh Volume 01

All right, Eat up.

So where did you learn martial arts, Jin Wang?

Believe it or not, I used to be the grand marshal of the royal imperial guard. With your permission, I’d like to make your son my pupil.

Please? You would? Can I, father?

I can’t wait to learn every­thing! When can we start?

Please, stop bowing.

So Jin Shi became Jin Wang’s student, and they trained night and day for six months. During this time, Jin Shi became a master of 18 different weapons.

By the end of that time, Jin Shi was an expert martial artist, and Jin Wang decided to travel with his mother to YanAn, as they had originally planned. 33

But I don’t understand. Why are you leaving now, when I have so much left to learn?

Have we not taken good care of you? We’ll keep doing it, I promise.

It’s not that. Qiu Gao is chasing us. The longer I stay, the more I put you at risk.

Settle down, son. I’d like to thank you for all you’ve done for us. I’m sorry to be leaving this place.

Before you leave, please take these. They are silver pieces that can be used as currency.

And we’re sorry to see you go.

Don’t worry, Jin Shi. I have taught you everything I know. And if you continue perfecting your mind and body every day, I promise you will do great things.

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Outlaws of the Marsh Volume 01

I don’t know what to say, except thank you again.

All right, Jin Shi. That’s far enough.

Farewell, My Lord.

Take care of yourself.

Farewell. We will meet again someday.

Until that day, I pledge to practice what you taught me.

Goodbye, Master. I hope you are right.

35

Jin Shi was as good as his word. He practiced day and night, week after week.

And sure enough, he got even better.

One day, a band of three thieves--Wu Zhu, Da Chen, and Chun Yang-took shelter in a manor near the Shi residence. Their arrival would change Jin Shi’s life forever.

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Outlaws of the Marsh Volume 01

never mind that. With a bounty on us, the entire mountain base is in danger.

Well, the rumors are true: Governor HuaYin has put a price on our heads. We are dead men walking.

I don’t know what all this moaning is about. Our solution is simple: kill the governor!

Only it’s not so simple. To do that, we must pass through the Shi family’s lands. They are guarded by the notorious nine Dragons.

I don’t care what they call him. We’ll crush him!

Oh, really? Clearly, you have no idea who we are dealing with here.

I’ve heard things about him. I heard he fought off a whole army by himself.

Rumors! nothing more! Don’t be so cowardly!

37

Chun Yang

Da Chen

We’ve all heard myths about Jin Shi. But he’s just a boy!

Wu Zhu

Let me at him! We’ll pass through these lands without issue. I’ll be back in no less than an hour. And I’ll bring his head back with me. Wait! Don’t--

HYAH! 38

Outlaws of the Marsh Volume 01

Which of you is called nine Dragons? Who dares to speak my name without first asking permission?

Wait, I know: his name doesn’t matter. Because he’s as good as dead!

My Lord, I bear no grudge against you or your family. I am here only to ask that you let me pass through your lands. My business is with Governor HuaYin.

Tell me what power, and I will deal with it directly.

I bear no grudge against you, either. But there is a power higher than both of us who will not allow you to pass!

Very well. It’s the sword in my hand!

39

You should know that I never suffer mouthy little brats!

HYAH!

Enjoy death, boy!

FWMP

H S O HYO 40

Outlaws of the Marsh Volume 01

Thanks for the offer, but I must decline.

WHOA!

Tie a rope around his neck and drag him!

WHAM

Go after them!

It was Jin Shi. We’re no match for him.

My Lord! We’ve got trouble!

What? Da Chen was captured? How?

now what do we do?

41

I’ll relax when you tell me what it is.

Relax. I have an idea.

My Lord, Da Chen’s two friends have arrived. Well…

Early to their own funeral, huh? Let’s greet them!

My Lord Jin Shi! My Lord!

P

CLOP CLO Yes, yes! That’s it!

Hyah!

NYE EHH 42

Outlaws of the Marsh Volume 01

WHOMP

If you are here to beg for anything but death, it will do you no good!

Amazing. These men are thieves, yet they live by a code that recognizes fidel­ity as a virtue. If I kill them or turn them in, they will be seen as greater heroes than me.

Relax. Tigers don’t eat tigers.

If that’s what is called for, My Lord. We would ask you to let us die with our brother.

You see, the three of us swore an oath to one another long ago. We swore to share the same fate. Let us honor that vow.

43

It is an honor to bow before you.

Da Chen, I hereby forgive your aggressive acts. You may leave with your brothers now.

All hail!

Please, get off the floor.

Thank you, My Lord. The three of you moved me with your incredible show of fidelity. What do you say we have drink together? Or six?

What’s mine is yours.

We accept, on the condition that we may call you Master!

Thus Jin Shi became good friends with the three bandits.

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The bandits returned to their manor, and they remained good friends with Jin Shi. On the occasion of the Moon Festival, Jin Shi dispatched a messenger to deliver an invitation to the three men. Before note he returned with their reply, to self: the messenger got very drunk.

no more drunk delivery.

FMP Whoo… that last drink was a kicker.

OOF!

FWOMP On your feet! Wake up! Great. Another night, another messenger I get to carry home.

brrp

Hmawha?

45

I don’t believe it!

You passed out drunk. Again.

Oh, and a letter. I wonder…

And this time, you appear to be carrying a lot of money. According to this, Master Jin Shi’s three friends are nothing more than a band of thieves. And not just any thieves-thieves with an enormous bounty on their heads!

Looks like the heavens are on my side today!

I have to get to the governor’s office right away. This is the payday I’ve been waiting for!

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Hmwah? Damn. Passed out. Wait…

no! What happened to the letter I was carrying?

DRIP

My master is going to have my head for losing it like this.

no…no… He doesn’t need to know. I’ll give him their reply. He doesn’t need to know about the letter.

A few weeks later, it was time for the Moon Festival, and the three bandit captains set out for Jin Shi’s manor bearing gifts.

47

We don’t have to keep arguing about it. We’ll each make our case to Jin Shi, and he can decide who won.

I don’t care how many blows you landed against me, I’m calling that last bout between us a draw.

If he gets you two to stop bickering, I’ll be the true winner. Ha!

Master, your hospitality continues to amaze us.

Welcome, my friends. Please, come in!

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Outlaws of the Marsh Volume 01

One of these days, you must visit us.

My Lord! We’ve got a problem.

Prepare to open the gate! Excuse me for a moment.

My Lord! There are police out there.

Then don’t open the gate!

49

All right, you guys know the drill. Take the bandits down. no survivors.

The police are here for you. Why is that?

What the…?

Well, you see, Master… there might be a price on our heads. But we swear we never meant to cause you harm!

Ha ha ha! My friends, you aren’t the only good men in this land with prices on your heads.

Wait here. I will take care of this situation.

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Greetings, My Lord. What brings you out in such numbers at this time of night?

Don’t pretend like you don’t know the answer to that. And don’t try to hide prey from a predator!

We have a letter sent to you by the bandits!

What letter? You never told me there was a letter sent in reply.

Mind your tongue, minion. What makes you think you can talk to me that way?

Well…you see…I was a little drunk, and--

Save it. I’ll deal with you later. Very well! I will comply. Tell your forces to stand down, and I will hand the bandits over to you!

51

All right, men. Pack up all that is valuable. And burn everything else.

Hurry!

SZZ ZZ

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Move it!

Look! The manor is going up in flames!

Follow me! The path to the mountain is rough, but we can make it together.

CLOP

Where do you think you’re going? You betrayed me for money!

You can’t be trusted, and you can’t be left alive!

My Lord, please! Spare my life! I guhk

never mind the underlings! I want the head of the house and the bandits!

53

SPLOOSH If you wish to die, by all means chase us!

Or you could stop chasing us right now, and live full lives. It’s your choice.

Enough talking, Master! We need to get out of here!

huff, huff Back to the mountain! now!

Jin Shi and the three bandits narrowly escaped back to the mountain. But now Jin Shi was tormented about being a man without a home.

As I am now homeless, I find it difficult to know my place in the world. I feel like I don’t belong anywhere.

That being the case, I shall seek out my master, Jin Wang.

What are you talking about, Master? Your place is here, with us. Let us repay you the generosity you showed us. 55

Then don’t leave! Master, please!

I am grateful for your kind offer, but I don’t belong here.

Wait!

Is the manor too small for you? We’ll build a bigger one.

no, it’s nothing like that.

Enough! I’ve already made up my mind. I am a man destined for a bigger world. So that’s where I’m going.

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But…

Master…

He’s right, you know. With his talents, he deserves to go far in life.

Assuming his life lasts long enough.

57

Jin Shi had heard that Jin Wang was in JingLuo, so he set out on a path that would take him there by way of the city of WeiZhou.

Farewell, Master. Take good care of yourself.

You, too. And rest assured: we’ll meet again someday.

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WeiZhou

Spare some change, My Lord?

59

A cup of tea, please.

Perhaps you can help me. I am on my way to JingLuo, and I’m looking for a man named Jin Wang. Have you heard of him? 60

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Jin Wang?

Can’t say I have, but there are a lot of men with the last name of Wang around here.

This one would stand out. He was once the grand marshal of the imperial forces.

P M H T

Oh! Then I bet Major Lu knows him.

61

How would you like a cup of tea?

Hi, there. Please, have a seat.

Ahem.

Hm…? Hang on. Jin Shi? Are you the one they call nine Dragons?

now, then. Mind if I ask your name?

I am. How did you know that?

My name is Major Da Lu. I know everyone around here. But not you. So who are you?

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My name is Jin Shi. And, as I’m sure you’ve guessed, I’m not from around here. I came here to find my master, Jin Wang.

Words of exploits like yours travel far. I know much about you!

Let’s see… Jin Wang…He was being chased by Qiu Gao, yes?

Then I would bet all the money I don’t have that he’s in Yanan, under the watchful eye of Hu Chong.

I know this because this town is governed by his brother, Xiao Chong. They’re both good men.

I’m afraid so.

Rest easy, young man. Your master is in safe hands. For now, you and I have drinking to do!

It would be criminal to not raise a glass to a martial arts master such as yourself.

Good day, friends.

63

Ah…here we are. A little something to quench the thirst. Cheers!

.

OB..

...S SOB

What was that?

Shh! Quiet! I told you to stop sobbing.

Good thing, too. Sobbing annoys me.

SNIF

F

SOB

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KRAS H

I said enough! Quit this wailing, or I’ll beat you.

I’m so sorry about the noise, My Lord. I have guests in the back.

They’re not having the best of luck right now. Forgive them.

I decide for myself whom I forgive! Bring them out here!

now you’ve done it. Major Da Lu wants to see you.

My Lord. It’s an honor to meet you.

Save it. What’s the problem? If it turns out to be nothing, I’ll thump your skull.

65

My name is Jin. This is my daughter, CuiLian. We are from JingCheng. We came here to live with relatives, but when we arrived, they were gone. We had to live on the streets. A short time later, my wife died.

One day, a man named TuFu Zheng saw CuiLian and offered a dowry so he could make her his own. I accepted because we were desperate.

But when the time came for him to pay the dowry, he refused. We didn’t think too much of it, because at least we’d have a place to live. But on the day we moved in, we learned the man was already married, and his wife despised us.

So we were kicked out, back on the streets, and ordered to repay money we were never paid to begin with! And he threatened to truly hurt us if I don’t come up with the money.

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Deepest apologies, My Lord. We just don’t know what to do. We have nowhere to go and no one to turn to.

But he never gave us the money, so how do I come up with it? My daughter is hysterical with anxiety, and I have lost hope.

Yes, My Lord. He owns the butcher shop over near JinLiang Bridge. He has a reputation for brutality.

That’s it! I’ve heard more than enough! You said this bastard’s name was TuFu Zheng?

SLAM

Oh, yeah? Well, that reputation is about to take a beating.

nobody bullies strangers in my town!

By the time I’m done, he’ll have a reputation for being a punching bag.

Major, wait! You don’t want to storm out there like this. Your temper could get you in trouble.

67

Here, take some money so that you and your daughter can go home.

I’ll come by early in the morning to see you off personally.

Take your daughter back to JingCheng.

Major, come back! Let’s finish our drinks!

Sorry. Only one thing can quench my thirst now.

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KLANG

The next morning…

Keep an eye out. He said he’d be here any minute now.

?

Hey, look who’s up early.

Hello there, my lady. Don’t you look lovely this morning.

All right, I’m here! Ready to go?

WHAM

Gah!

69

Major Lu? What is that thug doing here at this time of the morning?

You’ve packed your things? Good. Let’s go.

Go? Hang on…

Wait! I can’t let you leave here.

Sure you can. And I suggest you do.

FWOP

That’s right, listen to the old man. You don’t have to keep them here.

But, but… My Lord! TuFu Zheng put me in charge of patrolling this manor. One of my jobs is to make sure these two don’t flee!

Well, consider yourself fired. I’ll deal with your boss.

You don’t get it! If I let them--

That’s enough! Let’s see you mouth off with no teeth!

THUMP

WHACK

Hey!

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nOW GO!!!

Ghhk!

Yes, My Lord!

now. I’m going to sit here for a while, and make sure you don’t follow them.

THUD 72

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It’s been two hours. Now to see the butcher.

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Hey, Butcher ZHEnG!

How can I help you?

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Huh? Ah, Major Lu. Good to see you.

Enough with the pleasantries. I’m here on orders. My commander wants 5 pounds of minced pork. And it must be lean--not an ounce of fat on it!

You heard the man. Mince 5 lean pounds!

Very well, Major. .

no, don’t let them touch it. I want you to do it.

Me? Very well, then.

OP

OP H C OP

CH P O CH

CH

Oh, no. The bastard beat me here! Wait until I tell Zheng what Major Lu did to my jaw… This is bad.

75

Here we go. All done. Shall I have it delivered?

As requested, Zheng minced the leanest pork he had.

I’m not done!

I need 5 more pounds of minced pork. Only this time, I want the fattiest stuff. Fattiest…? Why do you need so much meat?

none of your business! Start mincing.

Very well. Whatever you say.

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Major Da Lu continued to harass Zheng through Is the morning and into the butcher the afternoon. shop open?

It is. But Major Lu is causing such a scene that no one dares go in.

All right. I’m finished. Take it to him.

You’re not done yet! now I need 5 pounds of minced gristle!

And if there’s any meat on it, there will be hell to pay.

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FWOOM

ptoo Is that so? Tell me, Major. Do you have anything to do today besides belittle my business and waste my time?

FWICK

What did you just say?

Don’t forget who you’re speaking to. Or I’ll teach you some manners!

W

K C HA

That’s it. This ends now.

All this meat. Wasted.

GRAH!!!

Fine by me.

FWOOSH

WHAM 79

You may be a butcher, and some may call you a bully. But to me you’re just another animal who preys on others.

M A H W This is for the old man and young woman you tried to enslave!

CK A WH 80

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And now I’m going to make mince meat out of you, just the way I like it!

T A L SP

ghhk Heh… Go ahead. koff Swing away. What are you going to do, kill me?

IS THAT A dare?

OOF!

WHOMP

81

Well, what are you waiting for? If you’re such a tough man, finish this!

You just don’t know when to shut up, do you?

Major Lu, stop this! Please!

SLAM

WHACK Back off!

Plop

Bam Enough…Enough of this. koff You’ve made your point. ghk now… leave me alone.

You can’t have it both ways!

Leave you alone? You mean the way you left the old man and his daughter alone?

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GRAH!!!

M A H W KRON CH

I don’t dare go near him. He’s too violent!

Someone has to stop this! He’s going to kill him! All right, enough. I hope you learned a lesson!

now get up, and…

Wait… He’s not breathing. He’s really--

What a pathetic weakling. Went and died on me after a handful of punches. I’ve got to get out of here.

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So long, butcher. And remember, next time I won’t be so nice!

He’s dead. Major Da Lu killed him. He beat him to death!

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Realizing he had gotten carried away and beaten the butcher to death, Da Lu immediately fled WeiZhou. He knew the authorities would soon be after him, so he kept off the main roads and traveled through heavily wooded areas.

Finally. A town. I need to see if news of the butcher has traveled.

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Fresh dumplings!

Get your fresh dumplings here!

Good, good! Crowded streets. The better to get lost in.

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Chapter 2

The Stubborn Violence of Lu

Summary Having fled WeiZhou, Da Lu reaches

temple, where the authorities would

DaiZhou. Da Lu goes to the town square,

never look for a criminal.

where he learns he’s wanted for murder,



when he reunites with Old Man Jin

temple, and immediately his head is

and his daughter, CuiLian. They remain

shaved and he is given the Buddhist

indebted to Da Lu for freeing them

name ZhiShen. But looks and name

from the butcher, and hide him in the

alone do not make one a Buddhist priest,

home of Lord Zhao, who is CuiLian’s new

and soon Lu’s true nature shines through

husband. Soon, though, the authorities

in ways that threaten his safety, and the

become aware of Da Lu’s presence, and

safety of everyone around him.

Lord Zhao sends Da Lu to a Buddhist

Da Lu a arrives at the Buddhist

DaiZhou

A CangZhou Mt. WuTai

B YanAn BeiJing HuangNi YunCheng

Mt. TaoHua Marsh of Mt. Liang

WaQuan Temple

JiZhou

XiJing Mt. XiaoHua

DongJing (KaiFung) NanJing

A With the help of Lord Zhao, Da Lu goes to join the monks of WenShu Temple on Mount WuTai. Da Lu is renamed ZhiShen Lu.

B ZhiShen Lu wears out his welcome on Mount WuTai, and is sent to live in a temple in DongJing. Along the way, he spends a night in Lord Liu’s Peach Blossom (TaoHua) Manor.

Hey! Watch it! Mind where you’re going!

Great. A wanted poster. It looks like me, but--

There’s a reward for whoever kills or captures him.

Huh. That man back there looks an awful lot like the man on the poster.

Mr. Jiang, is that you? What are you doing here?

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It says the killer’s name is Da Lu. Appar­ently he beat a man to death.

Old Man Jin? What are you doing here?

“Mr. Jiang”? Huh. Must not be him.

Mr. Jiang, it is you. I’ve been looking all over for you!

What brings you here?

You’re awfully bold, showing your face in public like this. You’re wanted for murder.

I’d say you were five minutes from being captured when I saw you.

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You’re probably right. But you didn’t answer my question: What are you doing here?

Oh! Where are my manners? Let me bow to the man--

Once we were safely away from the butcher, my friend arranged a marriage between CuiLian and Lord Zhao, the wealthiest man around.

On your feet, man! I’m not a king.

My daughter still talks about you. So often that Lord Zhao would like to meet you.

But without you, my daughter and I would certainly be dead by now.

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Well, we were on our way back to JingCheng when we ran into an old friend of the family’s--

Here we are! This is where we live now.

Wow. Things have worked out for you.

Major Da Lu! I can’t believe it’s you. What are you doing here?

FWIP

CuiLian, guess who’s come to visit?

Oh, my word!

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Wait, you can’t just leave like that.

Urm, just wanted to say hi. now that I have, I must go.

Absolutely not! You’re a guest in our home.

You two sit here for a moment. I’ll go to the kitchen and make us some tea.

Here, have a drink.

There’s a bandit here!

Thank you.

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Storm the manor! Find him!

Damn!

Cover all the exits. We cannot let him escape!

How did they find me so quickly? I just got here!

Wait here. Let me talk.

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HA

! A H A H

False alarm. It’s not a bandit. It’s a most important guest.

Major Da Lu. It is an honor to finally meet you. And who are you?

This is the man I told you about, Lord Zhao. 98

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He came home and thought a thief had broken in and meant to harm us.

It’s a pleasure to meet you, My Lord.

KLINK

I’ve been told your troubles. I have a cottage near here where you can stay. You’d be safe there.

Thank you. This way… I owe you for this.

nonsense. Make your­self at home while you are here.

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The House of Grass

My Lord! Major Da Lu!!

Major Da Lu had expected to stay as a guest of the manor until things calmed down. But before too long…

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Old Man Jin, what’s wrong? Why are you out of breath?

They must have talked to one of the local officials, because when I came home yesterday…

Bad news. I think some of the servants around here realized who you are.

I saw the police wandering around the grounds.

But we can’t risk upsetting the police.

no! Please don’t say that.

I have an idea, Da Lu.

Is that so? Well, I figured this would happen eventually. I think it’s finally time for me to leave this place.

But I’m not sure you’re going to like it.

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There is a Buddhist temple on Mount WuTai called WenShu. I know it well.

You gotta be kidding. A temple? not in a million--oh, who am I kidding? I have no choice.

My family has tithed at the temple for genera­tions.

All right, I’ll go! But I’ll tell you right now I’m not exactly Buddhist priest material.

The next morning… If I ask, I’m sure they’ll let you stay with them. The authorities would never think to look there.

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WenShu temple agreed to shelter Da Lu, but the chief priest, ZhiZhen, was wary of Da Lu’s sharp eyes and murderous look. So he set forth a few rules.

You’re nuts if you think I’m shaving my head.

K

K

N I H S

N U H S Hey! What are you--

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Priest ZhiZhen

A H A H

!! ! A H HA We must purify your body.

So not one strand can remain. Uh, okay… If it pleases the brotherhood, I’d ask to keep my beard.

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Abso­lutely not.

SHINK SHUNK In order to be reborn, you must be as bald as a baby.

now, grant him a Buddhist name.

Very well. Henceforth you shall be known by the Buddhist name ZhiShen. It means profound wisdom.

105

now listen, ZhiShen…

Um, okay…

Here, we live by the five Buddhist commandments. They prohibit the following…

Murder, theft, adultery, lying, and intemper­ance.

To violate one of these is to forfeit your life.

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So Major Da Lu became the Buddhist monk ZhiShen, but the transition was only skin deep. ZhiShen soon became impatient with monastic life, and even grew bitter toward Lord Zhao, who’d saved his life. Three short months later…

Shoo!

Hmph. Still as statues. This is unbearably dull.

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no one has any fun. I used to eat meat and drink wine every single day.

I would dance and sing and fight and it was great. now I barely speak above a whisper.

Guh… I’d give anything for a drink. Just one drink.

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Damn this place!

nothing. Just silence and indifference.

BAM

Wait.

Someone is coming this way…

If the gods were truly kind, they’d send some wine! Right now! He appears to be carrying barrels of liquid. Can I be so lucky?

109

Oh, just some wine I made earlier this week.

Oh, yeah? How much for it?

Hi, there. What’s that you’re carrying?

Ha! Wait, are you being serious? I’m being serious.

But… Buddhist monks aren’t allowed to drink! I should know. I live next to the temple.

If word got out that I’d sold wine to a monk, I’d be in big trouble. My family would kill me.

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Look, you little wimp. Sell me the wine, or I’ll kill you myself.

BAM

Last warning. Hand it over willingly, or I’ll take it the hard way.

Wha--

I’m sorry, brother, but I can’t sell you the wine. End of story.

Get away from me!

What kind of monk are you? The new kind!

GRR...

WHO

OSH

111

HRAH! FOOMP WHOMP

GWOK!!!

G GLUG GLUG GLU

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Ah…That’s the stuff! That’s what I’ve been waiting for.

I like your stuff! Ha ha ha!

brrp I’ll have to pay you when I get some money.

You’re a monster! I’m telling the ZhiZhen about this!

Go ahead! hkup

GUH... ZhiShen then proceeded to drink the entire barrel right in front of the man.

113

ZhiShen! What do you think you’re doing? Are you drunk?

Careful, brother. I’m not the kind of monk who will just let you beat me.

What’s he doing?

SLAP

You know the rules of the temple. We are expressly forbidden from drinking alcohol. Prepare to be beaten for your crime!

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M A B

HYAH

H!!!

Ghk!

I won’t strike you again, on behalf of a merciful Buddha. You’re welcome.

ZhiShen, still in a drunken stupor, then kicked in the door to the temple.

What are you doing? Are you picking a fight with me?

SHOOM

Drive this lunatic back out of the temple!

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P M O FO

GAK!

ZHISHEn, STOP!!! This is no way to act in a house of worship!

Everyone put your arms down!

Priest ZhiZhen is here!

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WH

It’s about time.

OM

P Oof!

My fellow monks decided to have a go at me.

Oh, dear. His karma is about to take a severe turn for the worse.

Go sleep it off, ZhiShen. We will speak in the morning.

Despite the fact that I did nothing to provoke them.

Get out of my way, you worms. brrp

The next morning, ZhiShen was truly sorry for the trouble he’d caused.

Come in, ZhiShen.

Tell me: Do you still think you’re living in the outside world?

Do you still think you can get drunk and beat people because it amuses you?

You are here because that behavior got you in trouble. And you know full well our rules about fighting and alcohol. I’m sorry, I really am. It won’t happen again.

FWMP 118

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You are lucky that Lord Zhao is vouching for you. Otherwise, I would have driven you out for this. But this is your last warning.

Thank you, Priest ZhiZhen!

After being pardoned by the chief priest, ZhiShen was on his best behavior for a while.

At a blacksmith’s shop…

However, old habits die hard, and within another three months, ZhiShen had grown impatient again. Now, he left the temple whenever the mood struck him, often going to a town at the foot of the mountain.

KLANG

KLANK I need a staff and a sword.

Good day, brother. How may I help you?

Oh? How big?

Oh. All right, then. I see no reason to have one heavier than that. 80 it is, then.

Hm…Hadn’t thought about that. How about 100 kilos?

Z Z Z FI

Can you pick up a sword that weighs that much?

You know, the great Yu Guan’s sword only weighed 80 kilos.

That’s an advance. I’ll be back in a few days for it.

I’ll have it ready, good sir!

KLINK

Later…

Bar­keep!

Bring me a drink!

Are…are you from WuTai?

no, I’m just a wandering priest who’s thirsty and impatient.

I’m sorry, but I can’t serve you.

I said I have nothing to do with WuTai! now bring me a damn drink!

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All… all right. What would you like?

What have you got? Bring it all!

G

LU GLUG G

Ah! That hits the spot!

now, how about some meat to go with this?

I’m sorry, but I serve only vegetables.

123

sniff You’re lying. I can smell meat.

SCREAP What’s back here? no! Don’t go in there!

I knew it! You do serve meat! Why are you trying to deceive me?

I’m just trying to spare you trouble. You’re a Buddhist priest!

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So what if I am?

My money’s still good.

Who are you to deny me?

You… you’re really going to eat meat?

Did I stutter? Yes! now bring it over!

I… I really don’t like this.

CHOMP CHOMP

125

Well I like it a lot. More liquor!

This is go­ing to ruin my reputation.

PP

RP RRR

UR

U BUU

Ahem. Excuse me. Fine. I’m going. Thanks for the meat and booze.

Brother, you’re going to put me out of business.

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Keep the change. Consider it an advance for when I come back tomorrow.

I knew it! He’s returning to WuTai!

Tomor­row?!

127

BAM

Feeling a little tipsy here. My time in this place has made me soft and weak. Whoa.

BAM 128

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I need to get back into fighting shape!

WHOOPS!

WHOOSH

BAM

G

! H A R

O H W

H S O

SMASH

129

KRASH

Much better. Still got it.

What was that sound?

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Quick! Close the gate!

Hey! What’s going on in there? Open the damn gate!

Oh, no. It’s ZhiShen. And he’s dead drunk again!

Open the gate, or I’ll smash it into firewood! I’m not kidding!

BAM

BAM

BAM

131

…

What are you looking at? Standing there like all the other statues!

YOU WAnT A PIECE OF ME?!!!

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K C A KR

KRUNCH

AM

WH

WHACK

You asked for it!

Still smirking, huh? I’ll put an end to that!

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WHABAM

KRONCH

M A H W HUFF...

KR

K E EE

He’s com­pletely drunk again and acting like some kind of caged animal. He just destroyed JinGang Statue in front of the main gate.

Priest ZhiZhen! Come quick!

It’s ZhiShen!

Understood. Stay away from him, and go about your business.

What is it now?

But that statue was sacred! We can’t just turn our backs--

ZhiShen could destroy this whole temple, and it wouldn’t make us any less faithful students of Buddha. Remember, Buddha lives in our hearts, not in the stone of some statue; it can’t be smashed to bits. The true nature of Buddha is in your heart.

A statue is nothing more than a token of true faith.

Besides, Lord Zhao will build a new statue for us. So we’ve lost nothing.

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now go about your days. I’ll deal with this.

BAM

BAM

Open the gate, or I’ll set fire to this temple and everyone in it!

BAM

Do you want to burn to death?

I don’t doubt him. And I don’t want to burn to death. Open the gate!

All right, maggots! Where are you?!

Everyone back up! He’s on the warpath!

WHOOSH !

OOF

137

Stupid door…

Ah ha! Here you all are!

bleah

GRAHH!!

!

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OH,

YEA

H...

Forgot I had this. Yummy!

Anybody wanna bite?

ZhiShen, stop this at once!

C’mon! Just a taste!

What, no takers?

139

Fine! I guess if we’re not going to dine together, we might as well just beat the snot out of one another!

Look out! Somebody help us! Please!

BAM BIFF Merciful Buddha, make him go away!

now what --

This maniac won’t stop until he’s killed us all!

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Less praying, more run ning!

H S A KR Where are you going? You can’t even leave this temple!

now what?

Call as many of our brothers as you can.

We are many. And he is still just one man!

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! ! ! AHH

YA

HA HA HA

!

An army of monks? This is more like it!

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WHAM

!

A AH H All right! Who’s ready to join their departed ancestors?!

Hold your ground, brothers! We must drive him out.

HOLD...

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KRA C

K

EnOUGH!!! I don’t mind saying that I never liked you!

SNAP

CK A H W

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Yeah? Well, I don’t mind SHOWInG how much I never liked you!

Don’t back down! He’s just one man!

Maybe! But I’m more of a man than all of you added together!

! H H H A R GRR

UGH!

Come on, then! Bring down this lone warrior!

OOF!!!

. . . R R R G ! ! ! H A Y H

BACK UP, BACK UP!

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ACK!

WHOMP 148

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H S O AWO

H

Priest ZhiZhen! You must help us! We can’t fight him off!

Sigh…

HWUFF!

149

The chief priest opened the door to the meditation room, and his jaw dropped at the sight before him.

It hurts! It hurts so bad…

Yech! My bone is sticking through my skin.

Ow…

ZhiShen! Stop this madness right now! What on earth do you think you’re doing?

Priest ZhiZhen!

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Shut your mouth and follow me.

FWM P Well, you see--

What is wrong with you? I’ve already forgiven the first unforgiveable thing you’ve done here, and now you go out, get drunk again, and then return here and commit this hideous act against your own brothers?

The chief priest took ZhiShen into his private quarters and ordered him to remain there until he sobered up. The chief priest prayed for him all night long.

Save us, merciful Buddha…

This temple has gone a thousand years without seeing blood­shed. now the stones are dyed red from the violence!

151

The next morning…

ZhiShen, I’m sure you understand that it is time for you to leave this place. I know of another temple in JingCheng. You can stay there.

But I want to send you with more than just a letter. I want to arm you with four Buddhist phrases. Phrases you can keep with you and speak for the rest of your life.

“When you see a forest, life will get better. When you see a mountain, you will get rich. When you come to a village, move on. When you come to a river, stop.”

Buddhist phrases? I will send you out with a personal letter from me. That should smooth things over for you when you arrive.

Huh?

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Thank you for all you’ve done for me. I won’t forget it.

Save us, Merciful Buddha…

Hm.

153

You know, someday I really should come back here and fix that gate…

ZhiShen walked down Mount WuTai, collected the sword and staff he had ordered, and set out for JingCheng.

ZhiShen knew that he was still wanted by the authorities, so he pressed on, walking day and night until he reached his destination.

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BRRR

MMM

Would you look at that!

SHYOOO

OSH Ha ha ha! Amazing!

Sigh…I’ve worked hard to get here. Think I’ll take a short rest.

It’s like a vista from one of my nicer dreams! 155

All right… This place is gorgeous, but it seems like nobody lives here. Where are the houses?

May I come in?

Finally! There’s a manor.

Good evening. I am but a poor traveling priest looking for a place to sleep. I’m afraid you’ve come to the wrong place. There’s no room here.

If you know what’s good for you, keep moving.

And don’t try begging. It won’t work.

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What is your problem? I only asked for a place to spend the night.

And I said there’s no room. now get out of here before I lock you in my shed!

Is this how you greet all guests? By point­ing your finger and threatening them?

I said, get lost!

And I say, make me!

Why don’t we settle this like men?

What’s going on? What’s all this racket?

Who’s at the door?

157

Hmph…

My Lord, this lowly monk barged in, and now he’s trying to pick a fight.

My sons may not respect a man of faith, but their old man is a true Buddhist.

Unfortu­nately, we’re having some family issues at the moment. I didn’t want to! My Lord, I am traveling from WuTai to JingCheng, and I was looking for a place to sleep. This guy responded by threatening to lock me in the shed. You are from Mount WuTai? Well, then! Please come in.

I’m afraid one night is all you can stay.

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What’s your name? It’s more than enough. Thank you.

I am known as Lord Liu. And this is Peach Blossom Manor, so named for the village nearby.

What is your name, brother?

My Buddhist name is ZhiShen. My surname is Lu.

Well, ZhiShen Lu, let me prepare you some food. Do you like onions and garlic?

Of course. Also: even though I’m a monk, I enjoy meat and wine. If you have any. Help your­ self.

Wow! This looks incredible.

Of course! This way.

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And have as much wine as you like. It will help you sleep through the noise tonight.

I don’t mean to cause any more trouble for your family. I can leave, if it would make things easier.

Oh, no. It has nothing to do with you. It’s my daughter. She’s getting married tonight and, well, I have some concerns.

noise? What’s go­ing on?

Ha ha! Is that all? That’s nothing to worry about. It’s natural for a father to worry on the day his daughter gets married.

no. This is an arranged marriage. One I don’t want.

One of them has had eyes for my daughter since the day he arrived.

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You see, there are two bandits who dwell in the nearby mountains. They are so powerful and so feared that even the local government can’t control them.

I didn’t consent to the marriage because I was given no choice. Hence my remorse.

How? You’re just a monk.

I see. You know, I may be able to help you.

Yes, but I spent my time on Mount WuTai learning the Buddhist methods of reason and persuasion. There isn’t a person alive who cannot be reasoned with in the name of what is good.

Besides, if that doesn’t work, I know other means of persuasion.

Brother, if you could do that for me, I would be forever grateful. If you could do that for me, I’d consider you a living Buddha!

Please, help yourself to whatever you’d like! My home is your home.

Something isn’t right. This won’t end well…

Ha ha ha! If you insist. More wine!

161

I’ll need something to go with the wine, but I’ve had enough rice.

Why yes, we do!

Here you go. Dig in!

There! Stuffed.

Got any more meat? brrp now, where is the bridal suite? I’ll deal with the bandit there.

Yes, well…right through here.

Really?

After Lord Liu let ZhiShen into the bridal suite, he hid his daughter at a neighbor’s house.

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Don’t look so worried. I’ll take care of every­thing. Get some rest.

Hey, look at this! Bed suitable for a new couple. Looks comfy. I should get some rest.

So I can confront the bandit.

ZZZ...

Later that evening, the bandit and his gang approached the manor, sounding gongs and making a tremendous racket.

M

BAH DUM BAH DU

HA HA HA!

But underneath the handsome dress... The flora is in bloom!

Tonight our man is clad in silk... For he is the bridegroom…

163

Tong Zhou

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Greetings, father! Please get off your knees. There is no need to bow.

I remain a humble subject. Ha ha ha! That’s very kind of you, but after tonight, you’re family!

Thud Please come inside, My Lord.

Good evening, My Lord.

My word. Are you expecting royalty tonight?

not at all. But a wedding is a formal occasion.

165

As was tradition, father and son sat together for many rounds of drinking.

Tell me… brrp Where is the bride to be?

Fair enough. Another round then! I have to celebrate this marriage with someone, so why not you?

Oh, she’s too shy to be seen.

KLINK Ah…I’d like to see my wife now.

Gulp gulp

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Of course. Let me show you to the bridal suite.

Here we are. She’s right through here.

Good night, son.

Hmph. My father-in-law is a cheapskate. Won’t spend for enough oil to keep the lamps lit.

Someone bring me some oil! It’s my wedding night!

Heh heh. Sure is. A night you’re going to remember for the rest of your life.

My darling, are you in here? Your husband would have some business with you.

What’s the matter? Too shy to light a candle?

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Yech! Why is she so hairy?

K C A M S

You’re lucky. I used to be a lot hairier.

Ugh! How dare you? no bride gets to hit her husband.

You still think you’re dealing with your bride? not too sharp, are you?

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It sounds like Tong Zhou!

Did you hear that? Someone is crying out for help.

T!

MOVE I

Tong Zhou! Where are you?

Help! Get this beast off of me!

Oh, no!

FUMP You dare strike a man from behind? Coward!

GRA

H!!! 169

He’s no monk. He’s a monster! RUn!

CK

A H W

HYAH!

This is a nightmare. He was supposed to persuade him with words. now what do I do?

...

GRUH

Dead men. You’re both… dead men. brrp

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THE OUTLAWS OF THE MARSH: THEMES

Once Upon a Time in a Lawless Land… Outlaws of the Marsh, also known as Water Margin, is one of the four great works of Chinese literature. Like its companions in the Eastern canon – Journey to the West, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and Dream of the Red Chamber – Outlaws is a story that has been told many ways over the centuries. And like those other three stories, Outlaws contains many story elements and themes that would be familiar to a Western reader who loves stories of cowboys, bandits, or gangsters. When the story opens, China is under the rule of the Song Dynasty. It is immediately clear that the dynasty is weak; the emperor keeps himself hidden away, and responds to real-world problems by making offerings to the heavens rather than finding solutions. He has allowed Grand Marshal Qiu Gao, a scheming and vindictive man, to wield power without oversight. As a result, the Song Dynasty is controlled by a tyrant whose influence is far-reaching, but who is so preoccupied with his own agenda that he does a poor job of maintaining law and order throughout the land. This means that there are vast stretches of China where crime, corruption, and lawlessness are a normal part of everyday life. And much like the cowboys of the old west, the people who live in these areas have little respect for authority and rely on themselves for protection and order. The results of this vary widely. A man like Major Da Lu is a volatile and violent man who intimidates everyone around him and 171

acts as judge, jury, and executioner. On the other hand, a man like Jin Shi is instilled with a code of conduct and honor by his father, which balances out the lethal skills he learns from the exiled Marshal Jin Wang. Both of these men are capable of killing with ruthless efficiency, but only one has the maturity to balance that impulse with wisdom. Neither man wishes to answer to an authority greater than himself, but where Jin Shi handles himself with finesse, Da Lu handles himself like a raging bull. Of course, despite the lawlessness, there do exist actual laws, and when Da Lu kills a man in cold blood, he must run for his life. While in hiding, Da Lu learns just how widespread the disorder truly is: tucked away in a monastery, tasked with the simple matter of behaving himself and living quietly until things calm down for him, Da Lu cannot help but get drunk and wreak havoc in the temple. This is a man on the wrong side of the law, but with so little comprehension of why laws and rules exist that he breaks them as casually as taking a breath. Major Da Lu is a product of the environment in which he lives, and he is proof that in such a lawless environment, chaos seeps into everything and everyone – and the true menace to social order may just be an individual acting in his own interests.

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Da Lu

“Invaluable...beautiful artwork...commendable efforts to bring the characters to life.” – Publishers Weekly

Our heroes’ journey is far from over. Join Bei Liu, Yu Guan, and Fei Zhang as they battle enemies and allies alike, determined to end the war for China’s future and restore peace to the land.

Three Kingdoms volumes 1–20,

available in bookstores and on Amazon.com

AN EPIC ADAPTATION OF THE EXTRAORDINARY LEGEND

From JR Comics, the creators of THREE KINGDOMS, comes MONKEY KING, an epic adaptation of The Journey to the West. This twenty-volume comic is a landmark treatment of the extraordinary Chinese legend, and sets a new standard in graphic storytelling.

NOW AVAILABLE!

TALES FROM CHINA

Vol. 01

Vol. 02

Vol. 03

Vol. 04

Vol. 05

Vol. 06

Vol. 07

Vol. 08

Vol. 09

Vol. 10

Vol. 11

Vol. 12

Vol. 13

Vol. 14

Vol. 15

Vol. 16

Vol. 17

Vol. 18

Vol. 19

Vol. 20

Acclaimed as one of the Four Great Novels of Chinese Literature, Outlaws of the Marsh is a timeless story of rebellion in a turbulent age, featuring a colorful gang of renegade bandits and the merciless tyrant who hunts them.

In the days of the Song Dynasty, government corruption is rampant, and the enemies of a ruthless schemer named Qiu Gao are driven out of power and into the untamed countryside of China. There they encounter 108 mischievous spirits who have taken root in the form of bandits and thieves who are about to make life very difficult for Qiu Gao.

In collaboration with Tianjin Shenjie Comics, China

www.jrcomics.com

Ages 12 and Up . Adventures . Action / USA $9.99