Episode Three: The Top Three


Chapter XIV

Invitation

I. (XXII) Dinner

One Week Later

May 16, 1210

Tonight, the Masters of Jade Palace and Righteous Seven, chosen competitors by the Emperor of China, were invited to the Nine of Shui Palace. For the past week, the Nine commenced their strategies to study the ways of Kung Fu from the Masters of Jade Palace. Not long after, a few days before the Nine's Invitation, the Righteous Seven and their teacher, Master Sheep, arrived at Jade Palace and shared their experience of energy and water movements. On the platform at the Jade Palace Arena, each student from the Righteous Seven adapted their forms with incredible capabilities to one another, displaying the gradual motions of meditation.

Each section delivered the rise-and-fall when angling their sides, their limbs summoning fading flashes of chi. The Seven sidestepped to the front and back positions and lifted their feet, showing horse stances as if one's foot sending the power of chi through their arms, combining the slowness deflection and agility blows. With the history that followed from the inception, the Masters of Jade Palace and the Nine reflected the monks from the ancient temple of Panda Village, who adopted the energy's balance as they spread harmony and healing before the following created the uniqueness into defenses.

The Nine bestowing the quintessence of Wing Chun brought the Righteous Seven to stupefaction; Tai Chi students observed the complex from young warriors who executed short and long structures at each form, displaying the combat's lethal blows at close quarters. Following most of the performances after Lao's agility flight and Lotus's ribbon dance to Shou's brute strength and pirate-style sword stances, Chen Xing and his grandmother displayed them a Chi Sao form — a difficult pattern to enhance blocks, which one and the other linked their arms to a form of a circle, rounding a ball before any could start the attack and defend. Her grandson commenced propelling his straight blows while she did the same by blocking his. Gaining his advantage, Chen Xing hurled his heel kick right before Chen Ming blocked with her foot forward and the other toward his chest, sending him to flip backward.

Returning to his defensive position, Chen Xing saw her storming with her horse stance forward, her fists rounding as the tiger re-engaged her, returning their circle of Chi Sao. Their arms lowered their tension, their feet sweeping side to side while moving toward the center. The felines bending their heads to a nod proved their next strategy — surprising their guests and companions. One and the other started rounding their fists and palm blocks; the speed from Xing's offense and Ming's defense gradually changed from slow to rapid impacts, surprising most spectators. The Dragon Warrior was the only one who dominated his surprise with Masters of Jade Palace.

"WOW!" Po threw his fists in the air.

Both tigers began to engage one fist and one palm, thrusting their strengths against themselves. Ming's raw power was fierce compared to her grandson's, whose force was equal; as these warriors were evenly matched, their fist and palm collision brought a hard lunge, propelling Ming and Xing back as they skidded their feet to a halt. Most contestants emitted applause and had feline demonstrators present their bows to Righteous Seven and Masters of Jade Palace respectfully.


Above the entrance of the Shui Palace displayed a cobalt banner, welcoming the competitors and honorable guests. The sunset was bathed in orange as the sun gradually settled under the heavens. With the Emperor and his individuals invited, several tables were laid across the Fighting Square, lantern lights of yellow and crimson stretching from two temple houses above them. The Nine had stashed their armaments and action dummies in the temple's vault near Chen Ming's chamber.

Chen Xing, robed in a midnight changshan and ebony trousers, walked beside Crane as they checked the Dragon Warrior and his two fathers bring iron pots. Next to the two elders, Chen Xing's grandmother started a fire and poured water into her metal pot. The tiger could see his wolf sister tittering with Master Tigress across the Square and his peacock brother strolling with Emperor Huangdi beside them. The two warriors, with their histories of Bao Gu Orphanage, had common experiences of being isolated, but the children they faced had different impacts on Lotus and Tigress. One faced their faces in horror because of her teeth and claws; the second, unlike the first, heard harsh words dominating around her, intimidated by their spiteful actions. Being struck by throwing bricks and being insulted, Lotus despised living there. Until one day, visitors selected her; thanking the one who aided her, constantly calling him a brother, Lotus blessed her adopted family every single day.

Walking with the peacock, the Emperor was praised for meeting Lao in person, being generous and pleased to admire young warriors who saved citizens of the Hajin Province. Determining the student's words so engaging, unlike the other who was once a good friend to him, Emperor Huangdi could see Lao being gifted by the bird's parents, one with stubborn cleverness and the other bravery.

The boy is much like the one who treated me well. Lord Feng was like my other father, whom I never had compassion for, but I am glad to meet him and his Lady.

Before the gate summoned its friendly taps twice, Kong and Shui Palace messengers opened the door. Before their eyes, honorable warriors were Master Sheep and her students — The Righteous Seven. All wore their garbs of light green and dark emerald, introducing themselves ahead of the Jade Palace Masters and the Nine with admiration. Chen Xing was the first to introduce before the Nine joined his side, bowing to them. The tiger presented his nice pose to the late Thundering Rhino's former student Nam, a rhino in a long white tunic and pale green coat.

The bear wavered her fan in her voluminous hanfu of glittering green dust, blessing Lotus. The two students, Leo and Fei, beckoned their amicable gestures toward Lao and the three Heavyweight students. The tiger's mind was filled with suspecting questions regarding his brother's heritage, determining whether the Masters of Jade Palace and Righteous would soon discover Lao's father. Shifu and Ming once clarified to Xing that they kept their words confidential — the revelation of the Nine's Brilliance as the prince. The peacock's mother, Lady Xia, was like his own, so unique that she taught her son to bond friendships and respectfully treat a lady. She once mentioned the aftermath of their village, about her husband who sacrificed himself to save Xia and their son from the unfortunate incident. Who was Lao's father? Xing questioned himself freely. He only knew from Lady Xia's words that Lao's father was a good soul, not a tyrant like the late Lord Shen.

Last month, inside the Training Hall at Jade Palace, the Dragon Warrior shared his bitter experience with Xing when the tiger wished to ask about his daring mission with the Furious Five; all six warriors arrived in Gongmen City to blend in and end Lord Shen's reign. The tyrant asked his rival how Po found peace; Shen expressed his defeated words that he truly fragmented the panda's soul. But then, noticing how the panda would have wanted to spare Shen's life was even insane; despite what Po's old nemesis caused the unimaginable crimes, the Lord of Gongmen brought suffering to all the pandas.

The water was raging, yet I needed to see what I could do to rescue Shen, where half of his ship sank. My lungs could not stand against the pressure when swimming down further. When I saw the last of his remains before the vessel was gone — I stopped. There was no other way to save him when he was dead.

I tried. . .

Even if someone like Po was willing to reflect on one's heart filled with a void, there was no guarantee Shen could be redeemed.

Voices ahead of dinner tables intensified claps and cheers, dropping Xing's bitter thoughts about the mad peacock. Master Sheep's students praised the Emperor's welcoming speech for introducing his competitors and Chen Ming's invitation. Moments went by as Chen Xing introduced himself to his fellow contestants, Master Shujaa of Kenya and Lady Kasi of India, praising their presence as if he wished to travel outside China and learn traditions and languages, thus their true meaning of life and prosperity.

"Your grandmother's rice is delicious, Master Xing," the lion spoke with his tribe's accent of blunt and soothing, simpering. He gradually ate a rice dumpling, one and the next. Shujaa was in his emerald dashiki with intricate silver and black lines, the center displaying crimson spears — the Swahili tribe's icon. "Your grandmother pleases customers; their voices praise her talents and yours, Master Xing."

"Thanks, Master Shujaa," the tiger smirked, blending his pasta noodles with bits of chili powder. "Master Ming's talents are far better than mine."

"The Gods gifted you both a blessing, my friend," Shujaa commented. "When was the time you started cooking at a young age?"

"Since I was six? Seven? Ming knows a lot more than mine."

The panther in her yellow attire with smaragdine lines and shawl ate her noodles with sweet pepper. "You are talented, Master Xing," Kasi praised, toning her Nepal's northern accent. Her crown jewels shone rapid blinks from yellow and crimson lanterns. Her forehead's red dot was more luminous than the lights. "I find your cooking skills could take years to become expert."

"Yes, Your Highness," Chen Xing nodded, sipping his peppermint tea.

"Mr. Ping's noodles are even more scrumptious than my husband's meal from the Dragon Warrior's," she said.

"I cannot deny that Po and Mr. Ping cooking noodles with their secret ingredients please their customers, my Lady. I say they are significantly talented," the tiger simpered. "I've always wanted to go outside China and experience other countries."

Shujaa's chuffs lowered in novelty. "I hear you are curious. In my experience, starting a new journey to the next continent was rough to find a better life. Knowing where to go is essential; someone else used to say to me, 'When lost, while you smell the air where it leads, always follow your nose.'"

Chen Xing chuckled. "Ain't that the truth."

The lion offered his little grin, gathering a round of noodles with his chopsticks. "So, Master Xing. What is that you like to ask?"

"You have traveled far from Africa, Master Shujaa. What made you leave before you came to China?"

Shujaa's lips gradually retreated to normal, reflecting memories of his life as a tribe warrior in Kenya, surrounded by long grass hills, flat trees, summits, and a village before the sea of beating white waves.

"My father exiled the chosen heir, who was willing to challenge the contestant to rule under the Swahili tribe," Shujaa began. "His brother proposed to his son to enter the Dance of the Sea, one of his strong warriors who could equally match against the other — the King's son. I was the one who accepted my cousin's fight before any of us debated whether or not to whom my father could choose his successor."

"The Dance of the Sea?" the tiger repeated; his question was curious.

"A fighting arena at the shore, where two warriors combat each other against the sea waves. To live the fight is to drown or kill the contestant," the lion explained. "My King disliked his brother's suggestion, but my father decided to end the family feud."

The lion continued his tale; the sense of high ripples slamming on him and his cousin was hazardous during a combat trial. Spears plunged, swung, and warded in agile flows, delivering fatal blows. Blinded from his sight by his soaked mane, Shujaa was forced down to the surge by his cousin's claws strangling his throat. A violent wave washing the two toward the flat sand allowed the lions to spar their final brawl, claws mauling their fur, sharp teeth crushing their manes before Shujaa's cousin delivered his last uppercut, attempting to grab his spear.

"Then you lost the battle," answered Chen Xing.

"Spared lives by the King's brother; he wished to exile the weak in separate ways. One must be banished with the mark of shame, while the rest must be sacrificed," the lion continued. "I was the only warrior who traveled far to the East alone, to the Arabian Sea, to India, Nepal, and China."

"And in Nepal, my dear Xing, I met Shujaa cross paths, trekking onward to the sea of white mountains before Tibet and China," Lady Kasi spoke, her limb arming behind Shujaa's silky puff mane. The two warriors leaned their sides closer when the lion amplified his low chuckles. "Beyond temples, we became monks before Shujaa and I arrived at the western border. We were told that in Wugu City, the temple's owner, Master Sheep, accepts newcomers to her Palace for lone wanderers. The Palace, which we are greatly interested in, is what changed our lives to believe in harmony — Tai Chi."

"I am glad you both found each other and the temple, Masters," Chen Xing blessed the contestants, simpering. "It's satisfying to see you and Shujaa survive through perilous adventures together."

The tiger motioned his claw thumb on his cup. "One of your experiences from your background story, Lady Kasi, is beyond intriguing."

"I am all ears, Master Xing," the panther lengthened her smile.

"You are a shaman who repelled Tenshu," the tiger mentioned as he was intensely intrigued. "You nursed a wolf?"

"The wolf was ill when I met him, my dear. His strength was weak during his troubling consciousness," she clarified, tapping her napkins on her lips. "After saving the villager, he blessed the Gods and me, never again to meet the ancient spirit that Tenshu claimed victims, those who were the blood of his army."

"My grandmother was lucky to save my sister Lotus," the tiger added, sharing his historical incident with them. "Chen Ming's brief knowledge of shaman abilities to cast bad spirits away was enduring. Instead of witnessing the unexpected, I had to remain close to my brother and his mother, letting my grandmother tolerate her meditation into Lotus's essence."

"Does Lotus have the bloodline of Whispering Warriors?" Lady Kasi queried, her eyelids squaring. "By saying your sister previously encountered an evil spirit indeed counted her as Tenshu's descendant, among seven hundred and thirteen."

Shit. . .

The tiger's expression of widening eyes had answered; thus, muttering his words, he deadened from two warriors to hear his reaction, having him glance at her wolf sister, who continued strolling with Tigress across five tables, smirking at her feline brother.

"Oogway's blessing. . ." Xing rotated his head to the two warriors. "I didn't know the name of that specter who entered my sister's body back then. Now I know."

The panther's throbbing drone under her throat faded to understanding. "You were a child, Xing. Regarding that time, you were confused but worried about Lotus; your only duty was to keep your family close until your grandmother set your sister free," Lady Kasi expressed, palming her heart. "I am glad Lotus is living well."

Putting the topic aside, Chen Xing regarded the panther's experience as a shaman who could foresee one's future and repel evil spirits with her mind. He thought of one desperate to offer a shaman survey what he saw in his haunted dream, a killer who slayed his parents in the forest, bathed in the fire to ruins.

I wish to find out who murdered my parents. All I want is a shaman. Meditation relieves my anxiety but barricades my vision.

Chen Xing sipped his tea and leaned close. "Lady Kasi. As you are a shaman, I may need some assistance," he said, drawing the panther's attention. Instead of his to aid, the tiger mentioned one in the current state. "My brother Lao has this memory to reflect his past life, but sometimes he encounters someone. Lao described a nightmare, saying a wolf's growl woke him, scaring him."

The competitors exchanged glances were seen, listening to the tiger once more. "His meditation progress gradually improves, reflecting the past a little, but Lao still cannot remember any further events in Summit Village where he was born," the tiger continued. "Unlike the incident, my brother used to meet a girl, a swan neighbor, before the voice interrupted his presence. Lao could not see who the father was but saw his mother along with a wolf."

"Hmm. You and the Nine need help," the panther discerned while Shujaa and a few spectators nearby glimpsed, listening to the conversation. "As stated, meditation flows your thoughts well. By swimming through the rough water, you always follow the current. Considering Lao's issue to reflect what remains to be sealed from deciphering requires assistance."

Indeed.

Chen Xing gave his last sip of peppermint tea. "If I may, Master Xing, my fellow companions of the Righteous Seven have been regarding Lao," Lady Kasi bridged her arm over the other on the table. "He is an extraordinary being who has practiced the difficult aspects of Cai Li Fo — his side hobby — during his training. I want to ask you a simple question if you are allowed to answer."

"Of course, my Lady," Xing grinned, nodding.

"Do you think Lao's father might be. . . the Lord of Gongmen City?" asked Kasi.

The question of Lao's mysterious heritage was exceedingly anticipated in Xing's thought, unveiling his expression throughout his hesitation while figuring out the words to answer. He could hardly reflect on the amount of news about the city's incidents and the death of Master Thundering Rhino. The tiger recalled a sinister face, the painting of a peacock madman, which was haunting at first.

"To tell you the truth, Your Highness," Xing placed his chopsticks in his bowl, moving the plate to the side. "Shen is not my best friend's biological father. Lao had his dad and faced a difficult life; he might have disappeared in Summit Village after he saved his peahen wife, including their son. The tragedy was upsetting."

"Understandable. I hope Lao's father will find his family, Master Xing," the panther comprehended, clasping her silky black paws on the table. Her pale brown eyes glimmered. "Who is Lao's mother?"

"Lady Xia. She's my adoptive mother."

"My mommy!" Lotus passed by her brother, tilting and nudging her triangular head against his with a blessing before she licked him once. The latter of brother and sister manifesting their nuzzles brought Lady Kasi and Master Shujaa to stretch their lips to delightfulness, seeing the adoptive family bond before the Nine's Dancer whispered the tiger's ear.

After listening, Xing caught the Dragon Warrior gesticulating his paw to him. "Excuse me, Lady Kasi and Master Shujaa. Po is drawing my attention," he pardoned, standing up and grabbing his bowl. "If you both need anything or desire to speak with, the Fellowship is here for you."

"Of course."

"Gladly, Master Xing," the lion chuffed.

"Enjoy your meals."

Chen Xing began walking as drummers and erhu musicians played their rhythms, delivering the song's introduction of rich tones, which had several recognize "The People's Hero," a villager from the Valley of Peace who turned to a warrior. Before the Palace's gate emerged a group of three wolves with their alpha — who Xing recognized as Master Wolf of Snow Palace — entering with an old goat with curved, broad horns.

I would like to know who these guests are.


The tiger was close to the noodle stands as Mr. Ping's pots billowed steam under the lanterns and in the air. From Po's fathers' wisdom, anyone could cook at any age, creating something special to taste the awesomeness. Guffaws emerged from the third table, where the Furious Five members and their teacher conversed with Bao Gorilla and his cobra companion, Fanshe.

"Hello, my great customer from Prosper Valley!" greeted Mr. Ping, widening his wings. "Come and try both of our noodles here!"

The tiger grabbed a silver ladle and dipped it in the Dragon Warrior's pot, which the buttery pasta was with chopped radishes, bits of lettuce, and spiced chili powder flavor. Tasting the flavor with the combination of lime and red chili had Xing's tongue spike with a hot stream before swallowing.

"Po!" he gagged and cleared his throat, his tongue on fire. "Your noodles. . . It's good!"

"See, Dad! I think I got Xing's favorite flavor there," Po cheered up, his fathers chuckling. "How do you like the chili?"

"The flavor hits the spot, but a little salty."

"Ooh. I knew it!" Po showed his grimacing smirk.

The tiger went for a next turn and did the same to Mr. Ping's pot, sipping noodles. The boiling food was surrounded by gold soup with tofu blended with garlic, radishes, and peppercorn spice. Xing's lips were drenched, the peppercorn flavor waving in his mouth while chewing vegetables. With his sense of spiritual relief, Xing heightened his drone.

"Now, this is so delicious. I am not gonna lie on that one," Xing smirked with the goose and Po's father.

"So, which one do you like, Master Xing?" Li Shan asked.

"These samples are tough to pick the winner," the tiger said, bridging his fist under his chin with uncertainty. "There is no doubt that you both have gifted talents. Mr. Ping, you make noodles for a lifetime and educate your adopted son to cook with special ingredients, giving Po years to enhance his skills. Compared to the Dragon Warrior's current status, I am close to my grandmother's art, but do draw my customers who praise my cooking experience."

"I feel where you are going, Master Xing. But I am happy you are learning well," Mr. Ping simpered, clasping his wings dearly.

"And Po, you are the son of the goose father and Li Shan," the tiger met Po's eyes. "As much as you have been learning well to draw your customers for more meals, you did your job with good execution. What I am about to choose which of these awesomeness samples for my liking, Dragon Warrior — I am going to go for Mr. Ping."

"Aw, man! I gotta cook much harder than I expected!" Po smirked, clenching his fist. They could see Li Shan rounding his limb around Po's neck, patting his son's shoulder.

"You're good, Po. Deep down in my heart, I like to praise Mr. Ping because of his stellar chef experience," Xing explained. "Remember what I said that you both have talents. Whenever my mind wishes for lunch and dinner with my empty stomach, I can come to your Noodle Shop with my companions anytime."

"Auh, Xing, your words are encouraging," Po shared his gratitude. "We tried out your grandmother's rice, and — holy smokes! — Her food is something! I can't find a word to praise, but it's delicious!"

"Now you know why Master Ming likes to offer you her food from her gifted mind," Xing commented.

"With your same idea, Xing," Po walked close to him. "I'll be able to catch up with the Nine's incredible histories and talents while eating rice, filling my empty stomach for good."

"I believe you," the tiger smirked before Li Shan drew his hearty laugh.

"You can go with Xing, son. I can manage your pot," Li Shan took over his son's spot. "Thanks for trying out our noodles, Master Xing."

"Of course, Li. See you around, gentlemen."


The Dragon Warrior and the Nine's Leader casually walked across the Fighting Square, presenting their friendly gestures toward guests and fellow contestants before the Emperor of China. This was the first time for Masters of Jade Palace, who toured inside the Nine's Historical Hall with ancient artifacts and armaments. One of the halls was secretly locked for only honorable guests and warriors, but Masters eventually enjoyed the painting of Oogway's Great War history from Master Ming's vision.

Po and Xing spotted Lao giving in terms with Tigress and her student Lei Lei. The girl dilated her pupils and broadened her limbs, her hug clasping Lao's chest. "My Panda Birdie!" Lei Lei uttered, driving two warriors, and a few observers chuckled at the scene nearby.

"She's so gorgeous, Po," Xing commented, laughing while simpering. "Now I see her behavior is natural."

"I know. She spends more time with your brother."

Master Ox and his son were farther ahead, speaking with the Righteous Seven's teacher before Po could call Xing's companion. Niu was in his midnight garb with black lines as he began strolling with the panda and tiger into the Shui Palace's Barrack, entering the Dining Room. The bovine grabbed a brown teapot from the bamboo dash and poured tea cups for himself and Po.

"You managed to hang out with Tigress more, Xing? How are you both doing so far?" Po asked the tiger in a comforting voice, sipping his tea when the fading stream barged into his muzzle.

Xing and Tigress were considered the same species as their kin. Before answering Po, the tiger reflected on the moments of their last conversation, meeting the panda's emerald eyes. "We're getting along, little by little, but it feels great," the tiger smirked. "Tigress and I needed to chat during the Training Hall and Hall of Heroes tour. She is flexible, performing her agile movements when I was studying Kung Fu. It's like resurrecting what I had lost interest in, but with that hobby came back to me, Po, it's really. . . I am back into Kung Fu."

"I see," Po grinned, stroking the cup's edge. "When I was around teen years, I saw the Five beating the heck out of Boar, throwing punches and kicks, which made me a hardcore fan."

"So did I, Dragon Warrior," Xing nodded. "Every time I see Masters of Jade Palace, Po, during the Nine's missions and a few tournaments, you all inspire the Nine and me."

"As did my friend Peng, who created Kung Fu Club," Po worded. After envisioning us Masters of Jade Palace, the Valley of Peace's peacekeepers, Peng craved for villagers to be in martial arts classes. While not all the heroes could arrive in time to save people, the citizens will defend themselves with hardcore capabilities."

"I agree," the tiger nodded.

"Oh! Wait, I got a question for you guys," the panda expressed his hype tone, drinking his tea before questioning. "Do you mean citizens of the Prosper Valley are all fighters?"

"They all learned, Po," Niu answered, lowering his laugh. "Remember a villager who threw a wok at the big crocodile?"

"Yeah! I didn't see that one coming. It was severely cool!"

Their discussion mentioning the awesomeness moments and past events lingered; the panda could think of Grandmaster Oogway as his chosen successor, usually meditating with his teacher Shifu before and after training activities. The Nine's Defender started his queries, being delighted at first.

"Is it that nice to be a warrior who protects people from assailants?"

"Always is," Po grinned.

"What was your experience of meeting the Furious Five for the first time, Master Po?" Niu took his large sip of green tea.

His past self of being beaten and bounded off from the long stairway had Po deaden his chuckle, placing his cup on the table. "It was thirteen years ago when the Five and I started our friendship," he started, droning his sigh. "When Grandmaster Oogway chose me as the Dragon Warrior, the moment I fell from the balls of firework, Master Shifu and his students were —"

Po lightened his laugh. "They had the worst day of their lives."

"No kidding," Chen Xing commented, leaning his back against the jamb from the pathway. He crossed his arms with credit, understanding the panda's sense of humor. "Grandmaster Shifu spoke his words true to Nana."

"You weren't the only one who experienced the overwhelm and confusion before, Master Po. Not compared to you," Niu said as Xing and Po focused on him, who drank his last sip of tea. The bovine's heterochromia eyes of ruby and ocean met the panda's. "When I was in Gongmen, my father and Uncle Croc were busy handling matters to the wolves' state to clear their mess. Not only the issue, however, but they were also handling a few aristocrats who conned my dad. A few people who sailed there from Japan were from the school, and for the right moment, after I got distracted alone across the narrow roads, they bullied me and tormented me with social aggression."

"Wait, you were bullied?" Po leaned forward, widening his eyes.

"Bullies disrespected me and my reputation at home. They knew where I lived from my mother's cottage, so I moved on — back to Gongmen City before I heard what happened in China: the death of Master Thundering Rhino and the town," The bovine's composure was stable. "During my unexpected confrontation with them, they called me a 'Rhino lover' and 'Kung fu dummy.'"

"Lowlives," the tiger commented, shaking his head.

"Lowlives shouting out with name calls were extremely rude. I did fight back against them, showing them some manners. When their alpha was insulting, which did hurt me personally, I was in a fury, rampaging them all, one by one," Niu lowered his sight, unveiling his face of disappointment. "They all got scared shit before they ran away into the alleyways from me, leaving one person behind — their alpha."

Niu's left hoof triggered slight trembles, which Po caught his brief glimpse at before the Nine's Defender had his other hoof palmed over, lessening his twitch. "After I held that idiot against the column, threatening him with my spiteful words," Niu shut his eyes with shame. "I knew I went too far. Dad gladly arrived at the incident and saw me choking the bully to death — I let him go before the antelope guards turned him in and had my dad speak with me."

"Then what happened?" Po arched his brow muscles upward.

"Dad knew I was in serious trouble; he did tell me that killing those criminals was wrong. Mistreating the ways of Kung Fu was on me, breaking a few codes when I broke bullies in half," Niu said, lowering his snout. "In case you have not noticed my history, Dad was overwhelmed during training, saying he could have saved Master Rhino from. . . from Shen."

The tiger reminisced the parchment news next to the Palace's gateway, indicating the sigil that shook his body to his core — a crimson eye from the peacock lord. The news went viral when his grandmother read out the scroll, and Xing remembered her tender voice into crumbles, leaving him to watch and aid Ming in her chamber while she wept.

"Instead of my father going to teach me his ways," Niu continued. "He guided me where to start my journey toward the West. A palace where a teacher can alleviate my temper, becoming the finest student. But I ended up somewhere in a town, where I started making yuans from — gambling while fighting, like my father and Masters Croc and Rhino who fought for the riches."

"A street fighter," Po guessed.

"Yeah."

"And, Dragon Warrior," Chen Xing went close and put his hard palm on Niu's upper shoulder. "Niu's friendship started there and here, and I saved him from being a street fighter. Isn't that right, big brother?"

The bovine's drone was steady in friendly composure. "I always know you are right, Xing. Wing Chun changed me, and I owe you one, brother," Niu stretched his grin. "Dad is looking forward to speaking with you when you have a chance."

"Of course. I've always wanted to meet the legendary Master Storming Ox."

Po cleared his throat. "Most of us who are into martial arts changed our lives. Kung Fu inspires me when I meet my best friends — the Five and Shifu."

Behind Po from the Dining Room's broad window was Lotus waving her paws as the drums and erhu instruments performed the honor of "Grandmaster Oogway" intro, inviting Lady Kasi and Master Shujaa in the Fighting Square before they danced their Tai Chi forms. "Gentlemen, excuse me a moment," the tiger went for the door and peeked at his companions. "My sister draws my attention, so I'll catch you guys later."

"Alright, buddy. We'll be in touch," Po bobbed his head, simpering. "If you need more noodles, just ask me or my dads outside."

"Gotcha," he nodded. "Enjoy Po's company, Niu."

The bovine and tiger landed their bro-fists before Xing departed to the door.

"So, Dragon Warrior. I've heard that one of your friends from the Furious Five seems to be the closest of all," Niu mentioned.

"Oh?" Po stretched his smile, rounding his head to his thought. "Where do I start from there? They are all my close friends. I wonder who could that be. . ."


Departing from the Nine's Barrack, Chen Xing walked onward and surveyed visitors trekking their walks in random directions. Shortly, he found Lotus waving her paw at him a few yards from the Fighting Square as the Nine's Pirate was guarding next to the Palace entry. Out of nowhere, the tiger's left side bumped a visitor's shoulder, showing the wolf's ruby eye and a patch.

"Oh, pardon me, sir," the tiger pardoned the visitor, presenting his kind posture. "I didn't see you there."

"Er, you are good," the wolf forgave him. The visitor wore his scathe armor with rope pairs around his stomach and dark gray gauntlets. There were no weapons on him. He beckoned his respectful nod to the tiger before the wolf joined Master Wolf nearby. "Master Xing."

Three wolves gathered in company with their alpha before the old goat with curved horns in colorful robes met Xing's grandmother, who hugged and praised the guest with surprise.

Wolves are almost like Lotus. . . That wolf with one eye — who is he?

"Cookie," Lotus's paw palmed the tiger's back, leaning her head close to him. "I got a surprise for you."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Remember the visitor who stole our brother's guandao? She's here."


II. (XXIII) The Stranger

Great. . . Where is the visitor now?

The tiger maintained his neutral posture when observing the scene of honorable guests enjoying martial artists in friendly company. The Shui Palace's gate tapped thrice as the Nine's Messenger Biyu went for the entry, inviting a few villagers of the Prosper Valley. "Our friend Kong is entertaining her in the Nine's Hall."

"Wonderful. I got a job for you, sister," Xing hooked his arm behind her neck, walking together near the Nine's Barrack. "Have you and Shou to guard the front door. Show yourselves some class act as pirates."

"With pleasure," Lotus broadened her teeth, licking his cheek before leading herself to the side of the Fighting Square. "Master Tigress will go with you. She knows."

Without knowing where the feline master was, Xing turned, and Tigress was strolling in her gold hanfu and black trousers, her claws clasping on her stomach in recognition. His sister Lotus shared her thoughts with Tigress about Lao's stolen weapon last time. "Lead on, Master Xing," the feline master nodded.

Onward to the Nine's Hall before the Corridor, Tigress allowed her pose to wander while entering the room. Kong and the guest in a hooded black velvet cloak glanced at the artifacts while walking. The broad chamber had a slated gray floor in reflection. One wall was painted with historical events of the Qing Temple, where the class Wing Chun was educated before with Kung Fu and Tai Chi, the beginning before the current dynasty, and at the end of the hall displayed vivid painting strokes of nine warriors standing amidst the road of Hajin Province in dark gray smoke and fire at night before orange-yellow daylight, lessening the harshness.

Two viewers standing between the Three Kingdoms and Liang Dynasty marveled at a thousand black and crimson spears undulating before the massive boulder. Standing on the boulder were warlords of the Mightiest Warriors. Catching their eyes were flowing emerald cloaks from Generals Oogway and Kai sprinting into the horde before the scorching red sun.

"Here is the well-known history of the Great War, young miss," Kong beckoned his wing, manifesting the monuments for the guest. "Would you like to see the warlord's double halberd?"

"Yes. . ." the visitor in a hooded cloak answered dearly. "I would be honored to see the ancient weapon."

The goose's fruity voice droned in a grasp. "Very well."

Without hesitation, nodding with their exchanged glances, Tigress and Xing followed, leading him first as he clasped his claws behind his back, roaming to the nearest section of Fallen Heroes' ancient artifacts. Kong's chronicled speech of the warlords' battles was satisfying to Xing's thought, passed by Master Ming's voice, words from her tortoise teacher's wisdom and history.

"The Jade Slayer used to carry two double halberds at that time while serving in the Great War with his fellow brothers," Kong clarified, passing by polished dragons and silver columns. "One vanished into the Spirit Realm with him, while the other stayed behind, handed to his brother. Despite General Kai's return, the corrupted chi power in him gradually made him stronger; by stealing chi from late masters, he hunted them for five hundred years. Several victims witnessed his arrival with his raging power; combined with his emerald knives with chains, the Mightiest Warrior could go flawlessly rage. His corrupted chi could regenerate his strength, more like healing his lethal injuries after claiming souls.

"After years of grief for the loss of his dear brother and longing to seek a better future in his Kung Fu, Oogway managed to hand over Kai's second double halberd to someone who is more honest and has a heart. Master Chen Ming kept the ancient weapon within the Fallen Heroes Hall. The story of the Mightiest Warriors who were trustworthy to defeat tyrants, avenging their brothers and sisters as they fought for righteousness — justice for the Desolation of the Qing Temple and the fallen soldiers."

The goose and the visitor reached for the monument of Kai holding Oogway across the white sea of snow ridges before the panda village. Upon the display with emerald silk was carried the Mightiest Warrior's double halberd. The blades were treated well, occasionally with rock stones to sharpen the edges and polish the sides. Tigress was at the nearest path, observing Xing stroll close to the goose and the visitor. "Here, you see the Supreme Warlord's double halberd — the second weapon."

"And the first weapon?"

"The panda who sacrificed himself to hold and send General Kai back to the Spirit Realm, the Dragon Warrior's dragon chi destroyed the first weapon the yak had carried with him."

The hooded figure, leaning close without the blade's proximity, surveyed the sword's clean edge patterns. "Exquisite. . ."

"Exquisite indeed. The tale of this weapon, young Miss, is far too mysterious to decipher its lore. From what this experience learned, Master Ming's veteran student, her grandson, nearly attempted to grasp Kai's weapon but was disoriented by a strange voice from the billowing smoke of basil and green eyes. Unlike Kai, the unknown cause was the weapon to ward off those unworthy of hate. The double halberd only speaks to the chosen, and only he, the Mightiest Warrior, could return his grip on his weapon."

"A fallen warrior who turned hero to evil. General Kai may be gone forever," the female visitor said, withdrawing herself from the halberd. "But the weapon's power itself remains inactive."

Not for long to contemplate the history, Kong could see Chen Xing present his nod to him, grinning back at the tiger. "Enjoy yourself, young Miss. And if there's anything you like to discuss the lores more, the Nine of Shui Palace are here for you."

"I look forward to that. Thank you."

The Nine's Messenger was dismissed, passing by the two felines as Xing started his casual walk. On the opposite side of injured warlords, the tiger surveyed the painting's boundary of a thousand halberds pointing at the sky, with billowing red ribbons attached below the blades. The yak dashed through the horde with the tortoise in a dark green scathe armor, who wielded his single halberd across the battle, warding off the ape's axes to the left side. Above the bloody affray of the gold sky, with horizon clouds touching pillar mountains, was the peacock (ocean and green feathers) hurling silver daggers, and the snow leopard trotted on fours, roaring next to the Jade Warlords. Several faces cried with tension, eyes squinted, and blades clashed; Xing could hear soldiers intensifying their war cries on the ridges and into the thick trees.

"Isn't this double-halberd much majestic?" Chen Xing stood next to the hooded visitor, clasping his back. "Well, not that majestic to dance around with it, of course. I almost knocked myself over to the side right here."

"Oh?" the female queried interestingly. Her beak nearly showed under the hood.

"It's true. This double halberd does not accept any soul in that regard, and I attempted to grasp it with my claws. But with that circumstance, it pushed me away, and I did hear strange voices — only one that sounds like the breaths are rasping."

"It's an evil weapon," said the stranger.

"No kidding. Master Chen Ming discovered the blade's presence, and she could not know who or what was preventing anyone," Xing said. "The two warriors could withstand the conflicting episodes, and Grandmaster Oogway and Chen Ming were the ones. As my dear friend stated, only General Kai can wield his weapon — not possible anymore because he's obliterated to bits."

The female under the hood lightened her chuckles. "I hear you are a fan of this warlord. . ."

"I used to be," the tiger commented, glancing at the battle paintings. "Kai would have been the best Supreme Warlord ever to bring balance and justice to his brother General Oogway in battles. One warrior should have been trustworthy instead of being the stubborn, narrow-minded soldier to himself."

"Hmm. You do know more of these warlords."

"From my grandmother," he smirked. The tiger's claw beckoned to the closest entrance where they entered previously. "Would you like to see more lore across the hall?"

"I would love to, Master Xing," the stranger tugged her velvet cloak. "But since I was here to see the ancient weapon before my eyes, which I gladly did, I must be leaving soon."

The stranger stopped walking. Before her eyes stood a feline Tigress guarding the front, crossing her limbs. The sound of laughs and faded chuckles were washed upfront from the Fighting Square, from the Masters of Jade Palace table, giving their friendly company to the contestants.

"If you don't mind, young miss," the tiger pardoned close to her, who turned to him, so calm without flinching. "I like to chat about the incident when you were here last time. This will not take long."


Comprehended, the stranger joined Chen Xing and strolled toward the history hall, departing to the nearest Barrack. Musicians setting their new soundtrack of zen healing began playing the soothing rhythm; Tigress, walking from behind to two while in guard, practically contemplated the song's theme of a lotus flower. Her serpent sister mentioned Viper's village, where her parents used to venture across roads. The day celebrated their daughter's birthday; her parents gave her a ruby ribbon sash. Across the broad roads, emerging the Viper family with their daughter who twirled her ribbon sash, their citizens praised them in their presence, presenting a few musicians and one villager, a bunny in her rose hanfu, presented Princess Viper with a crown of two lily flowers.

Viper revealed these flowers' symbol of purity — she was born with elegance without fangs. Tigress cleared her thoughts and focused on Chen Xing, who started his inquiries.

"On that day, you visited Master Ming's sculpture tour and contemplated the Nine's histories," he reminded the stranger, his silver eyes fixing on her. "One of my sisters saw you take Lao's guandao and fly away from Guangxi. Have you ever learned stealing is wrong, ma'am?"

The stranger's velvet white feathers were shown, pointing at him. "Does that remind you of your attempts to steal radishes and several ink bottles near a farmhouse?"

The stranger's words had the tiger's spine washed with cold water, his face unveiling the sense of brief guilt from her eyes. "You got a fair point," Xing died out his wheezing chuckle, which failed to lessen his tugged lips from tensing. "You read my history well."

"Great things as you are among great warriors, Master Xing. You are not the only one guilty of being a thief."

"Never again, and never will," Chen Xing vowed, holding his claws on his stomach. "Someone I knew did step on one's hoof and get me punished for good, had me into a laughing torture for a month."

"Really?" her hood nearly slipped to her right, the stranger's head nearly showing a bird with a sunlight mark above her head.

"Not really," Chen Xing lowered his laugh as the stranger giggled. "My neighbor's mother would never hurt any soul. I loved her."

"Hmm," the stranger pulled her hood in front, passing by the corridor next to the dining room. "I am certain she's such a spiritual character."

"May I ask? Who are you?" the tiger asked.

"What you see me is the anonymous who brings in favor to the one who dearly misses so much."

"Oh really?" the tiger softly barricaded his claw against her, watching the figure.

"Yes, Master Xing," her eyes were shown bright. "A friend of your brother wishes his luck in the Tournament."

Friend of my brother.

Chen Xing took his prolonged reflection to remember Lao in his quarter, who dozed while muttering. He could never think about his brother's past event that he and his peahen mother fled from home — home from the unfortunate. "My brother used to say some words in his sleep; I cannot recall the name," the tiger flickered his digit, flatting under his chin. "What was her name?"

"Your brother will remember. . . In time," the stranger ensured.

Noticing her heavenly voice was soothing in hope, Chen Xing inspected her in the voluminous cloak, and behind the fabric unveiled an ocean hanfu drawn from the cobalt sea of silvery stars above her talons. "May I look at you?"

Finding the tiger's tone filled with curiosity and the Nine's good reputation of encouraging people to one another, the stranger loosened the front cloak's pin and gingerly pushed her hood back, unveiling a curved neck outward. The stranger's feathers were bathed in white, orange beak, and black strokes were shown between her mint eyes.

By the Gods. . . You are beautiful.

Chen Xing surveyed the bird's head in wondrous. "You're a swan. I know where you come from. Your hanfu's color and the pin's silver moon sigil."

This stranger knew her risk of getting discovered. Nevertheless, her wry expression was hidden in front but brought her a small smile instead of unveiling her discomfort zone. How could the tiger know her house sigil from afar? The swan's home was the house of riches, her family sigil who aided their citizens with care, whether poor or above the average of the middle class. Regarding the keep, Chen Xing's grandmother knew the house's reputation; they were good citizens. Ming remembered her grandson studying house sigils across the Song Dynasty.

Dodging his thoughts as soon as the stranger's soft wings stroked his wrist, Xing cleared his throat. "My apologies. You can put your hood back on."

The bird did so in a gradual motion, remaining neutral. "In my life, I have never seen a thief steal a weapon until. . . nevermind," the tiger shook his head, searching for words while lost in thoughts. "Anyway, I am wondering why a lady could do such a thing to grab a weapon and fly away from the Shui Palace."

"About this stealing, Master Xing, I had to borrow and send it to a nameless shaman for a week and remake the blade," the swan explained, drawing closer to him. "Lao's guandao now belongs to his wings. Whenever he wields it in all the battles, Lao will experience the weapon's enhancement like never before."

"What weapon material does Lao's guandao have?" he asked, arching his brows.

"From the falling star. A heaven blade," she answered.

Great. Lao has another one.

The sword's material originated from the falling sky's tear; made with titanium and stone steel, heaven blades cut through dense and impenetrable objects five times the strength of regular metal and steel, slicing through the flesh and bone and the rigid structures. With armor, however, most regular blades can fracture with one swing or a second, but the heaven material does not matter. "I've always wanted a heaven sword. Now I am jealous," the tiger puffed his chuffs, chuckling. He reached for the Barrack's yin-yang doorway. "A nameless shaman. . . Is there a name of the subject?"

"I hear a special visitor would like to see you. Very soon."

"I like surprises. Who?" Xing asked, the door lessening its rumbles while opening.

"You'll see," the swan smiled. The stranger craned her head near his black ear, whispering. "I left Lao's guandao inside your brother's bedroom, under his bed. It's now a parting gift."

"My brother will be pleased," he said, beckoning his claw for the swan to move forward. Viper's song finished its final bangs from the percussionists, who delivered slow, rhythmic lines of the calm winds. The sea of guests intensified their cheers, praising the musicians' works when the contestants applauded.

"One more thing before I must go," the swan turned as her cloak glided to her right. The tiger opened the other door of Yin before meeting his eyes at the stranger. "Do you and the Nine ever read the news lately?"

"What news?" Xing queried. His sense focusing on the swan was nearly distracted from behind; Tigress, unveiling her amber eyes from the nearest hall from the Nine's Barrack, ambled close to Xing, concentrating on the swan's presence.

"Rumors are mentioning the bovine's army is gathering members, thousands upon thousands of them in Tibet," she stated, not drawing attention when the swan approached the felines. "They follow this leader who calls himself the Prince of Darkness."

"The Prince?" the tiger narrowed his eyes in confusion; he regarded a recent history that was rarely known. "The Nine might have heard about it sometime. Tibet is far from the West, about more than eleven hundred miles."

"A myth story was told since the banishment of him and his sister after the Desolation of Qing Temple," she continued with her heavenly voice. "The Prince of Darkness makes his vow to destroy souls of the Qing Temple bloodline, descendants of the ancestor survivors. Under his promise was his father; he commanded him. Emperor Khan was responsible for the tragedy."

"That, I know the history well. The tyrant's name was Prince Huoju," said Xing. "'Makes?' Are you saying that the Conqueror has been around for over seven hundred years? Banished?"

"Only rumors, Master Xing. As likely as the descendant of the madman, a giant ox may not be the same Prince of Darkness," the swan ensured.

"Yeah. I would not be surprised unless the tyrant is compared to Kai."

"No. . . Unlike the one who you were a fan of."

The alarming conversation had Tigress draw her presence near her nephew; Xing noticed the feline's throbbing sense of low chuffs when he maintained his sight on the swan. "And then the next words were alarming, but a different myth," the stranger continued. "What I recall, the shaman, who had a vision dream that she could not describe the symbolic fortune, witnessed one of the five elements of the Wuxing. A Metal, among the Water, the Fire, the Wood, and Earth, is among its destiny to defeat the greater evil."

"Fortune, perhaps," Xing guessed.

"Only one of the five has the rarest bloodline to gather warriors and unite to fight the common enemies," she stated.

How is it possible for the Prince of Darkness to return? Some say he was exiled before the Great War, and after a terrible war, he's been long gone ever since.

His perplexing thought was interrupted by a sea of citizens amplifying their cheers. One of the Emperor's bovine officials in a scathe armor of gold and crimson cape stood behind the oak podium, announcing the address commencement. "The Emperor's speech is about to begin shortly," Tigress muttered to Xing.

"Let's get back to this tyrant's name, Miss. How can you be so sure the Prince of Darkness is still around after centuries of living?" he inquired the stranger with suspicion. "He cannot be the next Kai, who was five hundred and fifty years old."

"No. . . I think not," the stranger shook her head straightforwardly. Her silver-white wing wrapped her cloak line close to her chest from spectators' eyes. "Ever noticed what happened to Master Wolf's messenger, who has gone missing for over a month?"

"I heard he flew to the west and hasn't been found so far," he regarded. "Should I be concerned about the West?"

"Not just the Nine. After the Tournament, all temples must," she warned. The felines' wary glances exchanged to look at themselves briefly.

"Excuse me, Masters. I must be going," the swan pardoned, walking to the nearest Palace entry where Lotus and Shou stood on both sides of the gate and observed the stranger. When the swan looked down at her feet, the wolf lengthened her tongue, and the yak popped his keratin digits; right before the stranger's turn, Xing gesticulated his crossed palm under his throat, allowing the two to cease their guarding duty.

"Despite your history of being a good warrior," the stranger turned to Xing, whose mint eyes shone under her hood. "I hear you make promises."

Xing strode to her, presenting his claw on her main wing. "I swear to you, ma'am," he muttered. "You are the anonymous subject who's done a task; you will not be discovered. I only learned the guandao has returned as a parting gift, reforged by a mystery person. That's all I know."

The swan, stretching her beak to a smile, nodded gracefully to him. "Thank you, Master Xing," she patted her other wing on his dominant limb. "Good luck with the Tournament. And to you, Master Tigress."

"Safe travels, Miss," the striped feline master nodded with a little grin.

Lotus and Shou opened the Palace Gate and escorted the stranger to the exit before the swan clasped her cloak's sigil pin, broadened her pulsating wings, and commenced soaring into the breeze. Flying north of Guangxi terrain, merging into a thin white river cloud, the swan in her billowing velvet cloak was out of sight.

With doors closed with low rumbles, Lotus approached Xing and rolled her head in a haze. "Hey. So what's the word, Cookie?" she stretched her grin.

Presenting his left brow upward, quirking his lips, Xing deadened his chuffs. "She's a traveler, Lotus. Nothing more," he answered.

"Would you at least tell me something?" the wolf unveiled her smiley teeth, flirting.

"The traveler likes to see Kai's double halberd for one time, wanted to see how powerful it was."

"Aye," Shou bobbed his head, smirking.

Another wave of applauses thundered, emerging a few whistles. "Come along, you two. The Emperor's Speech starts," Xing gave his hard pat behind the yak's upper shoulder.

"Don't forget me some cookies," Lotus tittered and joined Shou behind the contestants, uniting with the Nine to the right.

Yeah. Remind me again after the Tournament, sister.

Chen Xing, throbbing his low chuffs with chuckles, crossed his limbs over his stomach. "Is Lotus always like this?" Tigress asked, stretching her slight grin.

"All the time, Master Tigress. She craves more cookies when she catches her eye on cookie pots. But guess what? Lotus cannot eat them during a big event this month."

"Hmm," she softened her drone in comprehension. Tigress mainly reflected on Monkey and Po eating a dozen cookies in the kitchen while they snuck through the Jade Palace Barrack during training. Under supervision during their teacher's absence, Tigress was the only one who caught her companions; Po, knowing she had eyes and ears at the Jade Palace, considered her experience as an elite "stealth mode" warrior.

"There is something you should know, Master Tigress," Xing smiled after turning to Tigress, whose eyes fixed on him. "After this Tournament, I like to spend more time with you. When my parents were killed when I was a cub, I waited all these years long enough to see if there was anybody like me and Nana. My grandmother granted me her way for me to befriend my brother, my sister, and the Nine. Every single day. . . Until you came."

Tigress motioned her head to a kindness, blinking her amber eyes. "I just wanted to say that I am glad to meet you before we all go to the Tournament next week."

"I am honored," Tigress said.

The Emperor's official's booming voice was heard once the bovine mentioned the three classes; Chen Xing started to draw his sight away from showing Tigress his vivid emotion. His grandmother was on the side of the Fighting Square with a few guests passing by her, breaking her grin once more when she saw the two tigers standing together.

"You and I may be the same that will never have," Tigress spoke, bringing Xing's attention. "I have no memory of my father or mother."

Her head was slightly lowered. "Rather than living with them, I was raised to be what I become — a warrior of the Valley of Peace and a daughter of Shifu."

Tigress's inception at Bao Gu Orphanage was bitter, and her experience living under the caretaker's protection became rough. Most orphans witnessed a shadow creeping through walls on several nights, fearing children in their beds. A few who dared to peek behind the structures spotted their own with fangs and claws; many screeched for help. Her mind had forever chronicled the conversation behind her marked door; words from the sheep caretaker speaking with a valuable guardian of the Valley of Peace shouted to him. She's a monster! MONSTER!

Xing would not know who Tigress's parents were, who did either the wrong thing or the right reason to leave her behind for the prime purpose — not prepared for their responsibility or sacrificing their daughter to the Orphanage to be saved from someone. I am sorry for Tigress. I really do.

Somewhere under their feet throbbed its chirping wings, hopping and climbing on Tigress's back. Vaulting over the right shoulder of her neck was the green insect, flickering his limbs. "Gods, I wish this speech should end. It's so annoying," Mantis grumbled, darting his eyes on Xing. "How about you, tough guy? You got some fancy speech?"

"Not really," the tiger shook his head. "I'm timid to draw people into liking my voice."

"Oh, okay. Neither do I and these little—"

"Mantis," Tigress muttered her deaden grunt.

"My bad," the bug lowered his head in guilt. With his brief thought coming to mind, Mantis whispered to her ear. "Hey, why not Po since you don't do the speech, Tigress?"

"For sure. Po can indicate the awesomeness tale and entertain us before we challenge the Nine and Righteous Seven."

"Speaking of challenging," Xing mentioned, drawing Mantis and Tigress their attention. "I can go easy on you all."

Mantis hopped on Xing's left shoulder. "Careful now," the insect glowered his glare, lessening his warning tone. "Tigress is aggressive. If you face her in the Tournament arena, I bet your ass she will show you no mercy, grappling your whole weight like a ragdoll. Word of my advice: Don't you underestimate my sister."

"Good to know, Master Mantis."

"And me—" Mantis nearly broadened his tibial spines, but Tigress cleared her throat as a reminder. "Oh, right. You know."

"Oh? Mantis," Xing whispered close to Mantis. "My sister Hong, do you see her there? She thinks you are handsome."

Unable to find words to deny, Mantis held his open mouth wide, drooping his limbs down as he wobbled his legs and fell. Chuckling, Xing held Mantis to Tigress before the speech announced the Emperor's presence, and the wave of applauses surged. The tiger, joining aside with his wolf sister, surveyed a few wolf faces and then the last — the goat's keeper with an eyepatch standing next to Xing's grandmother and Master Wolf. The only keeper gazing at the view before he spotted Xing and Lotus delivered his gesture to an admiration nod, and the tiger returned his.