{"id":57,"date":"2022-01-14T00:16:53","date_gmt":"2022-01-13T16:16:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/amarukei.com\/?p=57"},"modified":"2024-11-16T00:29:05","modified_gmt":"2024-11-15T16:29:05","slug":"mhm-prologue-chapter-1-a-night-at-the-inn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/amarukei.com\/?p=57","title":{"rendered":"MHM Prologue + Chapter 1: A Night At The Inn"},"content":{"rendered":"

Prologue: The Rumours Of The Hermit Moon Peak Lord<\/strong><\/p>\n

On a dark and rainy night, a group of travellers sought shelter from the storm in an abandoned temple. A fire was built and the people huddled together, sharing food and wine.<\/p>\n

A young man sitting next to the fire offered to entertain them.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell us the story of the Hermit Moon Peak!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that one\u2019s scary, aren\u2019t you afraid of not being able to sleep?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it\u2019s fun,\u201d said a young woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly!\u201d obliged the young man, eager to impress. He held out a bowl and placed it in front of him. \u201cFeel free to give me a coin or pour me a drink anytime if you enjoy my storytelling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Hermit Moon Peak was home of the infamous Hermit Moon Peak Lord. Capable of opening spirit gates, and summoning demons, tales of this Peak Lord were nothing short of strange and terrible. For example, did you know that the Hermit Moon Peak Lord was the one who invented the method of turning one’s spirit core into elixirs?\u201d began the young man, using the rainy atmosphere to his advantage.<\/p>\n

The audience gasped.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard rumours,\u201d said an older woman, \u201cthat powerful criminal organisations harvest spirit cores from the indebted to be sold on the black market. How scary!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can a person come up with such a terrible and cruel way to cultivate?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d said the young storyteller. \u201cA villain such as the Hermit Moon Peak Lord must have done bad things all his life. It all started when he was adopted as an orphan by the former Sect Leader of the Border Mountains Sect\u2014Qing Wangyue.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSuch an upright man like Qing Wangyue was ill-fated to meet an ingrate like him!\u201d added a man who\u2019d heard the story many times over.<\/p>\n

The young storyteller nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs some of you have already known about this tale, Qing Wangyue generously gave this orphan the name of \u2018Lingzhu\u2019 and took him in as a disciple of the Border Mountains Sect.<\/p>\n

\u201cYet this young upstart, Lingzhu, challenged the then Sect Leader Qing time and again, causing trouble for the wise leader. In one such challenge, Lingzhu asked Qing Wangyue to give him the Hermit Moon Peak.<\/p>\n

\u201cQing Wangyue thus said: \u2018If you can subdue the plague of undead pests on the uninhabitable Peak, then I promise you the position of Peak Lord.\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cInstead of conducting a proper exorcism, this Lingzhu used his spirit sword, Ashfire, to burn down the entire mountain and all the undead upon it. Thus, he completed the challenge at the tender age of eighteen, becoming the youngest Peak Lord in the history of the Border Mountains Sect.\u201d<\/p>\n

A young boy who hadn\u2019t heard the tale asked, \u201cThat\u2019s cheating! It shouldn\u2019t count!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but Qing Wangyue was an upright gentleman who kept his promises,\u201d said the storyteller. \u201cLess than a year later, the Hermit Moon Peak Lord volunteered to go to Night Vigil City to promote peace between demons and humans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat must be a lie!\u201d interrupted a little enthusiastic kid.<\/p>\n

\u201cKid, just let me tell the tale\u2014\u201d said the storyteller, sighing. \u201cThere was actually a period of peace as the alliance of the great clans signed a peace treaty with the demon city. They say that the Hermit Moon Peak Lord later attempted to seduce both the demon king and queen in order to sabotage the treaty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHeavens! He went that far?\u201d someone gasped.<\/p>\n

\u201cThankfully, he failed in his malicious endeavour and was sent back to the Border Mountains,\u201d said the storyteller.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would the Border Mountains Sect allow him back at this point?\u201d asked a young woman.<\/p>\n

The storyteller cleared his throat and continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cAhem. Qing Wangyue had just appointed his son, Qing Lingfeng, as the new leader of the Border Mountains Sect. This young hero decided to give the Hermit Moon Peak Lord one more chance. He ordered Lingzhu to take in a disciple, hoping his junior brother would finally settle down and stop his scheming.<\/p>\n

\u201cYet, even with an obedient disciple, the Hermit Moon Peak Lord continued to challenge Qing Wangyue, even resorting to assassination attempts. There\u2019s even a song written about the seven times he broke the gates of the Border Mountains in anger when he failed to kill Qing Wangyue.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh my heavens, how wicked!\u201d gasped the audience.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t they just kill the evil man already?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou see,\u201d explained the storyteller, resigned to always being interrupted. \u201cThis Hermit Moon Peak Lord was not a simple man. He even took his own disciple hostage!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not the poor child!\u201d gasped the young women among them.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany good men have fallen to him, including a mysterious hermit elder who resided within the Border Mountains\u2014the gentle Dream-Wandering Immortal whom you all know the region\u2019s popular wine is named after.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSuch a waste of a good man!\u201d wept another young woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen the Hermit Moon Peak Lord proclaimed, in front of all the great Clans, that he will have Divine Retribution upon them all,\u201d said the storyteller. \u201cHe took over and commanded the Night Vigil City\u2019s demons to fight against the clans. Dead spirit gates appeared as his curse fell upon the land. As for the rest, well, you know what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Calamity…\u201d whispered the adults among the group.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks to the alliance of the Clans and Qing Lingfeng\u2019s heroic actions in sealing away the Demon King and defeating the villainous Hermit Moon Peak Lord, the Calamity finally came to an end. For his contributions, Qing Lingfeng was given the title of \u2018Spirit Emperor\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

The audience clapped and cheered.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the end, the big Clans did not fall. To mock the Hermit Moon Peak Lord\u2019s failed prophecy, they gave him the title of \u2018Lord Divine Retribution\u2019,\u201d said the storyteller.<\/p>\n

He picked up a bowl of wine and poured it onto the ground in front of him as an offering.<\/p>\n

\u201cYet, we must be careful when we speak of the Lord Divine Retribution,\u201d he said, in a hushed voice as the fire began to grow smaller. \u201cHis spirit may have been sealed away, but you know what they say\u2014his curse upon this world might still remain\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShh!\u201d hushed the young people in the group.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you tell us about his disciple instead?\u201d said a woman, waiting for this very moment.<\/p>\n

The storyteller laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, for a few coins I\u2019d happily tell you the story of the lone disciple of Hermit Moon Peak!\u201d<\/p>\n

Immediately, his bowl was filled with copper coins.<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

A tall man in a veiled hat walked to the gates of Mountainside Town. Two guards having tea in a shelter by the gates rushed over and brandished their spears.<\/p>\n

\u201cHalt! What is your business entering the town so late at night!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cApologies for the inconvenience,\u201d came a charming baritone. He drew a token from his waist and held it up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, you\u2019re a disciple of the Border Mountains Sect,\u201d noted one guard as he held up the lantern to see the token up close.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d nudged the other guard. \u201cLook carefully. His hair under the veil is white\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d said the first guard.<\/p>\n

The tall man folded his arms, looking impatient.<\/p>\n

The guard quickly corrected himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cSilver! Not white! I meant silver hair! Everyone knows the Fallen Leaves Valley Lord Di Mie is known for his beautiful moonlight silver hair!\u201d<\/p>\n

Di Mie rolled his eyes under the veil at the guard\u2019s bullshitting.<\/p>\n

The other guard, realising who they were seeing, jumped in excitement.<\/p>\n

\u201cDark veil and silver hair\u2026 Oh my heavens!! It really is him! It\u2019s the first time I\u2019m seeing the Valley Lord up so close! Damn, I wish it was daytime so I can get a clearer look!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am, I mean, my kid at home is a big fan of yours. Can I have your autograph?\u201d asked the first guard, his voice a little shaky. \u201cI don\u2019t have a brush with me, but I have a notebook\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I happened to have an autographed card on me,\u201d said Di Mie, holding up a card.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh my heavens! This card\u2019s been sold out since last year!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014uh, my kid really wants this card! Please give it to me,\u201d pleaded the first guard.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, that\u2019s not fair,\u201d said the second guard. \u201cWe should, like, take turns keeping the card.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWait, is this really for us? Or\u2026how much are you selling it for?\u201d said the first guard, mentally counting the coins he had on him. \u201cI only have twenty coppers at the moment\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll give you forty coppers and a jar of Dream-Wandering Immortal for this!\u201d said the second guard.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Don\u2019t fight me for this! Fifty coppers, a jar of Dream-Wandering Immortal, a-and a roast duck!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it and figure it out yourselves,\u201d laughed Di Mie, pressing it into the first guard\u2019s open hands.<\/p>\n

The first guard tucked it into his sash and quickly opened the gate for Di Mie, who knew these two were going to start bickering in a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome back, Valley Lord Di!\u201d<\/p>\n

The tall man walked down the main road into town and looked at the Border Mountains Sect that lay just beyond.<\/p>\n

He gazed at the mountains and sighed. It had been another six months of searching in vain. Although, this time, there was a new wave of juicy rumours going around.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Lord Divine Retribution, there are people building shrines to worship your villainy,\u201d he said, narrowing his eyes and sneering. \u201cBut when I find you, I\u2019ll kick you down the first bug pit I see.\u201d<\/p>\n

The wind picked up and the night got colder.<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

At the inn near the edge of town, two junior disciples of the Border Mountains Sect also shuddered and rubbed their shoulders for warmth.<\/p>\n

\u201cFeels like an inauspicious wind is blowing our way,\u201d said Jianshi, the elder of the two.<\/p>\n

\u201cDi Shibo* should be returning soon,\u201d said Jianjin. \u201cMaybe he\u2019s already in town\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

*Shibo = senior uncle<\/em><\/p>\n

They both shuddered again.<\/p>\n

\n


\nChapter 1: A Night At The Inn<\/strong><\/p>\n

A man in his forties sitting on a stool leaned forward, as if imparting an important secret, and lowered his voice as the children squatting around him quieted and listened with perked ears and rounded eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Niu will let you kids in on a secret\u2014\u201d he tapped on his wooden leg with the tip of his crutches\u2014 \u201dThis leg of mine was lost in the Calamity, in the battle of Night Vigil City where the Spirit Emperor defeated the demon king.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not a secret,\u201d huffed a little boy. \u201cYou\u2019ve told us that a hundred times.\u201d<\/p>\n

Old Niu grinned and added. \u201cWhat if I told you that Lord Divine Retribution himself was the one who cut off my leg?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOhhhh??\u201d The children\u2019s eyes went wide and flooded him with questions.<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t that the villain who sided with the demons? Did you fight him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDivine Retribution? What does that mean? Is it some pretty heavenly pearl*?\u201d<\/p>\n

*These two words sound similar.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt means \u2018punishment from heaven\u2019, silly!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow could you not know him? Lord Divine Retribution and the Demon Lord are the big bad guys of this story!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he\u2019s the bad guy who\u2019s always wearing a veil?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHeh, he must be ugly and ashamed of showing his face!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are no ugly men in the Border Mountains Sect! That\u2019s what my mom tells me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t Uncle Niu a retired disciple? You would call this old man handsome?\u201d pointed out a kid.<\/p>\n

\u201cAhem,\u201d Old Niu stopped them right there. \u201cThis \u2018old uncle\u2019 used to be eighteen and a heartthrob, all right? Besides\u2014\u201d he continued in a hushed undertone, out of earshot of the kids\u2019 parents\u2014\u201dif you really want to know who\u2019s good-looking or not, we can just look at the trading cards.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOhhhh,\u201d went the children, some of them digging out the trading cards from their pouches and sleeves to compare.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe old kid and his followers are at it again huh,\u201d said Auntie Ma, the boss of the tavern and inn. She walked over through the throng of kids and set down some buns at Old Niu\u2019s table. \u201cTake a break from talking and eat something, old man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Auntie Ma,\u201d grinned Old Niu.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Uncle Niu,\u201d chirped a kid. \u201cShow us that limited edition card you have of the Fallen Leaves Valley Lord when he was young!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Old Niu obliged, flipping his album to said card.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, let me see what the fuss is about,\u201d said Auntie Ma.<\/p>\n

The card depicted an illustration of a veiled man in black and a teenage boy following closely behind, dark hair braided on both sides and swept back into a high ponytail. A caption on the side read: \u2018Di Mie and the Hermit Moon Peak Lord*\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cAhhh, I love this card! The Fallen Leaves Valley Lord with silver hair is otherworldly, but when he had black hair, he looked like such a cool big brother,\u201d gushed a little girl.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, that IS a pretty nice card,\u201d said Auntie Ma. \u201cLord of the Fallen Leaves Valley, is it? Time passes so fast. When young master Di Mie was just a junior disciple, I\u2019d give him an extra roast chicken leg whenever he came to the canteen to collect supplies.\u201d<\/p>\n

The kids\u2019 attention turned straight to the innkeeper.<\/p>\n

\u201cAuntie Ma, you knew the Fallen Leaves Valley Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHahaha, this Auntie Ma used to be a cook at the Border Mountains Sect’s main canteen, you know! I\u2019ve seen more Peak Lords up close than Old Niu here. I wouldn\u2019t mind having a few of their cards to remind me of my youth, I suppose\u2026\u201d she grinned, glancing over at Old Niu\u2019s album.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere were only fifty copies of this card released. Mine\u2019s not for sale,\u201d said Old Niu, pulling the album away from Auntie Ma.<\/p>\n

\u201cRelax, you big kid, I\u2019m not interested in your toys,\u201d laughed Auntie Ma.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese aren\u2019t toys,\u201d pouted Old Niu. \u201cThese are collectibles<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

He craned and beckoned the waiter nearby to come over.<\/p>\n

\u201cXie Li, come here and help me tell your Auntie Ma that my cards are not toys!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm?\u201d said the waiter who walked over, wiping his hand on his apron, joining in the small crowd in the middle of the tavern.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh-Li*, you babysit Old Niu here while I do some proper adult things\u2014like running an inn, okay?\u201d chuckled Auntie Ma.<\/p>\n

*she\u2019s referring to Xie Li<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAuntie Ma, have a little pity on this old cripple and spare me your burns,\u201d said Old Niu, admitting his defeat.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d relented Auntie Ma. \u201cSeeing we’re old acquaintances, I\u2019ll treat you to a jar of your favourite Dream-Wandering Immortal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no smarter and prettier lady boss than Ma Erniang*! \u201d praised Old Niu, clapping his hands and jiggling in his seat in a show of gratitude.<\/p>\n

*Auntie\u2019s Ma\u2019s full name<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYou silly, you\u2019re gonna fall off your chair,\u201d laughed Auntie Ma.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor beauties and good wine? This Old Niu falls willingly!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEwww,\u201d groaned a kid. \u201cNo flirting in front of us please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Xie Li the waiter stood there, watching the exchange and then looked to Old Niu for a response.<\/p>\n

\u201cShould I get back to work?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNah,\u201d said Old Niu. \u201cCome, Auntie Ma\u2019s good nephew, take a seat next to this old man and listen to my stories for a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Xie Li obediently pulled out a chair at the table and sat down, looking at Old Niu and the kids.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere was I?\u201d muttered Old Niu, thumbing through his card collection again.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is…\u201d said Xie Li, reaching out to stop the album at a particular page.<\/p>\n

\u201cHo ho?\u201d said Old Niu. \u201cYou\u2019ve got quite the eye there. This is a limited edition card of the Dream Wandering Immortal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a poem here,\u201d pointed out Xie Li.<\/p>\n

Old Niu took the card from his album and let him read out aloud.<\/p>\n

When the moon is high and bright
\nCasting the mount\u2019n in gentle light
\nWhen crystal bells on the wind you hear
\nThe Dream-Wand\u2019ring Immortal will appear<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, so the wine Uncle Niu always orders is named after this person!\u201d realised one of the kids.<\/p>\n

The kids peered in to see the card\u2019s illustration.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Dream-Wandering* Immortal is so pretty,\u201d sighed a little girl.<\/p>\n

*\u2019Dream-wandering\u2019 also means \u2018sleepwalking\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cEh, this is a guy?\u201d asked a boy. \u201cI prefer guys in armour. His robe is so flowy. He doesn\u2019t even smile.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t wear any shoes,\u201d says the girl. \u201cThat makes him look even more dreamy!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is boring,\u201d complained a boy. \u201cTell us more of the Fallen Leaves Valley Lord instead! My dad told me that he single-handedly destroyed a bandit hideout in the southern town not long ago!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, sure,\u201d said Old Niu, taking the card back from Xie Li and carefully storing it back in his album.<\/p>\n

\u201cFallen Leaves Valley Lord?\u201d asked Xie Li. \u201cI\u2019ve never heard of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEhhh?\u201d groaned a kid. \u201cYou don\u2019t even know something so basic?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShush, don\u2019t be rude. Maybe he\u2019s new to town and doesn\u2019t know anything about the Border Mountains Sect,\u201d defended another kid.<\/p>\n

Old Niu nodded and stroked his stubbled chin and began explaining. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you kids explain it to him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s really simple! You just have to remember that there are five Peaks and one Valley!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHero\u2019s Peak, Bard\u2019s Peak, Warrior\u2019s Peak, Gentleman\u2019s Peak and Hermit\u2019s Peak. Oh yeah, Hermit\u2019s Peak has been sealed off, so you don\u2019t count it these days,\u201d chipped in another kid.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd there\u2019s Fallen Leaves Valley!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are the easy-to-remember names for all the Peaks and one Valley!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got all that?\u201d asked a little girl.<\/p>\n

Xie Li smiled and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood! We\u2019ll teach you little by little so you\u2019ll remember,\u201d said the girl.<\/p>\n

Old Niu laughed and gave Xie Li a nudge.<\/p>\n

Xie Li\u2019s eyes narrowed and he stiffened up a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust play along with these kids, Auntie Ma\u2019s good nephew.\u201d<\/p>\n

Xie Li nodded again.<\/p>\n

The kids continued to play teacher.<\/p>\n

\u201cCrystal Peak, the Peak of Heroes, as well as the entire Border Mountains, is ruled by the Spirit Emperor, Qing Lingfeng!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, good, you even remember his name,\u201d said Old Niu.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s easy,\u201d boasted the kid. \u201cHis name sounds almost the same as the peak he commands!\u201d*<\/p>\n

*Crystal Peak is read as \u2018Qingling Feng\u2019 in Chinese, and the poor guy\u2019s name is Qing Lingfeng (Clear Ridge Maple)<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAnyway, the Spirit Emperor is the strongest of all the Lords!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think the Fallen Leaves Valley Lord might just be stronger\u2026\u201d suggested another kid.<\/p>\n

“Ye Mingzhu’s the strongest!” yelled another one.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope they hold a tournament!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen there\u2019s Cloudrest Peak, also known as the Bard\u2019s Peak. Peak Lord Bai is never around because he\u2019s off wandering,\u201d said a little girl. \u201cRumour has it that if you see a handsome bard wandering about with a pipa on his back, it could just be him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFangirl.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPfft. Fanboy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want the latest news from all over, you look for the bards,\u201d said Old Niu.<\/p>\n

\u201cGeneral Ye Mingzhu of the Mad Tiger Peak wins hands down! The Warrior\u2019s Peak is the best!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s full of women, ugh, no thanks,\u201d shuddered a boy. \u201cWith a nickname like \u2018general\u2019, no man would dare court her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly weak men are scared of a strong woman!\u201d challenged the girl next to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMad Tiger is full of scary, edgy wannabes\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what makes them the coolest! I want to be a Mad Tiger Peak disciple when I grow up!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAhem,\u201d said Old Niu. \u201cThere\u2019s also Elegance Peak\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat one\u2019s so boring,\u201d moaned a kid. \u201cUncle Niu can explain that one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHaha,\u201d said Old Niu, shaking his head and explaining anyway. \u201cAlso known as the Gentleman\u2019s Peak, Elegance Peak is led by Peak Lord Du. This one\u2019s the closest to town and holds open classes for layman disciples.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy dad goes there to attend the lectures!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMeh. They are just a bunch of stuck-up elites who won\u2019t fight because their clothes will get dirty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, they give free classes so don\u2019t complain!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget the last one, the Fallen Leaves Valley!\u201d chirped a kid.<\/p>\n

\u201cValley Lord Di Mie is the youngest of all the Lords and soooo handsome and emo,\u201d gushed a little girl.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe wears a veiled hat and is dressed in black!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got this special move that explodes, it\u2019s really cool!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that white hair, it\u2019s really mysterious!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d said Xie Li, looking confused. \u201cWhite hair?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d chirped a boy. \u201cIt\u2019s said that when he returned to the Border Mountains, he was so angry after hearing what his master did during the Calamity that his hair turned white overnight!”<\/p>\n

\u201cSilver, not white!\u201d corrected another girl.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe then sealed away the Hermit Moon Peak and established the Fallen Leaves Valley.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know a lot,\u201d said Xie Li. \u201cDid Uncle Niu tell you all that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d chirped the kids. \u201cWe read it from the monthly issue of ‘Popular Immortal Way’. Our area\u2019s Border Mountains disciples top the popularity charts a lot these days!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean your parents read it to you,\u201d exposed Old Niu. \u201cYou lot can\u2019t even write ten characters.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose I should go to the bookshop, then,\u201d said Xie Li.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t bother, most issues are sold out within three days,\u201d said Old Niu. \u201cI\u2019ll lend you my copies. Hmm, I think I have a couple up my sleeve right now…\u201d<\/p>\n

The chattering of kids continued for a while more as daylight began to wane.<\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Niu, tell us more about the Spirit Emperor\u2014\u201d pleaded one.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to hear more about the White Cloud Wandering Bard\u2019s adventures!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to end the story session but it\u2019s getting late. Now back to your parents you go, kids,\u201d shooed the old man.<\/p>\n

\u201cEhhh\u2026\u201d came the kids\u2019 disappointed voices as they went back to their dinner tables.<\/p>\n

\u201cEhhh\u2026\u201d came the parents\u2019 disappointed voices when they saw that Old Niu stopped babysitting their rambunctious kids.<\/p>\n

\u201cOld Niu, here\u2019s the roast chicken for your daughters,\u201d said Auntie Ma, the boss of the inn, handing him a paper packet tied up in string.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks!\u201d said Old Niu. \u201cHmm? Where did Xie Li go?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe started feeling unwell so he\u2019s resting,\u201d said Auntie Ma.<\/p>\n

\u201cAgain?\u201d said Old Niu. \u201cYoung people these days are so unhealthy. He needs to go out and get some sun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019m telling him,\u201d laughed Auntie Ma. \u201cOff you go, before your daughters scold you for going home late again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHah! I\u2019ll throw away my crutches and dance in joy the day those two shrews get married,\u201d said Old Niu.<\/p>\n

He then proceeded to shuffle off as fast as he could on said crutches, which was surprisingly pretty fast…<\/p>\n

Auntie Ma laughed as she watched him.<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

Two young men, dressed in the black and red of Mad Tiger Peak, looked defeated as they strolled into the inn, shoulders hunched and heads hanging low.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Ah-Jin, we\u2019ll just try again tomorrow,\u201d said Jianshi, the older of the two. \u201cMaybe we\u2019re asking the wrong people.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUgh,\u201d said Jianjin. \u201cIf I hear one more person mention that it\u2019s somehow linked to Lord Divine Retribution one more time, I\u2019m going to just offer up joss sticks and pray for his spirit to solve this case for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShush,\u201d chided the older brother Jianshi. \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t call upon the dead lest we disturb their rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome back, customers,\u201d said the innkeeper, keeping away the chairs. \u201cOur kitchen is closed now, but there are some meat buns left if you are hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll finish up here, Auntie Ma. You should rest,\u201d said Xie Li, in a plain robe and his very long hair flowing down his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Ah-Li. If you\u2019re still not feeling well, just leave the kitchen cleaning for tomorrow morning,\u201d said Auntie Ma. \u201cAh yes, and Old Niu left his books for you to read. I\u2019ve left them on the counter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMn,\u201d said Xie Li, nodding his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah, we forgot to eat dinner,\u201d said the younger Jianjin. \u201cWaiter, mind getting us those buns?\u201d<\/p>\n

Xie Li\u2019s face was blank as he turned to the kitchen. He stopped after taking a step, and as if forgetting to do something, he turned around, gave them a perfect service smile, and said, \u201cI\u2019ll go heat them up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d said Jianshi.<\/p>\n

As Xie Li headed into the kitchen, Jianjin poked his brother\u2019s shoulder, whispering, \u201cDo you think this fella\u2019s a bit odd? It\u2019s like he doesn\u2019t know how to be a waiter. Is he new to the job?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think you\u2019re in a position to criticise others, since you always slip up in front of our senior sisters,\u201d said Jianshi.<\/p>\n

Jianjin grinned sheepishly and quickly changed the topic.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, look at this \u2018Popular Immortal Way\u2019. They\u2019re gossip books about the disciples of the different clans and sects\u2014woah! There\u2019s a big chunk about our sect!\u201d he said, flipping through the booklets stacked on the counter.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t touch other people\u2019s things without asking, Ah-Jin,\u201d said Jianshi, slapping him upside his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cBro, look at this page,\u201d said Jianjin, rubbing the spot his brother hit but carrying on, undeterred. \u201cThere\u2019s a section on that Lord Divine Retribution in this book, as if we haven\u2019t heard enough of him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, this might explain why all the townsfolk we met seemed to know so much about him,\u201d said Jianshi, the older of the two, flipping the book over to look at the cover. \u201cIt\u2019s published fairly recently. Hmm, I think I saw this being sold in the bookshop.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess we should read it to see what the townsfolk know,\u201d said Jianjin, flipping back to the pages and reading it together with his brother by the lamplight.<\/p>\n

‘Have you ever felt a shiver down your spine when you walk down a quiet street?<\/em><\/p>\n

Are you hearing voices or sounds in the night?<\/em><\/p>\n

Perhaps one of your chickens has mysteriously disappeared from your coop?<\/em><\/p>\n

It could be wild wolves.<\/em><\/p>\n

Or could it be the work of evil spirits and demons?<\/em><\/p>\n

Actually, it\u2019s probably just wolves.<\/em><\/p>\n

But in case it\u2019s not\u2026then\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

Do you pray to the gods for protection?<\/em><\/p>\n

Or do you\u2026pray for evil to simply not look your way?<\/em><\/p>\n

There\u2019s a phenomenon sweeping the towns these days. Instead of just praying for protection, some towns and villages have built hidden shrines to the very villain who commanded both spirits and demons\u2014Lord Divine Retribution!<\/em><\/p>\n

Most of the worshippers we have interviewed have said they do it to appease the restless spirit of Lord Divine Retribution lest he turns his eye upon them.<\/em><\/p>\n

So. Who exactly is this Lord Divine Retribution?<\/em><\/p>\n

Most know him as the Hermit Moon Peak Lord of the Border Mountains Sect. Some of you might have heard the rumours of how he channels spirits and commands demons.<\/em><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s have a rundown of five things we know about the former Hermit Moon Peak Lord!<\/em><\/p>\n

One! <\/em><\/p>\n

Although the Hermit Moon Peak Lord has been given the name of ‘Lingzhu’, no one knows his original name or surname.<\/em><\/p>\n

Two!<\/p>\n

The Hermit Moon Peak Lord holds the record for youngest Peak Lord of the Border Mountains Sect, having become one at just eighteen years of age.<\/em><\/p>\n

Three!<\/em><\/p>\n

Any disciple who has stayed (briefly) at the Hermit Moon Peak will tell you this: \u2018We do not speak of our time at the Hermit Moon Peak\u2026\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

Four!<\/em>
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

The Lords of the Border Mountains Sect were asked to give their opinions. Four refused to comment. General Ye of the Mad Tiger Peak says it is a shame the Hermit Moon Peak is sealed off as it provided good training opportunities for her disciples.<\/em><\/p>\n

Five!<\/em><\/p>\n

The Hermit Moon Peak Lord had just a single disciple. His peers have praised him for his selfless sacrifice for volunteering to take such a notorious man as his Shizun. That selfless disciple is now the silver-haired, mysterious Fallen Leaves Valley Lord Di Mie who is currently a five-time winner of our Popularity Poll!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cUrp,\u201d said Jianjin. \u201cThis book is just gossip…and this section is about our Di Shibo*. I\u2019m almost too scared to read it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

*shibo = senior uncle<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just speculative gossip. I\u2019m sure it\u2019s, uh, not worth reading,\u201d said Jianshi, but soon his curiosity won over and he sidled up next to his brother to join him in his reading.<\/p>\n

\u201cCustomers, your buns,\u201d said Xie Li, putting a plate of reheated buns on the counter in front of them. Do you want to eat them in your room?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so hungry I\u2019m just gonna eat now\u2014ow, hot, hot!\u201d said Jianjin, grabbing and juggling a hot bun in his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, sorry for flipping through your book without asking you,\u201d said Jianshi, taking a bun himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cMm,\u201d shrugged the waiter, in a not-so-waiterly manner.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, are these books popular?\u201d Jianjin asked the waiter.<\/p>\n

Xie Li put a finger to his lip as he recalled, \u201cUncle Niu said the bookshops here sell out within three days of restocking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWoah, that\u2019s impressive,\u201d said Jianjin.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, waiter,\u201d said Jianshi, as if remembering something. \u201cOur senior should be arriving tomorrow. We’d like to reserve one more room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d said Xie Li.<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

After the two retreated to their rooms, Xie Li continued his leisure reading by a lamp, pouring hot water into a teapot as he sat on a stool at the counter.<\/p>\n

Auntie Ma was resting in her room at the back of the inn, probably working on one of her crafting projects.<\/p>\n

The tea was a new batch delivered to the inn just this morning and the smell of osmanthus wafted into the air as he brewed a cup.<\/p>\n

He flipped to the next page of the gossip booklet and took a sip of his tea, tapping his fingers lightly against the counter.<\/p>\n

\u2019Now for the hot facts about the Fallen Leaves Valley Lord, Di Mie!<\/em><\/p>\n

This is how one of our colleagues describes him in a poem:<\/em><\/p>\n

Silver hair and shadow veils
\nHe walks in as the starlight pales
\n<\/em>A breeze picks up and he stops awhile<\/em>
\nAnd gives the moon a heartfelt smile<\/em><\/p>\n

However, this colleague has not described Di Mie in battle, so we shall publish that in the next issue!<\/em><\/p>\n

If there\u2019s one thing that stands out (everything stands out!) about Valley Lord Di, it would be his mysterious and famous moonlight silver hair.<\/em><\/p>\n

The story goes that shortly after the Calamity, Di Mie, the sole disciple of the Hermit Moon Peak, had returned to the Border Mountains only to hear of his master\u2019s treacherous deeds.<\/em><\/p>\n

In a single night, his black hair turned silver from the outrage of having such a villain for a master!<\/em><\/p>\n

He sealed off Hermit Moon Peak and went out into the lands, saving people and banishing demons.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ah, the valley of fallen leaves that guard the forbidden Hermit Moon Peak, how poetic!<\/em><\/p>\n

Here’s the lowdown on how to spot this Valley Lord: Look out for a tall, dashing man in black, wearing a veiled hat, and of course, that mysterious silver hair!<\/em><\/p>\n

Xie Li huffed quietly, amused at the gossip booklet\u2019s illustration.<\/p>\n

As he turned to the next page, in walked a tall customer.<\/p>\n

In black.<\/p>\n

Wearing a veiled hat.<\/p>\n

And of course, that mysterious silver hair…<\/p>\n

“Hm?” said Xie Li, holding up the booklet to check.<\/p>\n

In the warm glow of the inn’s lanterns and lamps, the man walked up to the counter as the waiter triple-checked the booklet’s description.<\/p>\n

“Seems accurate,” concluded Xie Li.<\/p>\n

Xie Li put down his book and looked up at the famous Valley Lord, Di Mie. He put on a smile and said the customer service lines he had practised.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood evening, customer, are you looking for a room?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m looking for two disciples from the Border Mountains. Are they staying here?\u201d said Di Mie, his voice a gentle baritone. He looked around the rather well-lit inn, observing the surroundings, hardly paying any attention to the waiter.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you the senior they said would be coming here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Di Mie.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey reserved a room for you. Let me show you to your room,\u201d said Xie Li, coming out from behind the counter with a lamp.<\/p>\n

The man nodded and followed the waiter up the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is your room. The two customers from the Border Mountains are in the room next door,\u201d said the waiter, opening the door to the reserved room.<\/p>\n

Di Mie grabbed Xie Li\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

Xie Li froze.<\/p>\n

Di Mie frowned, and let go.<\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow\u2019s me can deal with this,\u201d said Di Mie, taking off his hat and veil. He glared at Xie Li one more time, then slammed the door in his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Translator\u2019s Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A note about their names:<\/p>\n

Calling someone with an \u2018Ah-\u2019 in front of their name is a sort of endearment, common among family and close friends.<\/p>\n

For example, Auntie Ma calls her nephew Xie Li \u2018Ah-Li\u2019 and Jianshi calls his younger brother \u2018Ah-Jin\u2019. However, Jianjin calls Jianshi \u2018older brother\u2019 as in Chinese culture, it\u2019s rude to call your elders by name.<\/p>\n

Meaning of their names<\/p>\n

Xie Li \u8c22\u79bb
\nXie is a common surname, but the name as a whole means \u2018Grateful Departure\u2019
\n(or you can just call him \u2018Thanks Bye\u2019…wwww)<\/p>\n

Di Mie \u72c4\u706d
\nDi is just a surname, Mie means \u2018destroy\u2019.<\/p>\n

Jianshi \u6361\u77f3 , Jianjin : \u6361\u91d1
\nTheir surname is Chen \u9648 Jianshi and Jianjin mean \u2018pick stone\u2019 and \u2018pick gold\u2019 respectively.<\/p>\n

Auntie Ma : her name is the character for \u2018horse\u2019
\nOld Niu : his name is the character for \u2018cow\u2019<\/p>\n

About the novel and translation: My Hermit Master \u6211\u7684\u5b64\u50fb\u5e08\u5c0a is a BL series by author \u91ce\u9992\u5934 Yemantou (pronounced Yeh-mahn-toe, meaning \u2018Wild Bun\u2019)<\/p>\n

\u2018\u5b64\u50fb\u2018 means withdrawn, reclusive, eccentric, hermit-like, or antisocial. I’ve used ‘Hermit’ when describing related terms\/names as it sounds better!<\/p>\n

Thank you for reading the first chapter of this translation! Please give the next few chapters a chance!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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A young man sitting next to the fire offered to entertain them. \u201cTell us the story of the Hermit Moon Peak!\u201d \u201cOh, that one\u2019s scary, aren\u2019t you afraid of not being able to sleep?\u201d…\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/amarukei.com\/?p=57\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Kei's Novels\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-01-13T16:16:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-11-15T16:29:05+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"25 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/amarukei.com\\\/?p=57#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/amarukei.com\\\/?p=57\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"admin\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/amarukei.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/f608dfc2d071c0362d53d7b15302ff50\"},\"headline\":\"MHM Prologue + Chapter 1: A Night At The Inn\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-01-13T16:16:53+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-11-15T16:29:05+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/amarukei.com\\\/?p=57\"},\"wordCount\":5788,\"commentCount\":0,\"articleSection\":[\"My Hermit Master\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/amarukei.com\\\/?p=57#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/amarukei.com\\\/?p=57\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/amarukei.com\\\/?p=57\",\"name\":\"MHM Prologue + Chapter 1: A Night At The Inn - Kei's Novels\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/amarukei.com\\\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2022-01-13T16:16:53+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-11-15T16:29:05+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/amarukei.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/f608dfc2d071c0362d53d7b15302ff50\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/amarukei.com\\\/?p=57#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/amarukei.com\\\/?p=57\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/amarukei.com\\\/?p=57#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/amarukei.com\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"MHM Prologue + Chapter 1: A Night At The Inn\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/amarukei.com\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/amarukei.com\\\/\",\"name\":\"Kei's Novels\",\"description\":\"A little something to go with your tea\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/amarukei.com\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/amarukei.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/f608dfc2d071c0362d53d7b15302ff50\",\"name\":\"admin\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/b07769f29990224151993705286efb58dfab6597ad22f0968a8066da1d5a53ae?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/b07769f29990224151993705286efb58dfab6597ad22f0968a8066da1d5a53ae?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/b07769f29990224151993705286efb58dfab6597ad22f0968a8066da1d5a53ae?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"admin\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/amarukei.com\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/amarukei.com\\\/?author=1\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"MHM Prologue + Chapter 1: A Night At The Inn - Kei's Novels","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/amarukei.com\/?p=57","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"MHM Prologue + Chapter 1: A Night At The Inn - Kei's Novels","og_description":"Prologue: The Rumours Of The Hermit Moon Peak Lord On a dark and rainy night, a group of travellers sought shelter from the storm in an abandoned temple. 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