Chronicles of Cosmic Vicissitudes I
Title Page Inscription
The universe yet undetermined, who will control its rise and fall? We heroes match our names with heaven! Mountains and rivers endure, dynasties rise and fall, Singing with wine in hand, heroic spirit shall last forever.
Preface
This book serves as the record of heroes of our Cosmic Sect, first compiled by Bai Yu, the "Scholar of Hanshan" and second-generation disciple of our Sect, documenting the heroic deeds of his peers: "Golden Xu" Xu Fengming, "Scholar of Hanshan" Bai Yu, "Lady San Geng" Bai Mingyue, and (smudged unclear) heroic journeys. Later disciples may add records of the sect's heroes, so that our Cosmic lineage may be renowned for eternity.
Golden Xu Chapter
Xu Fengming, a native of Yuhang, was born in luxury yet harbored a chivalrous heart. In his youth, he studied under a recluse master, learning the "Heavenstrike." Naturally refined with the quality of orchids and the purity of snow and ice, he despised the ill omen of weapons and discarded them, choosing gold as his weapon instead, earning the name "Golden Xu."
He traversed the Martial World, intervening whenever he witnessed injustice. One day, in Cizhou, hearing of bandits bullying people, the Young Master rode alone through the rain to confront them. The bandits, cunning and numerous, surrounded him. Trapped and with his life hanging by a thread, he showed no fear. Laughing and talking, he executed the Heavenstrike, launching four gold coins simultaneously at the four bandit leaders, who died instantly as blood splattered their high seats.
The remaining bandits scattered in terror. The Young Master calmly declared, "You must surrender to the Magistrate's Office by noon tomorrow, or face the same fate as this monument." With that, he walked away. As the bandits exchanged glances, a loud crash echoed, shattering the stone monument in the hall. A brave soul stepped forward to find a single gold coin resting atop the rubble. Silence filled the hall, broken only by the sound of hooves receding into the rain.
Before dawn the next day, the bandits flocked to the magistrate's office, eager to confess, fearing they might be too late. The event became a legend, yet the Young Master of vanished without seeking fame.
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The Young Master's chivalrous deeds are countless. At the time of this writing, he had just turned twenty. With youthful ambition like soaring clouds and a long road ahead in the martial world, he will surely rise like a great roc on the ascending wind and swim like a dragon in the blue sea. I leave this space blank for future additions to his story.
Scholar of Hanshan Chapter
Bai Yu, originally from Cizhou, lost his family and wandered with Mingyue to Cangzhou, where they were saved by a master who, recognizing his potential, took him as a disciple and taught him martial arts. Bai Yu loved books and was rarely seen without one, often forgetting to eat when engrossed in reading. He often said, "I am simply a leisurely person outside the mundane world, acting as a scholar amidst heaven and earth," earning his name. He enjoyed watching birds and once built a hut by Mirror Lake, living harmoniously with them. Over time, they became accustomed to each other, inspiring him to write: "Idle flowers fall beyond the dust, reflections clear in the mirror. Long have I sat without scheming, people come, and gulls remain unalarmed."
One day, while observing the scenery at Mirror Lake, a sudden rain scattered the birds. Light as drifting catkins yet powerful as thunder, Bai Yu had an epiphany, later creating the "Feather" technique, using the softest, lightest feather to pierce the hardest stone. His windstride was unparalleled, often soaring in the air like falling snow, earning him the name "Snowfall on Hanshan."
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The Scholar of Hanshan possessed a natural temperament lacking in calculation. He avoided disputes, seeking only peace and tranquility. Without great ambitions or possessions, he had only a worn brush with which he could dip in his loyal heart's blood to write about heroes across the land. Fearing his inadequacy, he first practiced writing for the Cosmic Sect. Fortunately, his martial brothers were generous and did not reject him from their brotherhood.
Lady San Geng Chapter
Bai Mingyue, Bai Yu's younger sister, joined the Cosmic Sect with him. Mingyue loved reading the legend of Lady Li, often saying, "Women have their heroes too, who can sweep away the barbarian dust and bring peace. One day, when grievances are redressed, I shall ride to protect peace!" Though she never had the chance to guard the borders, she ventured into the Martial World, performing many chivalrous acts.
Mingyue arrived at Peach Blossom Isle, hearing of a notorious flower thief who terrorized the area, leaving women in fear. She devised a plan, using provocation to lure the thief into her trap. At the third watch, with dark clouds covering the moon, Mingyue sat elegantly by the window, her beauty outshining the peach blossoms, which seemed to blush in shame. The thief arrived as expected, striking ruthlessly, but Mingyue was prepared. Her flying blades extinguished the candlelight, and in an instant, her figure vanished into the night, leaving the room in eerie silence, where even a pin drop could be heard. Suddenly, a sharp blade cut through the air, forcing the thief to retreat. Three more blades followed, pinning him to the corner, unable to move.
As the clouds parted and the moon appeared, Mingyue approached with a flower in hand, smiling enigmatically, "I hear you are skilled at picking flowers; here is a branch for you, take it." The flower thief was terrified, as if seeing a ghost.
At dawn, passersby peered through the window, gasping in horror. The thief was pinned to the wall by blades, a peach blossom at his chest, red as blood. Thus, Mingyue earned the name "Lady San Geng."
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Mingyue was skilled at both drinking and brewing wine, her life's pride being three jars of spring wine: Jade Ribbon Spring, Snow-Clearing Spring, and Peach Blossom Spring. Jade Ribbon Spring was opened for a farewell; Snow-Clearing Spring was hidden in Cangzhou, to be opened when the Bai family's name is cleared; Peach Blossom Spring was sealed at Peach Blossom Isle, to be opened when the Cosmic Sect flourishes, when all disciples gather to drink and sing truly one of life's greatest pleasures.