Blood-Stained Love Chapter 33

Lin Lin saw how the two young *hwesio* had fled helter-skelter upon seeing their two martial uncles collapse. Since those two young *hwesio* were the instigators of the fight, and those two *hwesio* were truly insolent, Lin Lin became extremely angry and her body flashed, giving chase. She saw a shadow quickly flash beside her as well. Knowing that the snub-nosed youth did not want to lose, Lin Lin exerted her *gin-kang* and in the next moment, she had arrived behind the two *hwesio*. Her sword swept out, and the two *hwesio* screamed, collapsing and tumbling down. The two young *hwesio* were wounded in their thighs. Because she considered the two *hwesio* to be utterly wicked, Lin Lin moved her sword again, intending to kill them.

"Clanggg"

Sparks flew when her sword met the sword in Lie Bok Liong's hand.

"Miss, please do not kill them. They are *hwesio* of *Siauw-lim*."

"*Hwesio Siauw-lim* or *hwesio* of the heavens, who cares? They are wicked; if the old *hwesio* of *Siauw-lim-pai* defend them, it means they are wicked too."

"*Omitohud*... harsh, but its truth must be acknowledged..."

A soft voice was heard, and suddenly, standing before them was an old *hwesio* whose beard was completely white, yet his face was still fresh and ruddy like a young man's. This *hwesio* wore a yellow robe, held a monk's staff, and his gaze held influence and full authority. Seeing this *hwesio*, Lie Bok Liong immediately raised both hands to his chest in respect.

"Venerable Master Cheng Hie *Losuhu*, it is a great coincidence that *Losuhu* has arrived. We two young people have had a disagreement with some disciples of the *Siauw-lim-pai*; we hope *Losuhu* can provide wisdom."

"*Lie-sicu* need not be so reserved. I, the old *Pinceng*, have seen and heard everything. Indeed, *Pinceng* has heard of the mischief of these four disciples, but only now have I seen the proof."

He then shifted his gaze to Lin Lin and said,

"Miss, your skill is formidable for someone as young as you. It is truly fitting that the Yellow Iron Sword is in your hands. These two rebellious *Siauw-lim-pai* disciples have wronged you; I hope Miss is willing to forgive them, and I will be the one to punish them later."

Lin Lin was greatly startled. This old *hwesio* could know everything, even about her sword—the sword stolen from the palace armory. He must be someone of high cultivation, she thought. She was indeed angry at the two insolent *hwesio*, but now that a leader of the *Siauw-lim-pai* was handling the matter and intended to punish them, she was satisfied.

"It is up to *Losuhu*. I trust *Losuhu* will truly deliver a heavy punishment; otherwise, it means *Losuhu* is aiding the wicked."

The old *hwesio*'s face turned slightly pale, but he merely laughed and bowed. Lie Bok Liong then invited Lin Lin to leave,

"Let us go. Now that Venerable Master Cheng Hie *Losuhu* is here, they will certainly receive their due. Venerable Master Cheng Hie *Losuhu* is known as the guardian of the conduct and actions of the *Siauw-lim-pai* disciples, and the *kang-ouw* world knows well his wisdom and justice. *Losuhu*, permit us to depart."

Cheng Hie *Hwesio* moved his hand, nodding repeatedly.

"Go... go carefully, young people. My prayers and blessings accompany you both..."

Lin Lin was stunned, wanting to get angry at the snub-nosed youth. How presumptuous, she thought, inviting her along as if she were a travel companion. They weren't even acquainted. However, seeing the *hwesio*'s extremely refined and kind demeanor, she felt uncomfortable causing a scene in front of him.

She nodded and walked away with Lie Bok Liong, who was leading his horse. For a long time, they walked side-by-side, silent, not speaking, not even glancing at each other. It was as if they had forgotten that another person was walking beside them. Of course, that was not the truth of the matter. Bok Liong was instantly captivated by this lively girl, and he walked along deep in thought, marveling at the change within his own heart—why he felt this strange sensation, something he had never experienced in his life. As for Lin Lin, she was gathering words to attack this presumptuous snub-nosed youth once they were far from the old *hwesio*. After they emerged from the forest and were on a very quiet road, Lin Lin suddenly stopped and said sharply,

"Now, there is no one who will stop us from settling the score."

The youth seemed to awaken from a dream. He turned and looked at her in surprise.

"Settling the score? What score, Miss?"

"What score? You pretend to ask again. You challenged me earlier to a race to take down those two garrulous *hwesio*. Who won? Me. Then the old *Siauw-lim-pai hwesio* praised me and apologized. Praised whom and apologized to whom? Me. But you ordered me to follow you. Arrogant!"

Bok Liong quickly bowed, his attitude sincere.

"Miss, please do not joke around anymore. Forgive me if my attitude and words have offended you. I, Lie Bok Liong, am a true man, and I see that your actions prove you are an admirable female hero. Therefore, please accept my respect, Miss, and until death, I will never dare to raise a weapon against you again. I admit defeat and surrender."

Lin Lin's nature was indeed strange. In all things, she never wanted to lose. If someone was harsh toward her, she would not be outdone in harshness; if someone was fierce, she would be even fiercer. Now that Bok Liong adopted a humble and yielding attitude with a sincere voice and serious face, she also did not want to be outdone.

"Well, you were the arrogant one earlier. Actually, I have no enmity whatsoever with someone like you. I know you are not a wicked person, but if I don't act tough, people won't know my prowess. Well, I ask for your understanding if I acted stiffly earlier. Regardless, you helped me face those filthy *hwesio*."

Bok Liong's heart pounded. How delighted he was to see that this lively, fierce young lady could also speak kindly. He suppressed his smile and spoke again.

"Miss, thank you for your understanding. We are friends, something I have greatly desired since I saw you thrash those garrulous *hwesio* in the forest. Once again, my name is Lie Bok Liong. Although I am not a major figure in the *kang-ouw* world, I know almost all the *kang-ouw* figures, except for great young figures like you. May I know your name and nickname? Frankly, I, who know much about martial arts, know the foundations of the fighting styles of the *Go-bi-pai*, *Kun-lun-pai*, *Siauw-lim-pai*, *Hoa-san-pai*, and many other martial sects, but I am completely blind to your extraordinary martial arts, Miss."

Lin Lin felt like she was floating on a cloud, so proud and happy was she to hear the sincere words of praise coming from the youth's mouth. After she looked him over, this snub-nosed youth's face was also attractive and pleasant; his demeanor was honest and polite, not two-faced or flattering—the natural attitude of someone who wears his heart on his sleeve. A feeling of fondness arose in her heart, accompanied by great trust. Moreover, she had heard earlier that Bok Liong knew almost all the *kang-ouw* figures. Who knows, perhaps this youth could tell her about the Golden Flute, or perhaps even about her elder brother, Bu Song. Her face instantly brightened, her eyes sparkled, and her sweet lips smiled, making the youth feel how suddenly his knees went weak and trembled.

Indeed, the power of romance beginning to gnaw at a young man's heart is formidable. Only the young man concerned can feel it himself. When a young man is in love, especially when he is just falling in love, everything about the girl he loves seems extraordinarily magnificent. A sharp glance exceeds a treasured sword, directly piercing the chest and passing through the back.

The smile of a pair of moist red lips is like a thousand intoxicating sweetnesses of honey, making his head spin seven times with blurred vision. The gleam of neat white teeth, only briefly visible behind the fresh pair of lips, is more potent than a flash of lightning that strikes the head directly, entering the body and penetrating all the way to the bone marrow. It is not too surprising that Bok Liong stood with trembling knees when he faced Lin Lin's radiant face.

"Do you think I am blind?"

Thus, Lin Lin began her words, which now sounded sweet, completely devoid of sharpness.

"I, too, knew upon meeting you once that you are not a wicked person, but I had to be sure first. *Twako*... yes, it's better I call you *Twako*, because you are certainly older than *Sin-ko*. Eh, how old are you, anyway?"

Bok Liong couldn't help but smile; after the girl adopted this playful attitude, he felt that the sunlight had become brighter than before.

"I am almost twenty-two years old."

"Well, my guess was right. *Sin-ko* is only twenty, and I myself am only seventeen. Where was I? Oh yes, about names. My name is Lin Lin, surname... Kam."

"Kam Lin Lin... your name is truly beautiful, Miss."

"Hmph, if you keep calling me 'Miss' and all that, I will call you 'Sir.' What do you think, Great Sir?"

Bok Liong burst into laughter, then was surprised. As far as he could recall, this was the first time he had laughed so loudly, until his eyes watered. Truly astonishing. What was happening to him?

"Well, what should I call you? Ah, you are right. You call me *Twako*, so you are my younger sister, *Moi-moi*."

"Now, that's better for conversation. I wouldn't want to chat like this with a 'Sir.' It's different with an elder brother..."

"You mean, with a good friend like an elder brother,"

Bok Liong interrupted.

"It's the same, what's the difference? *Twako*, I saw that your martial arts were also very formidable. Who is your teacher?"

If anyone else had asked this, Bok Liong certainly would not have explained. During his time in the *kang-ouw* world, only a few major figures knew whose disciple this formidable youth was. However, toward Lin Lin, who had simultaneously captured his heart and soul, he dared not lie, let alone not answer. He feared that the girl, who was now "tamed" and kind to him, would rage again and become his enemy. There was no greater or more terrible misfortune for him at that moment than to be opposed by Lin Lin.

"Miss... eh, Lin-*moi*. My teacher is known by a very simple name; in fact, others, including myself, never knew his name because he only introduced his surname, which is Gan. Because of this, in the *kang-ouw* world, he is known as *Gan-lopek* (Old Man Gan)."

The smile on Lin Lin's lips widened.

"*Gan-lopek*? Hee-hee. The never-bathing clown with the big butt, whose mustache and beard are used as ant nests, and who is most afraid of worms and snakes? Hee-hee-hee, I feel tickled just remembering him."

Lin Lin covered her mouth with her left hand to hide her laughter. Bok Liong widened his large eyes,

"What? You have seen my Master?"

Lin Lin shook her head, suppressing her giggles. It took her a moment before she could speak.

"I only heard the story from the bald, hoe-like grandfather. Wow, the grandfather and I laughed until my stomach hardened and the grandfather fell tumbling from the tree branch."