3 Chapter 1-1: The Riders

Tracing the silhouette of the mountain is a layer of golden hue endowed by the Spring sun. It is the best season of the year. The willows along the narrow dirt road are just starting to sprout as the wind gently sweeps down from the valleys of the mountain. On the road is a group of five riders, all dressed in uniform light green cloaks, travelling northwards. If one looks closely, they will notice that the travellers are all carrying long swords on their back. Any martial artists dwelling nearby the Eastern Mountain knows what this means----- the swordsmen are running errands for the Si Xiang Sect.

But this group today is different from the regular convoys that escorts carriages loaded with weapons and fortunes. The five riders have chosen to pack lights, each carrying only a small leather sack attached to the side of the horses' saddles. The group is also rather young looking in comparison with the usual convoy guards. A young couple rides at the front of the pack, both in their early twenties, not hiding their excitement of travelling together at all. The three following them are three slightly younger looking, with a girl in the late teens and two boys around the same age.

"We have to ride faster, Wu Qing" said the women in front of the group, "or else we won't make it in time for lunch." "Yue, I know," replied the young men named Wu Qing, riding besides her, "but this view is just sublime. We will arrive at the city of Ping in time if we hurry later. But for now, let's switch up the pace a bit and just enjoy the view for a little longer." "I agree with Wu Qing." came a voice from behind, "You are a little too tense, Yue. We have been on the rush for three days already. Don't you think we need a rest?" "Well, just because Wu Qing is Master Lu Xun's son doesn't mean you have to agree with everything he says," Yue let out a sigh and continued, "I remembered there is a tea house ahead. We can make a quick stop there to catch some breath and enjoy the view. But you have to promise...." "Yes, yes, we will hurry afterwards, " Wu Qing finished the sentence for her, not withholding the grin on his face, "I can't wait for this errand to finish."