Gory Pearl of Doom: Gory Pearl of Doom Trilogy, #1

By Gary W. Feather

She's paid to kill. But no coin in this fabled continent will be enough to stop this wicked foe's bloody assault.

China, 343 BC. Lady Jin's blade shows no mercy. But the scintillating swordswoman is devastated when her sharp combat skills can't protect her loyal apprentice in battle. Offered the opportunity to resurrect someone she cares about, she's forced to choose between her dedicated ward and the former lover she herself killed.

When she makes the agonizing decision to revive her unswerving novice, they're quickly pitted against an evil thousand-year-old wizard assembling an army of flesh-eating ghouls. And with the fiend's ultimate goal to awaken a powerful dragon, Lady Jin must defeat an unstoppable foe if she's to preserve thousands of lives…

Will this assassin-for-hire's unpaid mission save the Middle Kingdom from a bloodthirsty demise?

Gory Pearl of Doom is the fast-paced first book in the Gory Pearl of Doom fantasy trilogy. If you like gutsy heroines, graphic warfare, and mystical powers, then you'll love Gary W. Feather's over-the-top adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Interstellar Bushido Publishing
• Release date: Nov 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223682011

Book preview

Chapter one

343 B.C. China’s Warring States period.

Now the few competing nation-states no longer pretended to respect the Zhou king, and their rulers called themselves kings. During this time of turmoil, demons, ghouls, vampires, and other forces of darkness fell upon the land. Humans fought this evil as they always have done with courage, perseverance, and heart. – Floating Peony Lessons by Red Dove.

After handing off their horses to a stable boy, a servant woman led Lady Jin and her apprentice One-eyed Nü into the mansion. They entered a courtyard that featured a pond and flower garden to Lady Jin’s left. After passing through the courtyard, the servant led them into the main building. The servant opened a door and ushered them inside.

Several men and one old woman waited for them. Lady Jin quickly guessed Li Bo to be the middle-aged man seated on a large, brown cushion and dressed in a blue silk robe. He had gray hair and a thin gray mustache. He looked Lady Jin over with stern eyes that betrayed neither desire nor disgust. I feel a little underdressed. I should have waited long enough to change into a nice dress rather than meet him in my riding clothes. She had haggled off couple of good nomad pants and shirts for herself and One-eyed Nü from a trader of the Xiang Nü tribes last year. It still smelled of dust and sweat from the road. Unlike Li Bo, the other men in the room were armed. Three men held spears and stood behind Li Bo. The fourth man stood aloof and by himself, his weapon of choice a sword.

I am Madam Zheng. Li Bo’s head servant. The old woman bowed to Lady Jin. Lady Jin returned the bow, but with her right fist covered by her left cupped hand. Nü bowed after her teacher had bowed and in the same manner.

I am Lady Jin. This is my apprentice One-eyed Nü.

I give you the honor of meeting the honorable Magistrate Li Bo. Madam Zheng gestured respectfully to Li Bo, who nodded to Lady Jin, but not to Nü. A respected elder of Duan and the Wei magistrate for Duan and the surrounding area.

We are honored to meet Magistrate Li Bo. Lady Jin bowed again with hand over fist.

Thank you, Li Bo replied. I am in need of a skilled warrior. My life and the lives of all the people of Duan are in danger. An evil man named Su Mao is gathering warriors under his banner. It is said that he worships demons that desire human sacrifice. Many people, especially children have recently disappeared, and I suspect he is responsible. Everyone fears this man and his power over others. I need a great warrior to kill him. I will pay a good price for his dea-

The strange man with a sword laughed arrogantly. I told you, old man! I will kill him. Why do you wish to waste your money on this whore! Do you want her to screw him to death? I will kill him with this sword of mine. He twirled his sword overhead.

Put that away! Madam Zheng snapped. You’re rude.

One of the men with a spear moved from behind Li Bo into a fighting stance. His spear pointed at the swordsman, who ignored him. The swordsman was snarling at Lady Jin.

You should leave, Lady Jin calmly said without touching the hilt of her sword. You shouldn’t upset the magistrate.

Magistrate? Magistrate my ass! the swordsman laughed. This old fool is only slightly wealthier than the average farmer around this worthless town.

Then why do you want to work for him? Lady Jin sensed he was trying to get up enough nerve to attack her.

I need the job, bitch. His hand shook a little, until he twirled his sword a few more times in an attempt to frighten Lady Jin. When it didn’t work, he attacked without offering a challenge.

Lady Jin dodged his angry attack before drawing her sword. He swung wildly at her with his sword twirling like an out-of-control wheel. She blocked. She dodged. Lady Jin slashed his thigh as he went by her. Lady Jin spun and cut his ribs. Deep enough for her sword-tip to slice into the lower lungs. Lady Jin knew what she had done. He wouldn’t die right now, but she knew that some people did die of such wounds. Yet he could still kill me, if I don’t end this soon.

The man was breathing hard from the wound and his own wasteful exertion. Lady Jin stabbed towards his heart. He blocked it. Harder than he should have. The fool is wasting his energy. A sword feint to his groin. His sword went down to block. She slapped his sword with her blade to keep it down before Lady Jin pierced his heart.

The man gasped and dropped to his knees. His sword fell with a clang and bang. The scent of feces entered Lady Jin’s nostrils. This sometimes happened to even the bravest of men when they died. Lady Jin grabbed the man’s shoulder. She pulled her sword free. The man fell face forward.

The three spearmen were pointing their weapons at her. Lady Jin bowed to Li Bo with her point aimed at the ground. Li Bo waved to his men. They set the butts of their spears on the ground. Lady Jin wiped her blade clean with her rag.

I’m sorry about the mess, Magistrate Li Bo. Lady Jin put her sword away.

Li Bo laughed and slapped his knee. You are sorry? He smiled at Madam Zheng and nodded. I think she is the one.

As you wish. Madam Zheng bowed deeply.

Li Bo stopped laughing. Lady Jin felt his stern gaze upon her again. 30 silver Wei coins.

200. Lady Jin gave him her stern look in return.

40.

185.

50.

You need me, Lady Jin added. 180.

110.

I accept, Magistrate Li Bo. Lady Jin bowed with palm over fist.

Good. Li Bo nodded. Madam Zheng, go get the papers to sign.

Yes, magistrate.

After the papers were signed along with a blood sacrifice of a sheep, Li Bo told Madam Zheng to give them a room in the women’s quarters.

#

Now with a yellow dress on, Lady Jin went to the Duan marketplace. Nü stopped to look at a two-headed spear as a blacksmith bragged about it. Nü was dressed in a green dress with a green eye patch over where her left eye used to be. Lady Jin’s eyes scanned the area for danger and saw a familiar face. Snake-tongue. Still a handsome man, though he had a few gray hairs now. His muscles were still hard and strong. He moved among the simple farmers and merchants with the gait of a tiger. Lady Jin forgot Nü and went to him.

Snake-tongue?

Lady Jin, it has been ages since I saw you last. He smiled. There were more wrinkles on his face than the last time she had ridden with him…or were those wrinkles around his eyes a sign of sleep deprivation? His eyes were strange. Lady Jin couldn’t put her finger on it, but she knew something felt wrong.

How do you feel, Snake-tongue?

Great, Snake-tongue said. I heard you were in Duan.

He brushed her hair off her shoulder. There was a red bracelet on his bicep.

Who’s the girl?

Lady Jin noticed that Nü had followed her. This is my apprentice One-eyed Nü. Nü, this is an old friend of mine, Snake-tongue.

Pleased to meet you, Snake-tongue. Nü adjusted her eye patch and bowed. Snake-tongue bowed back in return. My mistress told me about you.

Oh, she did? Snake-tongue smiled at them both.

Not much, Lady Jin added. Just an adventure tale or two.

I see.

Lady Jin noticed some armed men wearing red bracelets on their biceps, walking among the people. Everyone feared them. The men pushed and shoved people around. They also snatched anything they wanted. Local gang? Mercenary band? What’s Snake-tongue up to? One of the men tried to steal a plucked chicken from an old woman. She smacked him on the head with a wooden spoon. The other men laughed at him. He grabbed the old woman and tossed her to the ground. He kicked her.

Your friend is upset, Snake-tongue said.

Lady Jin saw Nü run to the old woman’s defense. She kicked the man in the chest. The man fell on his butt to his friends’ delight. He jumped up. Nü drew her sword to wave in his face. He stepped back and drew two short swords. The blades were the length of his forearms, but were wider than Nü’s blade.

Watch out for both blades! Don’t focus too much on only one of them. Lady Jin couldn’t say it out loud, but she hoped that Nü remembered her training.

Nü swung low at the man’s knee to test his abilities. The man retreated before charging at her. One blade after another. Left. Right. Left. Right. Left. Right. Nü blocked the moves. He’s trying to create a rhythm. Hoping she’ll follow it and get sucked into it. Then surprise her with a move she won’t be ready for. Kind of amateurish, but effective. Don’t be fooled by him, girl!

The short swords went forward at once; one high and one low. Nü sidestepped with her blade vertical to ward off. Nü circled. People watched, but kept their distance. No one was bargaining over merchandise. The man charged. Nü slashed his forearm, but not deeply. Her next slash was blocked. He blocked her stab. He chopped. Nü sidestepped. She tripped his leg. Nü snatched his wrist. She twisted till he dropped a short sword. He swung his other sword at her from where he sat on the ground. Nü blocked it. He stood up. Nü used his momentum to help her swing him around. He slammed into the old woman’s market stall.

A boy who was helping the old woman poured some hot soup on the swordsman. The man screamed. The old woman tossed some feathers on the man. He ran off screaming. Everyone laughed. Including Snake-tongue and Lady Jin. Lady Jin reached for her sword when the other men with red bracelets started towards Nü with violent intent. Snake-tongue yelled at them and they didn’t attack.

Impressive girl, Lady Jin. Snake-tongue nodded. I’m sorry, but I’m working for Su Mao. I heard you’ve been hired by Li Bo to kill my boss. You do know I’ll have to kill you someday.

Lady Jin looked at him expressionless without a response.

A pity. Snake-tongue nodded with a sad face. He raised his right fist and covered it with his left hand then he bowed. She returned the bow in the same manner.

Lady Jin walked over to Nü, but glanced behind her at Snake-tongue a few times. He walked off to leave with the other men wearing red bracelets.

Well done, Nü. Lady Jin was happy to see her student clean her sword before sheathing it.

Thank you, mistress.

The old woman and boy walked to them and bowed. Lady Jin returned their simple peasant bow with a warrior’s left palm over right fist bow.

Thank you so much for defending us from that thug, the old woman said.

You’re welcome, grandmother, Nü replied with the ‘grandmother’ title to be polite to an elderly woman. He was very rude to you.

Yes. She nodded. And thank you again. This is my grandson Ko. I’ve been caring for him and his sister since their parents died, but now his sister has gone missing.

I’m sorry to hear, grandmother, Nü said.

Are you heroes? Wandering swordsmen? Ko blushed. Swordswomen. I mean.

Something like that. Lady Jin chuckled.

This is my teacher, Lady Jin, Nü said. I am One-eyed Nü.

Have you traveled to many places? Ko asked, his eyes wide. His grandmother patted his shoulder.

Yes. I have. Nü nodded. Though Lady Jin has been to even more places than I have.

Oooh.

They said goodbye to Ko and his grandmother and left the market. Will I have to kill Snake-tongue? I can’t. Could I disarm him?

Chapter two

I am the magistrate! Lady Jin heard Li Bo shout at the top of his lungs. She and Nü had returned to Li Bo’s mansion and heard a commotion going on inside. Lady Jin entered the courtyard with her right hand prepared to draw her sword.

Four men stood in front of the main building. Three of them were armed with swords and dressed in simple peasant clothes, with red arm bracelets; while the fourth man was dressed in colorful silk robes. Facing them on the steps were two of Li Bo’s men armed with spears. Above the steps was Magistrate Li Bo with a third spearman beside him. Lady Jin didn’t know what was going on, but she could feel the high level of tension in the air. A fight could start at any time.

Now, now, Magistrate Li Bo. I meant no disrespect. I wish you could see reason. There is no need for us to be enemies.

As long as I do what you wish. Li Bo shook his fist.

Lady Jin noticed Madam Zheng and a couple of servants watching from several feet behind the magistrate. Lady Jin walked closer and cleared her throat loudly to get their attention. Everyone jumped.

Who are you? demanded the strange man in colorful silk robes. Red, blue, green, orange, yellow, pink, and black. She counted six layers of multicolored silk robes. How can he stand it in this heat?

I am Lady Jin. Who are you?

I am Su Mao, he replied. He bowed. I’ve heard the magistrate has hired you to kill me.

That is between me and my employer, Su Mao. Lady Jin bowed deeply and politely in the peasant manner. When she stood up, her right hand was closer to her sword’s handle. Her hands didn’t shake or move. Though I am pleased to meet you and see what you look like.

I am also pleased to meet you. Su Mao smiled at her, though his eyes didn’t look friendly. You’re as pretty as Snake-tongue said you were. A pity I must order my men to kill you. Su Mao waved at two of his men. Mu! Xi! Kill her!

The two men walked towards Lady Jin with their swords pointed at her. Su Mao and his third man headed to the exit of the mansion. I suppose Li Bo’s men aren’t going to help. The men attacked her together. Lady Jin drew her sword to parry both blades with a twirling of her sword. She stepped back and Nü was beside her, eager to fight with her own sword. I’ll deal with the one on my right. You take the other.

Yes, mistress. Nü charged in with a thrust at one man.

Lady Jin blocked her opponent’s chop. She snaked her sword over his and pushed it down. Lady Jin flicked her sword up to slash his face. He stumbled back. His face bleeding. Not a kill, but that should slow him down. Not that he looks like a problem.

Mu or Xi? Lady Jin asked him.

Mu, the man grumbled.

Oh.

Mu attacked with a few basic cuts that were easy for Lady Jin to defeat. Lady Jin blocked a high stab and then a low stab. He’s so clumsy and slow! Did Su Mao just give a sword to a farmer? Still a clumsy fool could get lucky if I don’t finish him off soon. Her hair fell into her eyes and she had to flip it back with a head shake. I wish I had had time to pin my hair up or at least tie it back in a ponytail.

Lady Jin swung at his face then his sword hand. She missed by a mile on purpose. He retreated. Lady Jin charged. She stabbed at his groin and then his throat. He retreated against the wall. His back thumped the wall and he nearly dropped his sword. Lady Jin smirked. Mu saw it. He growled and charged like a fool. Lady Jin sidestepped wide, thus out of his way. She lunged at his side and pierced his heart.

The swordswoman worked to slow her breathing as she wiped her blade clean, though it hadn’t taken her too much effort to kill him. Lady Jin saw Nü finishing off the other man with a chop to the neck. He went down to his knees before falling on his face.

How are you, mistress?

I’m fine, Nü. Lady Jin sheathed her sword. Nü reached for her rag to clean her sword. Lady Jin looked to see Li Bo had returned inside the mansion with his men. Madam Zheng waited on the steps for them.

Please come this way, Lady Jin and your student. She waved them to follow. The elder servant led them back to the room where she had first met with Li Bo. Madam Zheng showed Lady Jin to a cushion she could sit on. Nü sat behind Lady Jin a bit to her left. Lady Jin bowed to Magistrate Li Bo, who sat on his larger cushion. His three men stood by him. Li Bo returned the bow.

Thank you, Lady Jin, the magistrate of Duan said. He shook his head violently. I can’t believe the arrogance of that man! To show up at my mansion like that.

True, Lady Jin said. At least I now know what Su Mao looks like, Magistrate Li Bo. That will make it easier for us to search for him.

Yes. I suppose that’s true. Li Bo nodded. Lady Jin noticed that he rubbed his hands together nervously. He didn’t do that the last time we met. Su Mao has obviously disturbed him.

Do you have any idea where Su Mao is living? Lady Jin asked.

I wish I did. Li Bo sighed. He rubbed his face with his hands. I have no idea where that bastard is living. I have heard rumors he lives in a cave or in a lake. But I…I don’t know. I’m sorry, Lady Jin.

In a lake like a dragon or worse? Lady Jin chose to keep those thoughts to herself.

That’s fine. Lady Jin smiled at him. I’ll keep trying. Most of his followers seem to wear those red bracelets, so they won’t be hard to spot.

Yes. Li Bo looked defeated to Lady Jin, but she thought she saw a glint of hope in his yes.

#

Where are we going now, mistress? Nü said as she followed Lady Jin through the street with her hands behind her back.

I’m going to look for Snake-tongue and see if I can’t talk him into helping us, Lady Jin explained. I want you to go back to the market to talk to the locals. See if you can find our new friends; Ko and his grandmother. We’ll meet at the temple of the goddess Xi Wang Mu later to talk about what we found out.

Yes, mistress.

#

Lady Jin entered the temple of Xi Wang Mu. She gave a coin to the priestess and knelt before the goddess’s statue. Lady Jin gave a quick prayer to the Mother of the West, as the goddess was known. When she stood up, she saw Nü waiting outside the temple. Lady Jin thanked the priestess and went to see her friend. Nü wasn’t devoted to the goddess as much as Lady Jin was. Sometimes they prayed to Chi You, the god of war.

Did you find out anything, mistress?

I found Snake-tongue with five of Su Mao’s men. Lady Jin sighed. He won’t quit working for Su Mao. They attacked me, but I got away from them.

He had five men with him. Why didn’t he challenge you one on one? Nü asked.

I don’t know. He seemed kind of strange.

What do you mean by strange?

I’m not sure how to explain it, Nü. Lady Jin shrugged. So. How did you do? Find out anything?

Yes. Nü smiled. I learned that Su Mao is supposed to frequent a certain brothel in Duan called Torn Flowers.

Well done, Nü, Lady Jin said. Though it sounds like a trap. We’ll need to be careful going there.

Yes, mistress.

Chapter three

After some searching, Lady Jin and Nü were able to find Torn Flowers. They entered the building to find every eye in the place aimed at them, both male and female. Many of the girls who’d been dancing stopped in their movements. Many of the men turned their eyes away from the dancers to gaze upon the newcomers. Two of the men looking at them were very familiar to Lady Jin.

Look everyone! It’s Lady Jin and her friend! Su Mao bellowed. He laughed. Su Mao had his left arm over a naked girl about Nü’s age, and he pointed with his right hand. Look, Snake-tongue! Isn’t she beautiful?

Yes, Master Su Mao, Snake-tongue agreed.

Did you come looking for me? Su Mao asked. Or the ladies here?

I came looking for you, Su Mao, Lady Jin snarled at him. Stop with your damn games.

Games? What games? Su Mao kissed the prostitute on the mouth. The girl giggled. Two other girls were dancing with fans to the flute music played by an old blind man in the corner.

Lady Jin felt the boiling anger rising in her body, but pushed it aside. Suddenly Nü lunged at Su Mao with her sword. Another man stepped in between them and blocked the girl’s sword. Impulsive girl!

Damn it! Lady Jin gritted her teeth and released her sword from its sheath.

Oh my! How rude! Su Mao laughed. Such a rude girl!

Two men attacked Lady Jin. She parried their violent attacks. Snake-tongue had his sword out, but he merely stood still. He was watching Nü fight. Leave her alone! Lady Jin went after her attackers with angry blows that put them on the defensive. They blocked her attacks fairly well. Lady Jin hacked through an arm. This man ran off, while the other kept on her. Lady Jin jumped to avoid a chop to the legs. With both hands she brought her blade down on his skull. It split halfway through the skull, but got stuck. He fell with her sword still in him.

Shit! Lady Jin looked up to see other men with red bracelets on their arms coming. She stepped on the dead man’s shoulder. She grabbed her sword and yanked. Come on! She yanked again. It’s free! Damn it! Lady Jin held up her bloody sword.

Su Mao was gone and so was Snake-tongue. A man lay dead at Nü’s feet.

Come on, Nü! Lady Jin tapped her friend with an elbow. Let’s get out of here!

Now side by side they retreated to the door. Lady Jin opened it. No one else in the place attacked them, though Lady Jin cautiously watched for another attack. She slipped out of the place. Nü slammed the door shut.

Where did they go, mistress?

There they are! Lady Jin pointed.

They chased after Su Mao and Snake-tongue, until Snake-tongue stopped. He faced Lady Jin.

Are you ready to fight me, Lady Jin? Snake-tongue held up his sword.

He’s ready to fight me. Am I?

Lady Jin retreated from him. I can’t fight you. Lady Jin touched her heart.

Will you just let me kill you?

Could you do that?

I…He wants me to kill you.

What do you want, Snake-tongue?

I want you to go away. Snake-tongue turned in a circle. He waved his sword. I want you to leave Duan. Please!

Come on, Nü, Lady Jin said. Let’s go.

They left Snake-tongue in the street. Lady Jin decided to return to Li Bo’s mansion to see if they could find out anything new.

One of these days he is just going to kill you, mistress, Nü said as they walked down the dirt street. Snake-tongue hadn’t followed and was a long way off. I don’t trust him.

I still care about him, Lady Jin replied and ignored Nü’s look.

#

Lady Jin and One-eyed Nü entered Li Bo’s mansion. They were met in the courtyard by Madam Zheng. Madam Zheng was dressed in an old silk dress that she wore with the elegance and confidence of a head servant.

Greetings to you, Lady Jin and your apprentice. The older woman bowed in the common manner. Master Li Bo wishes to speak with you in his library. Though you may freshen up in the women’s quarters before you meet with him.

And greetings to you, Madam Zheng. Lady Jin bowed like a warrior. Nü bowed after her teacher bowed. Thank you for the courtesy. Do we have time for a bath?

Yes, Lady Jin you do. Madam Zheng clapped her hands. A servant girl rushed up to them from inside the main building.

Yes, Madam Zheng? The girl appeared about twelve or thirteen. She bowed with a frightened look in her eyes and she kept them lowered.

You will prepare a bathtub for Lady Jin and her apprentice. Madam Zheng didn’t acknowledge the girl’s bow. The girl had a tattoo on her forehead that marked her as a slave, not a servant.

Yes, Madam Zheng. The girl bowed quickly to Lady Jin and Nü. She turned and ran off.

#

Lady Jin leaned back in the hot water of the bathtub. No water splashed out of the tub. The slave girl had just finished rubbing her back with a soapy towel. She had done a good job cleaning both of them. A bit too eager to please.

It feels good to be clean after fighting in that nasty brothel, Nü said. She still had her eye patch on. Nü ducked her head underneath the water a second time. She came up and started to giggle. Water splashed out of the tub.

Lady Jin waited a few more minutes before standing up. She let the water drip off her naked body and waved for the slave girl to bring a towel. Lady Jin stepped out of the round, wooden tub and ignored Nü’s flirtatious eye flutter.

So soon? Nü stood up with a pout on her lips.

Yes. Lady Jin giggled as the girl rubbed her with the towel. The magistrate is waiting for us.

Yes, mistress. Nü stepped out of the tub when the girl was done with Lady Jin. Nü raised her hands and said to the slave girl, My turn!

Your dirty clothes will be cleaned and returned to your room, the girl said, while she toweled Nü’s naked body. Nü moaned with a wicked smile. The girl always looked down when she spoke to them. This kind of thing always bothered Lady Jin, but she said nothing.

The slave girl helped them dress into clean dresses. A red dress for Lady Jin and a pink dress for Nü. They both were given soft slippers to use for indoors. Before they left, Nü lifted the girl’s chin with a finger and kissed her lips.

Thank you, Nü said.

They found Madam Zheng outside the women’s bathing room.

Please follow me. Madam Zheng led them out of the women’s quarters to where the library was.

Inside the library, Magistrate Li Bo sat on a large, green cushion with a book in his hands. He looked up at them.

Thank you, Madam Zheng. You may go. He sighed. He had a look of defeat on his face worse than Lady Jin had seen before.

Yes, master.

Li Bo smiled up at them. Please have a seat. He waved to some cushions against the west wall. Nü went to retrieve them. She placed one closest to him for her mistress and sat on the other one.

Lady Jin sat down. She glanced down at what he was reading.

"Have you ever read The Art of War by Sun Tzu, Lady Jin?"

Yes, Magistrate Li. Lady Jin nodded. I have a copy of it. He was a wise man.

I suppose, Li Bo said. My father always told me to heed its wisdom, for it could save my life. And it has. Many times, but not now. Now I find no use for it.

What has happened? Lady Jin noticed his weak eyes. They looked like the eyes of a dying man. Was it Su Mao? What did he say to you?

It doesn’t matter. Li Bo shook his head. Nothing does anymore. I have been feeling odd for some time now. Sometimes my mind and body feel great for several days and then they fall into weakness again.

Have you been poisoned?

No. Li Bo coughed. Madam Zheng is very careful with my food and drink.

Could she have done it?

Never! Li Bo snapped. She and her family have served my family for generations with honor. It is impossible… He looked at the floor as if he could see something important there. No. It must have been that new slave girl I purchased recently. Yes. Her! Yes.

Snake-tongue’s eyes had that same look as Li Bo’s does now. The look of a lost and dying man. Could this be connected somehow?

I give up! Li Bo reached into the sleeve of his robe. He removed a bag. He tossed it at Lady Jin’s lap.

What? The bag was heavy and made the sound of clinking coins in Lady Jin’s hand.

"Our agreed-upon price. Take it and