Chapter 26
To Spray Blood Upon a Horse
Luu Tinh continues to calmly nibble on chestnuts, a smile lingering at the corner of her lips, quietly waiting for Thiet Nam to secretly shoot out the stone. That secret weapon breaks through the air from afar, its speed as fast as lightning, lightly striking Nguyet's sword-holding arm, pushing her sword momentum to the left, and one strike shatters a dummy figure, splitting it into two halves.
Nguyet follows the momentum of her spinning movement upon the plum blossom poles, like a celestial maiden dancing a divine celestial dance. The petals of the flower celestial maiden upon her upper martial attire and the peach blossoms along the garment hems now gather, now disperse. At times they scatter like countless falling stars streaking across the heavens.
When united… they transform into… a celestial maiden whose flowing dance merges as one with her ethereal and wondrous movement atop the plum blossom poles, soaring onto her galloping steed and piercing through the final point of the formation.
Just moments ago, the entire arena falls silent; everyone is worried that Nguyet might lose by falling. Now that she has escaped in a thrilling moment, the martial field erupts in thunderous applause and fervent cheers:
- Truly worthy of being the most outstanding female warrior of Meteor Guild.
- The landlady of the Year-Star Caravanserai must truly be blessed, with three generations of accumulated virtue, to possess such a gifted and beautiful jewel.
- Just so, anyone would surely feel envy.
Luu Tinh and Yen Van do not listen to how the world praises her. They only smile in satisfaction, beholding the girls of the Year-Star rejoice wildly… as if... the ones who completed this unprecedented ordeal were themselves. The hunters notice that the Emperor, who has always been calm, suddenly stands up.
An instinctive reaction stirs his ever-serene, lake-like demeanor, serving as praise for Nguyet's courage of never retreating even in danger… although… behind this victory, there is still… the silent merit of "someone". More worthy of joy than all this is that the Grand Chancellor slowly waves his premium crane-feather fan, the corner of his mouth slightly raised. That smile remains sinister, dangerous… and still… chilling… but it is no longer as unfathomable and inscrutable as before.
Those in the situation secretly rejoice, quietly observing the Emperor's movements. The Emperor nods while listening to the Grand Chancellor and a tiger-like general speak in low voices. Luu Tinh and Yen Van cannot hear their words, but the discerning few know that a wise ruler speaks only when the matter is worthy of his attention.
Now the Emperor speaks more than usual; the two hunters feel quietly relieved, as the Emperor and Grand Chancellor finally begin to cast the bait. However, the Meteor Guild still must cross countless hardships, along that endless path… in order to… approach that prey.
So…
At this moment, Luu Tinh and Yen Van still must pay attention to another equally important matter. The two secretly smile; Thiet Nam is still escaping. The discerning few… have already noticed the emotions suppressed in his heart… and… long ago it has been discovered, he has always been avoiding it, afraid to face his own feelings.
Those within the matter still need time to unravel what is hidden.
At this moment, the two must continue focusing on the martial contest.
The cold and stern warrior spurs his horse into a swift dash, streaking past Nguyet. Nguyet's horse suddenly flares up, its front hooves rearing into the air and tossing the girl backward. The onlookers scream. Thiet Nam is struck with horror; he leaps from his saddle and catches Nguyet.
Luu Tinh has waited for this "hero rescues the beauty" moment for a long time, and now her wish is granted. She smiles, watching the wanderer tightly embrace Nguyet; though his arms are loose, they are enough to deliver absolute trust... a hero... will never let that bright Moon shatter. The maiden blushes with shame and turns away in agitation, while the wanderer also looks elsewhere in awkward confusion.
Luu Tinh laughs until she cries, watching Yen Van's bewildered face. He clearly cannot understand this bizarre emotion, so utterly at odds with the act of rescue.
The crack of the snapping flagpole strikes Yen Van in his stunned astonishment like a thunderclap as he faces this laugh-and-cry scene. He stares at the segment of the flagpole whistling toward the warrior.
Its descent is so swift it terrifies the warrior; in his frantic scramble, he loses balance and falls from his horse. The rules dictate that for any reason, whoever falls is considered defeated. He does not accept such a humiliating failure. The warrior scrambles up and rushes at Thiet Nam:
- You bastard, you dare to scheme against me!
He says to the Chief Steward of the martial contest:
- Esteemed Chief Steward, this man surnamed Lam strikes from the shadows! Under the guise of 'saving' that girl, he purposely kicked and broke the flagpole to strike me! Esteemed Chief Steward, expel him immediately!
The surrounding warriors immediately swoop in like vultures, hurling curses as they seek to eliminate this formidable rival.
- We cannot tolerate such a villain!
- Expel him!
- He must be afraid to face the mighty. Chase this despicable coward out of the martial contest!
- Throw him into the prison cell!
Thiet Nam retorts with sarcasm:
- The thief is crying "thief" indeed...
The warrior is enraged and lunges at Thiet Nam. Other male warriors step forward to stop the brawl. He struggles, pushing those who restrain him, roaring and cursing:
- Let go of me! Damn it, let go of me now...
The Chief Steward of the martial contest orders a pause in the assembly. The Emperor's brow furrows slightly with displeasure, yet he does not rush to intervene; he wants to see how the Guardian of Justice handles the mess.
Ngan Ha sits quietly within Luu Tinh's embrace when the little girl suddenly springs upright and runs to the very edge of the martial platform railing. Luu Tinh and Ngan Ha's father hurriedly run after her. The two cannot help but laugh as they hear the little girl loudly rebuking those who slander him:
- You wicked people, forcing false blame upon a good man.
The little girl raises her hand and points straight at the warrior:
- I forbid you to speak ill of brother Nam, and I forbid you to place the blame on him.
Bursts of laughter immediately ring out from every corner of the viewing stands. The once-tense crowd can no longer restrain themselves and laugh heartily as they hear the little girl defending Thiet Nam:
- Brother Nam is a good man. You people are the wicked ones.
Thien's eyes widen as he looks at the little girl. The boy instantly grins from ear to ear, at once becoming the most zealous helper:
- Yes, they all deserve to be thrown into prison.
Ngan Ha turns her head and looks toward the boy who is winking at her. The little girl at once reveals a bright smile. The two children take turns furiously cursing those warriors as vile petty men and hypocritical scoundrels, wholly unworthy of taking part in the martial contest.
Nguyet and the maidens of the Year-Star cannot help but feel ashamed. Though all wish to speak in his defense, they remain silent… because… they possess matters difficult and awkward to speak of before Thiet Nam. The maidens secretly reproach themselves, realizing they are not even equal to these brave children, who dare speak what must be spoken and dare protect those worthy of protection.
Luu Tinh and Yen Van laugh to themselves. The two walk forward, lift Ngan Ha into their arms, and softly soothe her.
The Emperor reveals a faint smile. The Son of Heaven deliberately lets Luu Tinh and the man perceive that he already understands they are taking this opportunity to praise the Emperor.
Yen Van gently coaxes his daughter, whose cheeks puff up with anger, whose eyes glare wide with fury, and who still clamors to be set down so she may continue cursing. He softly says:
- Quan Gia is wise and enlightened; he will absolutely never allow the innocent to suffer injustice.
The Emperor smiles as he listens to that father teach his child:
- But this daughter of mine, next time you must not utter the word "forbid," all right?
The little girl innocently asks why. The father softly explains:
- Because only the Emperor has the right to speak and write the word "forbid." Anyone who breaks it will be punished.
Ngan Ha raises her eyes in bewilderment, gazing at the benevolent yet majestic Emperor seated upon the Dragon Throne. The Emperor gives her a gentle smile. Ngan Ha innocently says:
- The Emperor is very benevolent; he will not punish me.
The Emperor and the father alike cannot restrain their laughter. Luu Tinh smiles gently toward Ngan Ha:
- Dear daughter, and the little boy as well, put your hearts at ease. Quan Gia will not disappoint us. You need only believe that our hero shall surely prove his innocence… and… demand justice for Nguyet.
Luu Tinh smiles softly, casting a sidelong glance at Nguyet, who lowers her head and twists the hem of her garment. Nguyet steps aside, allowing Lam Thiet Nam to lead the horse toward the center of the martial field. He raises his voice:
- This horse belongs to the "Waning Moon" breed. It is sturdy and swift, its endurance the greatest among prized steeds. But it has a fatal sensitivity to the floral scent: the scent of the Blood-Cloud Flower. Once it catches a whiff of this floral fragrance, a Waning Moon horse instantly becomes violent and unrestrained, throwing anyone on its back to the ground.
Thiet Nam does not finish, merely curling a lip in disdain as he gazes coldly at the warrior. The fellow shrugs and sneers:
- Do you all understand what this madman is babbling about?
The onlookers are mostly common folk; none dare speak. Most warriors also shun the trouble. That pack of vile wretches, intent on bringing Thiet Nam down, chime in together, clamoring for his punishment. Thiet Nam speaks composedly:
- Since the bout began, you have sought every opening to draw near Nguyet. I did not discern it sooner; you intended for this steed to catch the scent of Blood-Cloud Incense, that it might take fright and fling Nguyet to the ground. Your scheme having borne fruit, you would use Wind-Rain Incense to dispel the Blood-Cloud.
Thiet Nam clicks his tongue, rubbing his brow in lament. From the surroundings rise ripples of snickering as they hear his mockery:
- Tsk, the scent of Blood-Cloud Incense has vanished, and this mare cannot speak to plead its case, to spray blood upon a horse—just like you...
Deep within his mind, the warrior is already cursing violently, yet on the surface, he maintains a mask of innocence:
- Words recorded in a tome, evidence borne in hand. To fix my guilt, you must bring forth witnesses and evidence.
Thiet Nam gives a faint smile and speaks to the lad Thien from the gallery:
- Hey, kid, are you waiting for me to call you?
Myriad eyes instantly focus upon Thien. The child immediately runs forth clutching a bundle and hands it to Thiet Nam. Thien scratches his head and chuckles:
- You are more long-winded than I...
The crowd bursts into a roar of laughter, amused that this imp dares be so insolent to an elder. Thiet Nam has him draw out a pouch of white powder. Ngan Ha giggles softly upon hearing Thien inquire: "What manner of thing is this?" Thiet Nam explains:
- The powder in your hand is "Restoration Dust." No matter the scent, it causes it to reappear in its original form...
Thien curls his lips in a devious grin; the child understands Thiet Nam's intent. Not waiting for Thiet Nam to finish, he immediately scatters the powder toward the warrior who is breaking into a cold sweat. Thien enthusiastically scatters the powder over the man's entire body:
- You are a vile wretch. I'll let you die. You dare harm the innocent? You deserve it. Despicable scoundrel. Lowly villain.
The crowd watches in stunned silence as Thien laughs shrilly, filled with fervor to vanquish evil and destroy the wicked. Ngan Ha, Luu Tinh, and the man all laugh until they nearly topple over, greatly delighted as they watch the little boy rush forth and kick the warrior straight upon the leg. Shamed and vexed, the man loses his reason in a fit of rage and lunges at the child. Thien pretends to huddle into a ball and screams at the top of his lungs:
- Townsfolk, come and look, he strikes me! Brother, help, help, he strikes me...
Thiet Nam seizes the man's wrist in a death-grip. The other trembles without cease, while Thiet Nam's bloodshot and murky eyes bore straight into him, swirling as if to pierce his very soul. Viet Thanh reveals a satisfied smile; deep within his mind, Thiet Nam already regards Thien as his own brother. Thiet Nam turns his fury into a cold laugh:
- Hey, who will help me lead "Waning Moon" over here to verify this...
The child trots toward the horse. Thiet Nam restrains him:
- It is too perilous to approach it now.
Thien lets out an "ah… ah…" as he understands the implication, covering his mouth while gazing at Nguyet with smiling eyes. Nguyet leads the horse halfway, halts her steps, and pats the mare's haunch, commanding it to walk toward the warrior. The horse catches the scent of Blood-Cloud Incense and instantly reacts, rearing and neighing, leaping wildly, its hooves lashing toward the culprit's head.
The man turns and flees in terror. The Chief Steward of the martial contest waves a hand, ordering the imperial soldiers to seize him on the spot, pinning his arms behind his back and forcing him to kneel upon the earth. Evidence established, he still cries out his innocence:
- I am wronged! It was that fellow surnamed Lam who framed me!
The Chief Steward of the martial contest pronounces the verdict:
- Your whole body reeks of Blood-Cloud Flower; how dare you still deny it in a hundred ways? Your crime is thereby made graver.
The warrior still stubbornly denies it:
- I have no grudge against the girl named Nguyet; I have no reason to harm her. All of this is mere coincidence...
The maidens of the Year-Star can no longer contain themselves. They are incensed, cursing this brazen scoundrel who dared harm their kin:
- Scurvy knave, only days ago you were dallying with flowers. Nguyet loathed you as less than a dog and drove you away, yet you still have the thick face to harass her. Go to your death, you lewd knave...
- To think you dared commit such a corrupt, shameless, and base deed...
All the maidens kneel before the Emperor to plead:
- We report to Quan Gia, witnesses and evidence are both present; please pronounce the sentence!
- We pray you uphold justice for Nguyet!
The Emperor smiles faintly, nodding in quiet satisfaction, silently praising Thiet Nam as a hero—the Guardian of Justice, who bears the realm's burdens before all others.
The Emperor still gives that warrior one final chance to defend himself. He still stubbornly refuses to admit guilt:
- Everything is but a coincidence. I have always used Blood-Cloud fragrance to heal wounds and staunch bleeding, and Wind-Rain fragrance is my favorite floral scent. I am entirely unaware that Wind-Rain fragrance can counteract Blood-Cloud fragrance, nor do I know that the Waning Moon horse is fatally sensitive to the Blood-Cloud fragrance.
Everyone who hears this sophistry curses and denounces him, while his endless excuses only fuel further outrage. The crowd condemns that man who persists in twisted evasions—despicable and duplicitous, daring to act but not daring to admit it. That warrior does not argue with the crowd, he only lowers his head and secretly smiles, realizing he is about to evade punishment. He faces the Emperor and requests justice:
- I hereby submit to Your Majesty, that person surnamed Lam has evidence but still lacks witnesses. Moreover, the Blood-Cloud fragrance and Wind-Rain fragrance on my martial attire are mere coincidences; they cannot be used to convict me.
All assembled warriors agree that Hoa Vuong is undoubtedly guilty… however… lacking sufficient evidence and witnesses, the Emperor cannot punish the one who deserves punishment. A ruler who wishes to govern the realm must be strict and just.
The Emperor casts his gaze over the entire martial arena. All subjects turn their eyes toward him, waiting for imperial judgment. No one dares to speak, an oppressive silence fills the martial arena, leaving everyone holding their breath.
The Emperor leans slightly, propping one elbow on the dragon throne's armrest, resting his cheek on his hand. He closes his eyes and recalls that invisible pressure from past to present… forever… enveloping his mind… at the same time… with fate as his companion… since… his youth, he has already borne the heavy responsibility of being father and mother to all living beings under heaven, becoming the exemplar of all beneath heaven.
The young Emperor had borne the burden of the realm upon his shoulders. The family tragedy had struck heavily against his melancholy spirit, forever… smoldering… the thought of casting aside the throne like a pair of tattered sandals. Now, it had blazed forth with fierce intensity; he had steeled his will to vanish into the night and journey alone toward Mount Yen Tu.
Imperial Preceptor Phu Van warmly welcomed him and spoke with serene warmth:
"This old monk has long dwelt among the mountains and forests, with frail bones and a withered face. I eat bitter herbs, taste chestnuts, wander through woodland scenery, and drink spring water; my heart feels as light as a cloud drifting on the wind toward this place. Now Your Majesty abandons the throne of the ruler of men and seeks poverty amidst the mountains and forests. What is it that Your Majesty wishes to seek in coming here?"
Those words stirred the waves buried deep beneath the unquiet pool of the mind… and now… they surged forth as a Great Flood:
"In my early years, bereft of both father and mother, I stand alone above the people of the realm, with no place of support to lean upon. I ponder and reflect upon the emperor's cause of former times, where rise and fall are but ephemeral. Thus I came to this mountain wishing to seek Buddhahood, seeking nothing else."
The Imperial Preceptor nevertheless remained calm and benign, regarding the Emperor's fallen tears merely as the bitter wailing of a young child yearning for his parents:
"Within the mountains there is no Buddha. Buddha resides within the heart. When the heart grows tranquil and understands, that itself is the true Buddha. Once Your Majesty awakens to that very heart, then Your Majesty instantly becomes Buddha, without laboring to seek elsewhere."
The stream of recollection is interrupted for a moment… when… the ruler of all beneath Heaven notices the Grand Chancellor faintly giving a thin smile. That "familiar" smile had long since become the shadow of the Emperor himself… silently… quietly accompanying the fate of the one "chosen" to become sovereign, bearing the mountains and rivers heavy upon his shoulders.
The Grand Chancellor leisurely listened to the advice that had once been urged upon the Son of Heaven… still echoing in their ears, and lingering within the Emperor's mind… since that person who had once held overwhelming power together with all scholar-officials and military generals had ascended Mount Yen Tu in a great procession to persuade the Emperor to return to the capital:
"The former sovereign entrusted the matter to me, and I hail Your Majesty Lord of all people under Heaven. The hearts of men revere and long for Your Majesty like a child clinging to parents. Moreover, all elders in the court are trusted officials, and all scholars and common people submit willingly. Even a seven-year-old child knows Your Majesty is the father and mother of all people. The former sovereign has left this minister and passed away; the earth upon his grave is not yet dry, and his final command still echoes in our ears. Yet now Your Majesty wishes to withdraw into the mountains and forests, pursuing your own will. I consider this: Your Majesty wishing to cultivate yourself, I can understand, but what of the realm and state? If only empty words are left for posterity, how can it compare to setting an example for the realm yourself? If Your Majesty does not change your mind, we and all people under the realm today are willing to die here together, and will never return."
The Emperor never listened, even though the Grand Chancellor repeatedly and fervently entreated. Thu Do declared:
"Wherever the imperial carriage is, there the imperial court is."
The Grand Chancellor ordered markers to be planted and ropes to be stretched, demarcating the imperial court's presence on the mountain, and built palaces at Yen Tu to the same scale and standards as the capital. The Grand Chancellor and the elders still refused to give up; the Emperor then spoke to Imperial Preceptor Phu Van. The Monk grasped the Emperor's hand:
"For one who is a ruler, one must not follow one's own personal inclinations. A benevolent ruler takes the will of all under heaven as his will; takes the heart of all under heaven as his heart. Now all people wish to welcome Your Majesty back to the capital, Your Majesty cannot but return! I only wish Your Majesty not to neglect the study of canonical scriptures."
The memories of the Grand Chancellor, the imperial officials, and the military generals kneeling in desperate supplication, together with Phu Van's sincere advice… have become… and remain companions on the path of cultivation and realization of Suchness for the enlightened sovereign who rules the realm.
Truly worthy of the expectation for an enlightened emperor of transcendent wisdom, benevolent virtue, and universal fairness, he does not fail the expectations of the "buyer of kings and seller of lords," who is precisely the one who regards the sovereign as the father and mother of all people under Heaven.
And today, that expectation once again turns into weight, falling upon those shoulders that bear the entire burden of the realm and state.
The Grand Chancellor looks at the Emperor. The one who creates the throne gently taps the teacup, silently… realizes… the Emperor is no longer forcing himself, but calmly bears the heavy burden.
Now, the one who enjoys the throne still can fully feel… that feeling… he has already transformed invisible pressure into daily happiness. His spirit is at ease, and decisions become wiser and more reasonable.
The wise ruler of the realm slightly opens his eyes, his gaze like a Demon-Revealing Mirror. That warrior keeps his head lowered, no longer daring to raise his eyes even once. The wise ruler speaks softly, every sentence pressing like a thousand-pound weight onto the trembling deceitful man:
- Three days ago, I went out in disguise to Herbal Inn to drink tea. That teahouse also sold herbs and medicine, used for healing and stopping bleeding. The customers inside were as lively as if attending a grand gathering… but… I only remembered one customer who came to buy herbs and then left in haste. He was panicked and uneasy, and in his rush he bumped into me.
The Emperor clicks his tongue:
- If I were a foolish tyrant, his body would have already said farewell to his head since that day.
This half-jesting remark amuses the crowd, but no one dares to make a sound. Countless people press their lips tightly and strongly suppress their loss of composure, to avoid offending the Emperor. Thien narrows his eyes. He covers his mouth tightly but still cannot suppress the "hehe" laughter, because he hears the Emperor teasing that man.
The Emperor turns his head to look at Ly Trung Hieu who is making a low muffled laugh:
- Hey, General Ly, do you think this Hoa Vuong looks familiar?
The Grand Chancellor laughs, liking the Emperor's habit of toying with villains and enemies. Luu Tinh and Yen Van are stunned, almost blurting out:
"Surprised? Who would have thought the Emperor turned into someone who is teasing, arrogant, and mocking everyone?"
The two hunters turn shock into joyful smiles. Luu Tinh and that man agree with this gentle and peaceful way of dealing with things, but every sentence becomes chains and shackles binding a criminal. Hidden inside every praise toward the Emperor… is… the joy of him revealing a part of his personality to those who want to know his thoughts… in order to… approach the supreme ruler of the realm.
Ly Trung Hieu shows a smile:
- Your Majesty's memory has not aged a day.
Everyone could no longer hold it back, and a low murmur of laughter spread through the hall. Hoa Vuong is drenched in cold sweat, trembling uncontrollably. That villain grips his hands tightly, in fear trying to forcefully argue to the person who holds the power of life and death:
- Maybe… maybe… you all mistake me for someone else…
The Emperor leans on the dragon throne, his eyes drowsy and half-closed, looking bored at that stubborn and unreasonable man. Ly Trung Hieu widens his eyes, turning single eyelids into double eyelids:
"Even such a difficult thing can be thought of."
The bald General Pham Cu Chich shouts angrily:
- Impudent, how dare you question His Majesty…
The Grand Chancellor waves his fan, speaking with a teasing tone:
- Sigh, Cu Chich, a ruler cannot govern only with authority. The more aggressive you are, the more Hoa Vuong finds excuses to blame others. We are ministers. His Majesty is the Emperor. Ministers must trust their own Emperor.
The Emperor slightly raises his lips, as if teasing the absolute trust from the one who helped place him on the throne. He remains relaxed and composed, speaking in a calm and unhurried tone:
- That day, the owner personally sold the medicine to him. Someone, bring the owner of Herbal Inn to the martial contest to testify.
A man of average build, wearing black beast-leather shoes. He wears a black silk round-collar robe woven in Van Phuc Village in Ha Dong, and grey traditional trousers woven from silk of the Nghi Tam Village sericulture farms. He wears a river-snail-shaped hat covering his monk-like bald head, his face rosy and honest, features dignified like a wise man. The man raises an ink-wash fan and speaks loudly:
- I report to Your Majesty, I am Bui Ho — the owner of Herbal Inn.
The Emperor orders Bui Ho to step into the center of the martial arena to testify. Everyone turns their gaze toward him. He walks past that Guardian of Justice's side, the corner of his mouth faintly showing a smile. Thiet Nam vaguely feels the name sounds familiar, as if he has heard it somewhere before. He hears Bui Ho bow to the Emperor and say:
- I report to Your Majesty, I am the one who sold Blood-Cloud fragrance and Wind-Rain fragrance to Hoa Vuong. The deed of sale is still stored in the inn to this day.
Bui Ho orders his servant to return to the inn and bring back the evidence. Bui Ho raises the deed of sale for everyone to see, and respectfully presents it to the Chief Steward of the martial contest. The Chief Steward passes it to the Emperor. The Emperor throws the deed of sale at the kneeling Hoa Vuong, and the man collapses in terror. The Emperor declares:
- Framing a warrior is a capital crime. But today, as the martial contest opens, I do not wish for your filthy blood to stain this auspicious day.
He waves a hand and commands:
- Fifty strokes of the cane, etch four penal characters into his neck, and exile him to serve as a city prison soldier in Phuong Precinct and Thang Long, to weed the grounds; he is banned from examinations for all generations and forbidden from joining the army forever.
The warrior begs for mercy in terror. His voice is drowned in the giant wave of ten thousand voices shouting, "Quan Gia is wise and discerning!" The Emperor surveys the martial grounds and asks:
- Who still has the inclination to continue the match? Raise your hand.
The warriors have lost all interest; not one raises a hand. The Emperor restores order, commanding the crowd to disperse and wait until the afternoon to continue the matches. The people return to their quarters to rest. The onlookers also gradually depart from the field.
Nguyet and Thiet Nam thank Bui Ho. He waves his hand and says heartily:
- Eliminating evil is only natural. I cannot let good people suffer injustice, and let evil people escape punishment.
After speaking, Bui Ho smiles at Thiet Nam and raises his hand to say goodbye:
- The martial contest has just begun. We will meet again.
Thiet Nam feels there is hidden meaning in this farewell. He stares blankly as Bui Ho's figure disappears behind the gate of the martial contest…