Mingsheng
by Deane Saunders (2004)
Genres: Eastern


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You had heard a great many stories in your time. Your childhood had been filled with tales of heroic characters who possessed great spiritual powers and incredible skill in martial arts.

Many of those in your village were taught martial arts since childhood, yet it always seemed to you that there was something lacking in such a life - bearing always towards physical strength.

Others in your village had become important spiritual leaders, yet once again such a one-sided devotion to the spiritual left something to be desired.

One day, disheartened by this state of affairs, you decided to change things. With only a few rumours of a temple complex to the east and a crude map of the forest to guide you, you set off to follow legends of a wise old man. The legends said that he had combined martial arts with spiritual philosophy, apparently through the observation of nature - how this was achieved, nobody seemed to know.

Arriving in the black of night, only to find yourself confronted by a large door to the east, you decided to sleep on the problem and wait until morning.

Sunlight on your face awakens you.



Wind whispers through the feathery branches of the bamboo forest surrounding you as warm sunlight showers down, gently filtered by the delicate leaves overhead. The soft ground is carpeted with slender browning leaves, occasionally stirred up by the cool breeze. Faint tracks run southeast and east, one also continues to the north up a bank, and another downwards into a small depression to the south. An impenetrable barrier of thorns lies to the west. How they got there after you passed that way last night is anyone's guess.

Your cloth bag lies on the ground.
action: You take the bag
response: You pick up the bag and loop it over your arm. It hangs open slightly but the contents will not fall out.
action: You examine the bag
response: The bag is a rather simple affair, made from a square of plain white cloth tied together at the corners. You can keep your hands free by wearing it looped over your arm.

It contains a jade knife.
action: You look at knife
response: The knife, a simple instrument, is carved from a solid piece of translucent green jade. The blade looks moderately sharp, designed mainly for skinning animals. It looks as though anything too hard might break the edge.
action: About yourself
response: Not much change since you last looked.
action: You look at your surroundings
response: (zhu2 lin2) Bamboo forest
Wind whispers through the feathery branches of the bamboo forest surrounding you as warm sunlight showers down, gently filtered by the delicate leaves overhead. The soft ground is carpeted with slender browning leaves, occasionally stirred up by the cool breeze. Faint tracks run southeast and east, one also continues to the north up a bank, and another downwards into a small depression to the south. An impenetrable barrier of thorns lies to the west. How they got there after you passed that way last night is anyone's guess.
action: You look at the thorns
response: The thorns look totally impassable, which is quite strange, given that it was only the night before that you entered the grove from that direction. The thorns themselves are almost two inches thick in places. They look like they could only be cut by an incredibly sharp blade - much sharper than your jade knife, unfortunately.
action: You look at the bamboo
response: The bamboo trees are tall and slender, much too thin to climb in any usual manner.
action: You cut the bamboo with the knife
response: Everything has purpose within the Dao, that is nature's way. However an immediate use for the bamboo trees eludes you for the time being.
action: You climb tree
response: The trees are far too thin to climb.
action: You go to the north
response: (zhu4 jing4 de hu2) Serene lake
The forest opens out into a large clearing as the trees retreat from a lake that dominates the centre. Flies lazily buzzing in the warm air occasionally dip down to the water, causing a ripple to break the mirror surface as a fish reacts in kind. Not even a breeze disturbs the surface of this image of tranquility. A smooth boulder protrudes from the centre of the lake, the reflection giving the impression of a boulder floating in the sky. The white sand surrounding the water is soft and warm underfoot.

A white crane stands majestically, unmoving, upon the rock at the centre of the lake.
action: You examine the crane
response: The white Manchurian crane stands upon the boulder, its red crest setting off an image of aloofness. Although it is unmoving, its eyes display an intensity and hidden power as it watches the fish swimming in the water deep below.
action: You look at the fish
response: The bright orange fish swim around in a leisurely manner, though always wary of predators.
action: You eat crane
response: (first taking the white crane)
It is much too far away to reach from the land.
action: Sing
response: Your singing is abominable.
action: You jump
response: You jump on the spot, fruitlessly.
action: You examine the boulder
response: Other than the peculiar visual effect caused by the reflection, the boulder looks smooth and quite ordinary. It would be too small for you to sit on.
action: You sit on boulder
response: Everything has purpose within the Dao, that is nature's way. However an immediate use for the boulder eludes you for the time being.
action: Swim
response: The crane notices you the moment your foot touches the water. It does not look particularly worried by your slow movements, but takes to the air leisurely gliding over the bamboo trees to the west.

The fish brush up against you playfully as you swim, always managing to avoid your touch when you try to stroke them.

After a few minutes you return to the lakeside and wait for your clothing to dry a little.
action: You eat the fish
response: (first taking the fish)
The fish are too quick, and constantly evade your grasp.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a cloth bag (being worn and open)
a jade knife
action: You cut yourself with the knife
response: Cutting you up would achieve little.
action: Go east
response: The bamboo trees begin to peter out, and the forest is replaced with slender, twisting cypresses.

(shen2 dao4) Western end of spirit way
Cypress trees form a straight avenue several feet wide, running from west to east. The path continues some distance to the east, where it terminates in an archway - and back into the forest to the west.

A row of ornate animal statues flank each side of the paved path upon which you stand, apparently guarding the way from interlopers.
action: You cut the statue with the knife
response: Cutting that up would achieve little.
action: Go east
response: As you approach the door, the eyes of the Qilin either side flare with a crimson hue. The door slams shut, giving a loud clunk as though being barred before you can reach it.
action: You look at Qilin
response: Each qilin has a single horn on its forehead, a horse's hooves, a deer's body and an ox's tail. The body is covered with what appears to be a scaly pattern. Legend has it that a qilin appeared to the pregnant mother of Confucius.

Actually on second thoughts, they do seem a little odd to you - you have the distinct impression that you are being watched.
action: You examine the horn
response: It's just carved out of the stone for detail.
action: You examine the statues
response: The statues are arranged in pairs, each animal matched by its twin on the opposite side of the path. If you face the archway at the eastern end of the path, the animals stand to your left and right facing each other in the order of Dog, Ram, Horse, Lion and Qilin - the Qilin being just in front of the archway and the Dogs closest to you, at the western end of the path.

Looking at the Qilin statues makes you feel slightly uneasy. For some reason they send a slight shiver down your spine.
action: You take the horn
response: Everything has purpose within the Dao, that is nature's way. However an immediate use for the details eludes you for the time being.
action: You examine the Dog
response: The dogs look like friendly chows with upstanding ears protruding from their heads. They sit as though awaiting their master's return.
action: You examine Ram
response: The rams are lying down on all fours, the pattern of their wool carved with millions of chisel-strikes.

There is something interesting about the ram statue to your left; A vine is draped over its back.
action: You look at the vine
response: When pulled out straight, the vine appears to be several yards long. Being thin and dry, it does not seem suitable for use in climbing - it certainly would not hold your weight.
action: You cut vine
response: Cutting that up would achieve little.
action: You take the vine
response: Taken.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a vine
a cloth bag (being worn and open)
a jade knife
action: You examine the Horse
response: The horses look rather chubby, more like oversized ponies. As with the other statues, they are stylised and lack realistic detail, tending toward the more ornate.

There is something interesting about the horse statue to your right; A clump of red moss sits on its nose, obscuring its gaze.
action: You examine the moss
response: It is a clump of spongy red moss.
action: You look at your surroundings
response: (shen2 dao4) Western end of spirit way
Cypress trees form a straight avenue several feet wide, running from west to east. The path continues some distance to the east, where it terminates in an archway - and back into the forest to the west.

A row of ornate animal statues flank each side of the paved path upon which you stand, apparently guarding the way from interlopers.
action: You examine the Lion
response: The lions look fierce, standing erect and proud - their manes elaborately carved with curls.

There is something interesting about the lion statue to your left; A clump of green moss rests across its eyes.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
some green moss
some red moss
a vine
a cloth bag (being worn and open)
a jade knife
action: You look at the green moss
response: It is a clump of spongy green moss.
action: You examine the red moss
response: It is a clump of spongy red moss.
action: You put the green moss on left Qilin
response: You cover its eyes with the green moss.
action: You put the red moss on right Qilin
response: As you obscure the vision of the guarding Qilin you hear a loud "clunk" as though a mechanism has been released.
action: You open the door
response: You open the wooden door.
action: You go east
response: The avenue of cypress trees change back to bamboo midway down the path.

(shen2 dao4) Eastern end of spirit way
Cypress and bamboo trees form an avenue which ends to the east as the trees open out to form the entrance to a cemetery. The western end of the path continues through the elaborate archway. A tea bush grows out from a crack in the pavings.

As you look around you feel a slight chill, noticing occasional movement from the corner of your eye. When you turn to face it, there is nothing to be seen.
action: You look at the bush
response: Saying that the bush "grows" is not quite accurate. It appears to have died some time ago, the leaves on it are dried out.
action: You take bush
response: The bush would be very difficult to uproot, so you settle for the leaves instead.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
some tea leaves
a vine
a cloth bag (being worn and open)
a jade knife
action: You examine the archway
response: The archway towers high above you, spanning the width of the avenue formed by the trees and passing through into the impenetrable forest on either side of the path. Several exposed columns support the structure, each having a tightly coiled dragon carved at the base. The stone appears to have the same soft grey hue as the path and stone animals.

Set in the centre of the archway is a huge wooden door which is wide open.
action: Go east
response: As you attempt to enter the cemetery you hear a strange rustling sound, yet the leaves on the trees do not move. A strange mist begins to form in front of you, between yourself and the cemetery entrance.

As you try to pass through it, it seems to solidify and darken at the points of contact. The solidified parts seem to form limbs which move to block your progress with rigid force. Each limb makes a strike at you, driving you back from the entrance.

After several attempts at passing the strange apparition, you are forced to give up. The vapour fades back to nothing, leaving no trace.

The old man must have come this way at some point in time - perhaps there is a way of learning whatever fighting principles he had learned from nature.
action: Look around
response: (shen2 dao4) Eastern end of spirit way
Cypress and bamboo trees form an avenue which ends to the east as the trees open out to form the entrance to a cemetery. The western end of the path continues through the elaborate archway. A tea bush grows out from a crack in the pavings.

As you look around you feel a slight chill, noticing occasional movement from the corner of your eye. When you turn to face it, there is nothing to be seen.
action: You examine the pavings
response: The path is made from tightly interlocked slabs of stone. The winds keep the floor clean.
action: You move pavings
response: Everything has purpose within the Dao, that is nature's way. However an immediate use for the paved path eludes you for the time being.
action: You listen
response: You think that you hear distant voices on the wind. As you begin to pay attention, they stop.
action: Go south
response: (shen2 dao4) Western end of spirit way
Cypress trees form a straight avenue several feet wide, running from west to east. The path continues some distance to the east, where it terminates in an archway - and back into the forest to the west.

A row of ornate animal statues flank each side of the paved path upon which you stand, apparently guarding the way from interlopers.

(zhu2 lin2) Bamboo forest
Wind whispers through the feathery branches of the bamboo forest surrounding you as warm sunlight showers down, gently filtered by the delicate leaves overhead. The soft ground is carpeted with slender browning leaves, occasionally stirred up by the cool breeze. Faint tracks run southeast and east, one also continues to the north up a bank, and another downwards into a small depression to the south. An impenetrable barrier of thorns lies to the west. How they got there after you passed that way last night is anyone's guess.
The soft bamboo-leaf floor covering changes to a cold, slimy rock floor as you enter the earth. The lighting becomes dull and subdued.

(dong4 xue4) Rocky tidal cavern
The air in the cave is cold and damp. A chill wind blowing inwards from the sea causes your eyes to sting in the salt-laden air. The tide chews at the jagged rocks which protrude from the ocean surface several yards out. Boulders being rolled under the surface make loud rumblings like distant thunder - they sound like they could smash anything. The water looks uninviting - the rocks threaten to dash the foolish swimmer to pieces. Behind you, to the north is a passageway leading up to the surface.

A small cleft is visible in the rock next to the entrance.
action: You examine the cleft
response: The cleft in the rock is a narrow horizontal slit, roughly two feet from the floor of the cavern. It measures roughly four or five inches high, by about two feet across.

From the gloom within, you can just make out the shape of a black snake.
action: You examine snake
response: The snake's body is about an inch in diameter by three feet long. Two piercing yellow eyes stare unwavering from the velvety black background of its skin. For all its unnerving appearance, it seems to be a peaceful creature.

It appears to be sitting on a pebble.
action: You examine the pebble
response: A smooth, flat pebble - the kind you used to skim lakes with as a child.
action: You take the snake
response: Peaceful, until you approach it. You decide not to find out if it is poisonous.
action: You take the pebble
response: Despite the snake's peaceful appearance, it may not be wise to try to take the pebble out from under it. Perhaps there is some way of moving the snake first.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
some tea leaves
a vine
a cloth bag (being worn and open)
a jade knife
action: You cut the snake with the knife
response: Cutting him up would achieve little.
action: Sing
response: Your singing is abominable.
action: You look
response: (dong4 xue4) Rocky tidal cavern
The air in the cave is cold and damp. A chill wind blowing inwards from the sea causes your eyes to sting in the salt-laden air. The tide chews at the jagged rocks which protrude from the ocean surface several yards out. Boulders being rolled under the surface make loud rumblings like distant thunder - they sound like they could smash anything. The water looks uninviting - the rocks threaten to dash the foolish swimmer to pieces. Behind you, to the north is a passageway leading up to the surface.

A small cleft is visible in the rock next to the entrance.
action: You hit the snake with the vine
response: A stick is best for keeping things at arm's length.
action: Swim
response: The sea in this region would be impossible to swim in - it would smash you to a pulp and wash your remains up on a beach somewhere.
action: You ask Snake,  to go west
response: The black snake has better things to do.
action: Go southeast
response: The bamboo forest ends abruptly, giving way to a rocky cliff, which you begin to descend.

(ya2) Cliffs
As you stand with your back to the cliff, the view ahead of you appears to be nothing but a blur fading from dark grey sea below, through to a light powder blue sky.

A narrow path winds its way down the cliff face to the water level below, where a small alcove seems to collect debris, and upwards over the edge of the cliff to the bamboo forest.
action: You examine the path
response: The path is cut deep into the cliff face. It does not look like it will give way any time soon.
action: You go downwards
response: (ya2 di3) Cliff base
Not much can be seen from this vantage point. A thin veil of fog blocks the view out to sea. The waters below churn menacingly, the spume a milky white.

The ledge here forms a small alcove, which is only a couple of metres across. It continues up the cliff face, where it vanishes from sight.

Debris seems to get washed in here and collects on the rocky ledge.
action: You examine the sea
response: The sea is dark with mud stirred up from the bottom, and totally restless.
action: You examine the debris
response: The debris is a mess of rubbish, mainly wood pounded to pieces by the action of the sea on the rocks.
action: You search it
response: After a thorough search of the debris you uncover a sturdy bamboo stick, which you take.
action: Go upwards
response: (ya2) Cliffs
As you stand with your back to the cliff, the view ahead of you appears to be nothing but a blur fading from dark grey sea below, through to a light powder blue sky.

A narrow path winds its way down the cliff face to the water level below, where a small alcove seems to collect debris, and upwards over the edge of the cliff to the bamboo forest.
action: Go south
response: The soft bamboo-leaf floor covering changes to a cold, slimy rock floor as you enter the earth. The lighting becomes dull and subdued.

(dong4 xue4) Rocky tidal cavern
The air in the cave is cold and damp. A chill wind blowing inwards from the sea causes your eyes to sting in the salt-laden air. The tide chews at the jagged rocks which protrude from the ocean surface several yards out. Boulders being rolled under the surface make loud rumblings like distant thunder - they sound like they could smash anything. The water looks uninviting - the rocks threaten to dash the foolish swimmer to pieces. Behind you, to the north is a passageway leading up to the surface.

A small cleft is visible in the rock next to the entrance.
action: Poke snake
response: As you prod the snake with the stick, it decides to move. Being so close to the crevice it startles you, causing you to lose your grip on the stick which clatters down into the back of the cleft beyond your reach.

The snake slithers off, apparently turning the corner and leaving the cave.
action: You take the pebble
response: Taken.
action: You look at the cleft
response: The cleft in the rock is a narrow horizontal slit, roughly two feet from the floor of the cavern. It measures roughly four or five inches high, by about two feet across.

There does not appear to be anything in the cleft.
action: Skim pebble
response: You suddenly have an irresistible urge, dating back to your childhood. The pebble skims across the surface of the lake, its path curving as though guided by the Dao, leaping several times until it clatters against the boulder, landing in the water with a 'plop'.

The crane gives an undignified shriek at the sudden close disturbance and darts away through the trees to the south.
action: Go south
response: (zhu2 lin2) Bamboo forest
Wind whispers through the feathery branches of the bamboo forest surrounding you as warm sunlight showers down, gently filtered by the delicate leaves overhead. The soft ground is carpeted with slender browning leaves, occasionally stirred up by the cool breeze. Faint tracks run southeast and east, one also continues to the north up a bank, and another downwards into a small depression to the south. An impenetrable barrier of thorns lies to the west. How they got there after you passed that way last night is anyone's guess.

The snake and crane are sitting at opposite ends of the clearing, apparently waiting for each other to move.
action: You think
response: What a good idea.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
some tea leaves
a vine
a cloth bag (being worn and open)
a jade knife
action: Go east
response: The bamboo trees begin to peter out, and the forest is replaced with slender, twisting cypresses.

(shen2 dao4) Western end of spirit way
Cypress trees form a straight avenue several feet wide, running from west to east. The path continues some distance to the east, where it terminates in an archway - and back into the forest to the west.

A row of ornate animal statues flank each side of the paved path upon which you stand, apparently guarding the way from interlopers.
action: You go east
response: The avenue of cypress trees change back to bamboo midway down the path.

(shen2 dao4) Eastern end of spirit way
Cypress and bamboo trees form an avenue which ends to the east as the trees open out to form the entrance to a cemetery. The western end of the path continues through the elaborate archway. A tea bush grows out from a crack in the pavings.

As you look around you feel a slight chill, noticing occasional movement from the corner of your eye. When you turn to face it, there is nothing to be seen.

As you think, you begin to realize that the area surrounding the lake manifests a lot of Yang elements. The brightness, the warmth, clarity and creative aspects all point to it. There is an element of Yin, however, in the stillness of the lake and softness of the water.
action: You go east
response: As you attempt to enter the cemetery you hear a strange rustling sound, yet the leaves on the trees do not move. A strange mist begins to form in front of you, between yourself and the cemetery entrance.

As you try to pass through it, it seems to solidify and darken at the points of contact. The solidified parts seem to form limbs which move to block your progress with rigid force. Each limb makes a strike at you, driving you back from the entrance.

After several attempts at passing the strange apparition, you are forced to give up. The vapour fades back to nothing, leaving no trace.

The old man must have come this way at some point in time - perhaps there is a way of learning whatever fighting principles he had learned from nature.

You begin to get the idea that the cavern contains much Yin. It is dark, cold, destructive and murky - yet the motion and activity of the sea, along with the hardness of the rocks, embodies some part of Yang.
action: You wait
response: Time passes.
action: Wait
response: Time passes.

You come to the understanding that the bamboo forest appears to be a balancing point between the Yin and Yang of the lake and cavern - and that there are elements of Yin within Yang, and vice versa. One cannot exist without the other.
action: Wait
response: Time passes.

After witnessing the battle between the crane and snake, you begin to understand that it is possible for soft motion to overcome rigidity. The snake demonstrates this in its yielding style - as do the rocks and sea. The hardest stone can be worn by the motion of water, from its gentlest to its most fierce action.

You begin to wonder if this philosophy can be used to overcome others in battle.
action: You go to the east
response: As you attempt to enter the cemetery you hear a strange rustling sound, yet the leaves on the trees do not move. A strange mist begins to form in front of you, between yourself and the cemetery entrance.

As you try to pass through it, it seems to solidify and darken at the points of contact. The solidified parts seem to form limbs which move to block your progress with rigid force. Each limb makes a strike at you, driving you back from the entrance.

As you attempt to fight the strange entity, you realize that the principle that you have learned from observing the crane and snake fight can be of use. You begin to parry the blows with gentle movements, allowing the force to move past you.

After several moments of cunning feints and deflections, you manage to pass the entity, which fades away - leaving the pathway quiet once again, with the obstruction gone.

The path ends, and the forest either side retreats to form a clearing.

(si4 miao4 de fen2 chang2) Cemetery
The dense trees form a nearly impenetrable wall around the cemetery grounds. In the centre of the clearing is a large mound, atop which stands a shrine or marker of some kind. Numerous smaller stones are dotted about. At the southern end of the cemetery stands a run-down looking pagoda. A path runs northward, apparently towards the mountains.
action: You examine the mound
response: The mound has a gentle slope, flattened at the top where the marker stands. It is approximately five feet high, by about twenty feet across at the bottom. Sparse, dry grass populates the bank, with a few longer tufts near the top.
action: You examine the marker
response: The stone is perched on top of the large mound, its sides a polished, shimmering black - possibly jet or some other stone that you do not recognise. Deeply chiseled characters stand out on the front of it, embossed with gold. Perhaps this person was revered by someone, had a wealthy family or was some other kind of important figure. The name, (wu3 jiu4 huo) Wu Jiu-Huo, is unfamiliar.

At the base of the shrine is a tiny hole.
action: You examine the hole
response: You cannot tell how deep the hole is, but it is very small - about a quarter of an inch in diameter. Ashen smudges mark the surface of the stone just below it.
action: Look around
response: (si4 miao4 de fen2 chang2) Cemetery
The dense trees form a nearly impenetrable wall around the cemetery grounds. In the centre of the clearing is a large mound, atop which stands a shrine or marker of some kind. Numerous smaller stones are dotted about. At the southern end of the cemetery stands a run-down looking pagoda. A path runs northward, apparently towards the mountains.
action: You examine the stones
response: The smaller stones appear to be grave markers only a foot or two high, characters adorning most of them - while a few have weathered smooth. After looking at several of them, you realize that the names are written in an archaic style, and none of them are even vaguely familiar.
action: Pray
response: Nothing practical results from your prayer.
action: You look at the pagoda
response: The pagoda must have been magnificent in its day. Three tiers of bright orange tiled roofing sweep down, supported by bright green painted wooden pillars and beams. Ricepaper screens adorn the windows, while an ornately carved door stands at the top of the steps that run up to the raised floor level. Of course now, the tiles have faded and are stained with muck and lichen. The paint is peeling from the woodwork, the screens are gone and the frames of the door and windows stand empty.
action: You take the pagoda
response: That's hardly portable.
action: You go to the south
response: (ta3) Inside pagoda
Despite the air of decay that the outside (and indeed the inside) of the building presents, there is a strange homely warmth to it. A sense of stillness and focus pervades your being, making you feel relaxed yet alert. The structure above creaks in the sunlight, while the floating feathers of birds roosting above add to the dreamlike quality.

You can see an old man, a wooden tray and a teapot (in which is some water) here.
action: You examine man
response: If it were not for the gentle movement of his chest while breathing, you would assume that he was a scarecrow made from stuffed wrinkly leather. Admittedly, the long silver hair that spills from the back of his head, beard and moustache would have made him a rather elaborate scarecrow. If it were not for a peculiar air of hidden power that surrounds him, you would think him to be a common beggar.
action: You touch man
response: The old man does not seem to respond at all. He seems totally oblivious to his surroundings, except for the fact that his nostrils seem to flare in response to aromas that you cannot discern.
action: You examine the teapot
response: A small brown ceramic teapot. It contains clean hot water.
action: You put the leaves in the pot
response: The leaves are too big for teamaking.
action: You cut leaves
response: You ought to cut them on a tray.
action: You put the leaves on the tray
response: You put the tea leaves on the wooden tray.
action: You cut the leaves
response: (with the jade knife)
(first taking the jade knife)
You cut the leaves with finesse, then gather them up - just right for teamaking now.
action: You take the leaves
response: You already have those.
action: You put the leaves in the pot
response: You open the lid, put the tea in and close it again.

The tea begins to steep in the pot. The delicate aroma wafts across the room.

The old man seems to smell the tea, for his eyes open and a thin smile briefly plays across his features. He walks over to you, picks up the teapot and smells the contents.

"Ahh, the leaf is perfect," he comments, "but I am quite capable of making tea myself. As I had no leaf to make any however, I am in your debt."

He fumbles in his robes for a moment, and withdraws a large key.

"This may be of some use to you. Find your way to the top of Mount Tai - you may learn something from the experience. Come back to see me once you discover the point of the trip."

He laughs as he hands you the key and goes outside to enjoy his tea.
action: You look at the key
response: It is a large iron key. Most of the angular edges seem to have been worn down by passing many hands.
action: Go north
response: (si4 miao4 de fen2 chang2) Cemetery
The dense trees form a nearly impenetrable wall around the cemetery grounds. In the centre of the clearing is a large mound, atop which stands a shrine or marker of some kind. Numerous smaller stones are dotted about. At the southern end of the cemetery stands a run-down looking pagoda. A path runs northward, apparently towards the mountains.
action: You go north
response: The forest stops, suddenly confronted by a wall of rock.

(shan1 men2) Mountain gate
An enormous archway stands to the northwest, acting as a gateway to the mountain pass beyond. The forest opens out to the south, while a rock wall encompasses all other directions.
action: You open the gate with the key
response: You unlock the wooden gate.
action: You open gate
response: You open the wooden gate.
action: You go to the north-west
response: After passing through the archway at the foot of the mountains, a staggering number of steps lies ahead of you.

After a tiring climb of three thousand steps you reach a landing, where you rest before continuing the climb.

(shan1 ti1) Mountain stairway
The landing, a flat expanse of about twenty feet across in both directions, gives a welcome break from the tortuous stairs that lead up to the east and down to the southeast. Sheltered from the winds, this spot is quite a peaceful place to rest.
action: You rest
response: Weary from the climb, you fall asleep.

You dream about the principles of Yin and Yang, of how opposites are inseparable and how one is necessary for the existance of the other. After the dream fades to nothing, words drift through your sleep:

"When people see some things as beautiful,
other things become ugly.
When people see some things as good,
other things become bad.

Being and non-being create each other.
Difficult and easy support each other.
Long and short define each other.
High and low depend on each other.
Before and after follow each other.

and teaches without saying anything.
Things arise and she lets them come;
things disappear and she lets them go.
She has but does not possess,
acts but does not expect.
When her work is done, she forgets it.
That is why it lasts forever."

You wake, feeling refreshed.
action: You describe your surroundings
response: (shan1 ti1) Mountain stairway
The landing, a flat expanse of about twenty feet across in both directions, gives a welcome break from the tortuous stairs that lead up to the east and down to the southeast. Sheltered from the winds, this spot is quite a peaceful place to rest.
action: Go east
response: You trudge wearily up the remaining three thousand, six hundred and sixty steps.

As you emerge from the relatively confined space of the stairway, you feel slightly lightheaded - the landscape opening out below you is stunning.

(shan1) Mountain
The mountain stands just over a mile above the surrounding terrain. You can see your village over in the distant west, while to the south the whole complex of spirit way and cemetery is visible from this great height. Birds circle the treetops below, their movements complementing the stillness of the clear blue skies above.

Except for a solitary wizened tree and the stairway cut into the ground to the west, the mountaintop is bare.

A long wooden box lies on the ground, apparently discarded.
action: Examine box
response: It is just over three feet long, approximately four inches thick by about six inches wide. It is rather plain looking, being made of a light wood - no pattern adorns the outer surface. A latch mechanism is mounted on the front, but no hinges are visible on the back - they must be on the inside of the box.

It is closed.
action: You open the box
response: It appears that the latch has seized up and will not open. Given some tremendous force, you might be able to free the mechanism.
action: You look at the tree
response: As with many trees that grow upon the slopes of mountains, it has given in to the persistent nagging of the winds. It slants upward at a peculiar angle, as though planted inside some giant glass bottle that has forced it into an unnatural shape.

Although poetic, it is but a tree.
action: Smash box
response: It seems as though it would take tremendous force to loosen the latch.
action: You climb the tree
response: The branches of the tree are compact, dry and brushlike. Virtually impossible to climb up.
action: You throw the box
response: The box clatters all the way down the steps.
action: Go west
response: After stumbling wearily down three thousand, six hundred and sixty steps, you reach the landing - a welcome sight, as you feel in need of a rest.

(shan1 ti1) Mountain stairway
The landing, a flat expanse of about twenty feet across in both directions, gives a welcome break from the tortuous stairs that lead up to the east and down to the southeast. Sheltered from the winds, this spot is quite a peaceful place to rest.

You can see a long wooden box (which is closed) here.
action: You tie the vine to box
response: You tie the vine to the handle of the box. Thankfully it does not snap.
action: You go to the east
response: You trudge wearily up the remaining three thousand, six hundred and sixty steps.

As you emerge from the relatively confined space of the stairway, you feel slightly lightheaded - the landscape opening out below you is stunning.

(shan1) Mountain
The mountain stands just over a mile above the surrounding terrain. You can see your village over in the distant west, while to the south the whole complex of spirit way and cemetery is visible from this great height. Birds circle the treetops below, their movements complementing the stillness of the clear blue skies above.

Except for a solitary wizened tree and the stairway cut into the ground to the west, the mountaintop is bare.
action: Inventory
response: There's nothing sensible to swing here.

You are carrying:
a long wooden box with a vine attached
a key
a jade knife
a cloth bag (being worn and open but empty)
action: Look around
response: (shan1) Mountain
The mountain stands just over a mile above the surrounding terrain. You can see your village over in the distant west, while to the south the whole complex of spirit way and cemetery is visible from this great height. Birds circle the treetops below, their movements complementing the stillness of the clear blue skies above.

Except for a solitary wizened tree and the stairway cut into the ground to the west, the mountaintop is bare.
action: You pull the tree
response: Everything has purpose within the Dao, that is nature's way. However an immediate use for the wizened tree eludes you for the time being.
action: You look at the tree
response: As with many trees that grow upon the slopes of mountains, it has given in to the persistent nagging of the winds. It slants upward at a peculiar angle, as though planted inside some giant glass bottle that has forced it into an unnatural shape.

Although poetic, it is but a tree.
action: You examine the stairway
response: Apart from the obvious beginnings and ends, the steps - with very little imagination - could be stretching out into infinity. It must have taken years to lay these steps into the surrounding rock structures of the mountainous valley.
action: You examine latch
response: The latch looks very rusty. It appears to serve both as a handle and a fastening as there is a large loop, big enough for you to carry it by. It appears that the latch has seized up and will not open. It seems as though it would take tremendous force to loosen. There is a vine tied to the handle.
action: You tie the vine to latch
response: You tie the vine to the handle of the box. Thankfully it does not snap.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
a long wooden box with a vine attached
a key
a jade knife
a cloth bag (being worn and open but empty)
action: Smash box
response: It seems as though it would take tremendous force to loosen the latch.
action: Drop box
response: The box clatters all the way down the steps.
action: You give up
response: (to yourself)
(first taking the up above)
That isn't available.
action: Look around
response: (shan1) Mountain
The mountain stands just over a mile above the surrounding terrain. You can see your village over in the distant west, while to the south the whole complex of spirit way and cemetery is visible from this great height. Birds circle the treetops below, their movements complementing the stillness of the clear blue skies above.

Except for a solitary wizened tree and the stairway cut into the ground to the west, the mountaintop is bare.
action: You look at the cemetery
response: From this distance, the whole area just seems like a greenish rug of trees, with the cemetery complex forming an earthy stain upon it.
action: You throw the box at the cemetery
response: Everything has purpose within the Dao, that is nature's way. However an immediate use for the long wooden box with a vine attached eludes you for the time being.
action: You examine the birds
response: From this distance they look like tiny white specks. They could easily be motes of dust, floating on the air currents.
action: Go west
response: After stumbling wearily down three thousand, six hundred and sixty steps, you reach the landing - a welcome sight, as you feel in need of a rest.

(shan1 ti1) Mountain stairway
The landing, a flat expanse of about twenty feet across in both directions, gives a welcome break from the tortuous stairs that lead up to the east and down to the southeast. Sheltered from the winds, this spot is quite a peaceful place to rest.
action: You go to the southeast
response: After an arduous trek down three thousand steps, you reach the foot of the mountain.

(shan1 men2) Mountain gate
An enormous archway stands to the northwest, acting as a gateway to the mountain pass beyond. The forest opens out to the south, while a rock wall encompasses all other directions.
action: Go south
response: (si4 miao4 de fen2 chang2) Cemetery
The dense trees form a nearly impenetrable wall around the cemetery grounds. In the centre of the clearing is a large mound, atop which stands a shrine or marker of some kind. Numerous smaller stones are dotted about. At the southern end of the cemetery stands a run-down looking pagoda. A path runs northward, apparently towards the mountains.
action: Go south
response: (ta3) Inside pagoda
Despite the air of decay that the outside (and indeed the inside) of the building presents, there is a strange homely warmth to it. A sense of stillness and focus pervades your being, making you feel relaxed yet alert. The structure above creaks in the sunlight, while the floating feathers of birds roosting above add to the dreamlike quality.

You can see a wooden tray here.
action: You examine feathers
response: Looking up into the roof space, you cannot actually see the birds themselves - they are always careful to hide out of plain sight when roosting. The presence of their feathers, gently floating on the air currents gives them away.
action: You examine the tray
response: The wooden tray is about a foot in diameter, the surface is scored with marks as though it has been used as a chopping board. A small lip runs around its outer edge, to prevent spillage of whatever might be placed upon it.
action: You describe your surroundings
response: (ta3) Inside pagoda
Despite the air of decay that the outside (and indeed the inside) of the building presents, there is a strange homely warmth to it. A sense of stillness and focus pervades your being, making you feel relaxed yet alert. The structure above creaks in the sunlight, while the floating feathers of birds roosting above add to the dreamlike quality.
action: You hold the vine
response: You are already holding the box to which it is attached.
action: You rest
response: Weary from the climb, you fall asleep.

Once again, words drift through your slumber.

"We join spokes together in a wheel,
but it is the centre hole
that makes the wagon move.

We shape clay into a pot,
but it is the emptiness inside
that holds whatever we want.

We hammer wood for a house,
but it is the inner space
that makes it livable.

We work with being,
but non-being is what we use."

You wake, feeling refreshed.
action: You rest
response: Weary from your climb, you fall into a short, dreamless slumber.

You wake, feeling refreshed.
action: Go downward
response: (shan1 men2) Mountain gate
An enormous archway stands to the northwest, acting as a gateway to the mountain pass beyond. The forest opens out to the south, while a rock wall encompasses all other directions.
action: You rest
response: After a short rest, you feel refreshed.
action: Go west
response: (shen2 dao4) Eastern end of spirit way
Cypress and bamboo trees form an avenue which ends to the east as the trees open out to form the entrance to a cemetery. The western end of the path continues through the elaborate archway. A tea bush grows out from a crack in the pavings.
action: Go west
response: (shen2 dao4) Western end of spirit way
Cypress trees form a straight avenue several feet wide, running from west to east. The path continues some distance to the east, where it terminates in an archway - and back into the forest to the west.

A row of ornate animal statues flank each side of the paved path upon which you stand, apparently guarding the way from interlopers.
action: Drop box
response: You hold on to the other end of the vine as you drop the box. The tide comes in and whisks the box out to sea, but due to the fact that you are holding the vine it veers to one side, causing it to smash violently against the rocks. The vine gets snatched from your grip as the box disappears from view.
action: Go downward
response: (ya2 di3) Cliff base
Not much can be seen from this vantage point. A thin veil of fog blocks the view out to sea. The waters below churn menacingly, the spume a milky white.

The ledge here forms a small alcove, which is only a couple of metres across. It continues up the cliff face, where it vanishes from sight.

Debris seems to get washed in here and collects on the rocky ledge.

You can also see a long wooden box (which is closed) here.
action: Examine box
response: It is just over three feet long, approximately four inches thick by about six inches wide. It is rather plain looking, being made of a light wood - no pattern adorns the outer surface. A latch mechanism is mounted on the front, but no hinges are visible on the back - they must be on the inside of the box.

It is closed.
action: You open it
response: Suitably weakened by its ordeal the box opens easily, revealing a painting in the lid.

It also contains a sword.
action: You examine the painting
response: The picture inside the lid appears to depict five different martial arts moves and stances, relating each one to a different element. Each one is distinct enough for you to be able to remember them easily: (tu3 jin2 shui3 mu4 huo3) earth, metal, water, wood and fire. Oddly, none of them depict stances that include a sword - they are all unarmed.

Just below is an image of a sword, with the same symbols etched in a pattern upon the blade - but it is too faded to be able to discern which is which.

[Type the name of the element to practice the stance.]
action: Earth
response: You are not in combat at the moment, but you rehearse the stance anyway.

You quickly get into the earth stance:

You balance your weight evenly upon both legs, both slightly bent to keep your stance grounded. Your right hand is held out in front of you, fingers open, palm facing directly forward. Your left hand is also held palm open, but at your side - facing forwards at a slight downward angle.
action: Metal
response: You are not in combat at the moment, but you rehearse the stance anyway.

You quickly get into the metal stance:

You shift your weight backwards onto your right leg, left leg out towards the front, giving support. You hold your left fist out in front of you, palm up, at face level, while your right fist is at your hip, facing palm down.
action: Water
response: You are not in combat at the moment, but you rehearse the stance anyway.

You quickly get into the water stance:

With your legs together, the left slightly in front of the right, you crouch a little. Your right fist extends out as far as you can reach, thumb upward, yet keeping the arm slightly bent. The left fist is held, palm inwards, against your ribs.
action: Wood
response: You are not in combat at the moment, but you rehearse the stance anyway.

You quickly get into the wood stance:

You shift your weight backwards onto your left leg, right leg out towards the front, giving support. You hold your left fist out in front of you, thumb upward, at shoulder level, while your right fist is held just above your head, ready to strike downwards.
action: Fire
response: You are not in combat at the moment, but you rehearse the stance anyway.

You quickly get into the fire stance:

You shift your weight sideways onto your right leg, left leg out towards the front-left, giving support. You hold your right fist out in front of you, palm up, at face level, while your left fist is at covering your stomach, facing palm down.
action: You examine the sword
response: The sword is a classic Chinese "Jian": a tassel graces the pommel, which is in turn attached to a wooden handgrip. Above the handgrip is the hilt, from which extends the blade. The blade itself appears to have symbols etched upon it.
action: You examine the symbols
response: The blade is nearly three feet long, an inch and a half wide, yet nearly wafer thin. It is unusually flexible, and the edges appear razor sharp right to the tip. It has a slightly flattened section up the middle, upon which there appear to be etched symbols of some sort.

The etching appears to be writing. One side has characters (chuang4 zao4) meaning "Create" and just above it a circle of five characters, reading from the top clockwise: (tu3 jin2 shui3 mu4 huo3) Earth, Metal, Water, Wood, Fire - which appear to be referring to the creation of Qi energy by cycling through the five elements of nature.

The other side has the characters (kong4 zhi4) "Control" and again in a circle: (tu3 shui3 huo3 jin2 mu4) Earth, Water, Fire, Metal, Wood - which refers to the cycle by which Qi is controlled and suppressed by the five elements.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a sword
a long wooden box (which is open but empty)
a wooden tray
a key
a jade knife
a cloth bag (being worn and open but empty)
action: Go upwards
response: (ya2) Cliffs
As you stand with your back to the cliff, the view ahead of you appears to be nothing but a blur fading from dark grey sea below, through to a light powder blue sky.

A narrow path winds its way down the cliff face to the water level below, where a small alcove seems to collect debris, and upwards over the edge of the cliff to the bamboo forest.
action: You go northwest
response: (zhu2 lin2) Bamboo forest
Wind whispers through the feathery branches of the bamboo forest surrounding you as warm sunlight showers down, gently filtered by the delicate leaves overhead. The soft ground is carpeted with slender browning leaves, occasionally stirred up by the cool breeze. Faint tracks run southeast and east, one also continues to the north up a bank, and another downwards into a small depression to the south. An impenetrable barrier of thorns lies to the west. How they got there after you passed that way last night is anyone's guess.
action: You go east
response: The avenue of cypress trees change back to bamboo midway down the path.

(shen2 dao4) Eastern end of spirit way
Cypress and bamboo trees form an avenue which ends to the east as the trees open out to form the entrance to a cemetery. The western end of the path continues through the elaborate archway. A tea bush grows out from a crack in the pavings.
action: You go east
response: The path ends, and the forest either side retreats to form a clearing.

(si4 miao4 de fen2 chang2) Cemetery
The dense trees form a nearly impenetrable wall around the cemetery grounds. In the centre of the clearing is a large mound, atop which stands a shrine or marker of some kind. Numerous smaller stones are dotted about. At the southern end of the cemetery stands a run-down looking pagoda. A path runs northward, apparently towards the mountains.
action: You go to the south
response: (ta3) Inside pagoda
Despite the air of decay that the outside (and indeed the inside) of the building presents, there is a strange homely warmth to it. A sense of stillness and focus pervades your being, making you feel relaxed yet alert. The structure above creaks in the sunlight, while the floating feathers of birds roosting above add to the dreamlike quality.

You can see an old man here.

The old man says, "I will test your understanding. I will attack you five times in a row - if you manage to defeat me three times in a row, I will know that you have attained understanding. If you fail, you may try again - I am not so harsh a master as others."

Despite his apparent frailty, the old man suddenly moves with the grace of a snake. As he prepares to strike, you recognise his stance as the element of fire.
action: Water
response: You quickly get into the water stance:

With your legs together, the left slightly in front of the right, you crouch a little. Your right fist extends out as far as you can reach, thumb upward, yet keeping the arm slightly bent. The left fist is held, palm inwards, against your ribs.

You manage to attain a balance between physical and spiritual. The effect of the combination of spiritual elements allows you to defeat him.

"Good, water controls fire!"

The old man readies himself for his next attack, this time the stance appears to be that of fire.
action: Water
response: You quickly get into the water stance:

With your legs together, the left slightly in front of the right, you crouch a little. Your right fist extends out as far as you can reach, thumb upward, yet keeping the arm slightly bent. The left fist is held, palm inwards, against your ribs.

The balance between physical and spiritual elements in your stance is much better this time. The blending allows you to defeat him with relative ease.

"Excellent, water controls fire!"

The old man readies himself for his next attack, this time the stance appears to be that of wood.
action: Metal
response: You quickly get into the metal stance:

You shift your weight backwards onto your right leg, left leg out towards the front, giving support. You hold your left fist out in front of you, palm up, at face level, while your right fist is at your hip, facing palm down.

You reach the perfect balance of physical and spiritual. The effect of the combination of spiritual elements allows you to defeat him effortlessly.

"Superb, metal controls wood!"

"You are talented!" He exclaims. "Evidently you understand the principles of Taiji and elemental cycles. No further tests will be necessary, you have the understanding you seek."

He goes back to his meditations.

Reviewing your memory of the battle, you understand that the elements carry a great spiritual weight when represented in combat, and that much of their power comes through, even when physical strength may be lacking.
action: You drop the tray
response: Dropped.
action: You cut the thorns
response: (with the sword)
You hack the thorny obstruction to pieces.
action: You cut the thorns with the sword
response: Cutting those up would achieve little.
action: Look around
response: (zhu2 lin2) Bamboo forest
Wind whispers through the feathery branches of the bamboo forest
action: Go west
response: surrounding you as warm sunlight showers down, gently filtered by the delicate leaves overhead. The soft ground is carpeted with slender browning leaves, occasionally stirred up by the cool breeze. Faint tracks run southeast and east, one also continues to the north up a bank, and another downwards into a small depression to the south. The trail back to your village lies to the west.

Although you have gained the understanding of spirituality and softness in combat, your family places much emphasis on the weapon that you have returned with.

In the years to come, your descendants pass on your teachings in a tainted form. Teachings that still place emphasis on weaponry and possessions.

The family name becomes famous for a few generations, but gradually fades into antiquity as their skills are surpassed by other weapon masters.
action: You go to the west
response: You realize that true skill does not depend upon weapons. It is what is in your heart, not your hand, that is important.

Your teachings of Taiji - of softness in combat - will be passed on for generations and your family name known for decades, if not centuries to come.
action: Endnotes
response: If you've completed the game with full understanding of Taiji (which isn't actually Taiji by the way, the stances are from Xingyi, as Taiji doesn't actually have "elemental stances" in it - at least Sun style doesn't) you will have actually gone through all of the key plot elements.

Taiji was never actually developed in the manner implied in the game. The idea that it came about after a certain historical figure had witnessed a battle between a crane and snake is a popular myth. The actual lineage and development of Taiji is well documented fact.

A few herrings exist in this game:
In the cemetery, you notice the shrine, try searching the mound - follow up the lead that gives you. Anyone finding this and taking it literally might end up thinking "Oh my God! Do I have to do all THAT?"

As you know, of course not! Unless of course, you plan to do it for real... Oh, by the way, ricepaper is edible.

You might like to have a rest on the landing after all that, as well. Remember that you get tired by walking down to a mountain as well as up.

Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, read the ENDNOTES, or QUIT?
action: Look around
response: (zhu2 lin2) Bamboo forest
Wind whispers through the feathery branches of the bamboo forest surrounding you as warm sunlight showers down, gently filtered by the delicate leaves overhead. The soft ground is carpeted with slender browning leaves, occasionally stirred up by the cool breeze. Faint tracks run southeast and east, one also continues to the north up a bank, and another downwards into a small depression to the south. The trail back to your village lies to the west.

You can see a sword here.
action: You search it
response: After a thorough search of the hill you find an incense stick, which you take.
action: You look at the stick
response: An inch or two long, by just under quarter of an inch in diameter, the stub of incense gently smolders giving off fragrant tendrils of smoke. As you watch it, you notice that it does not seem to burn down at all.
action: You put the stick in the hole
response: Inexplicably, the incense flares into life. It begins to burn down to nothing, giving off an immense amount of smoke as it does so.

You suddenly feel a presence beside you. In the wind a feminine voice whispers:

"Thank you for your respect. As a token of my gratitude I leave you a small gift."

You notice a small slip of paper flapping about in the grass.
action: You examine paper
response: It is a small slip of crinkly yellow rice paper. One side is covered with characters written in red ink - it looks almost like the traditional "money for the dead" yet the characters are not the same.

The note appears to be a set of instructions, it reads:

"(ji2 hao4 de cha2) Perfect Tea
(wu3 jiu4 huo) Wu Jiu-Huo

To make the most perfect tea, it is important to collect fresh leaves from the teabush.

Use of the correct utensils is important also.
The pot should hold enough liquid to fill two cups, while a pitcher in which to heat the water is also required.

Cut the leaves into halves.

Heat the water you wish to use in the pitcher, then fill the pot and use it to rinse out the cups also. Pour this water away.

Put the chopped leaves into the pot, ideally they should fill the pot by about one third.
Fill the rest of the pot with hot water once again. Leave to stand for a moment, then fill the cups with this first pot of tea.
Do not drink this tea, instead discard it.

Leaving the tea leaves in the pot, fill it once again.
This time, when you pour the tea into the cups, you may drink.
Repeat this last step until the heated water is used up or the tea leaves are spent."