Tu Liong, young and naive in the world of martial arts, was eager to uncover the truth. He questioned Cu Siau-thian, "What exactly does Thiat-yan want?"
Cu Siau-thian replied, "Tu Liong, I can't answer that. I don't know what Thiat-yan desires or who possesses it. He must think I know, which is why I'm still alive."
"So, you don't have any clues about this case. How do you know that aside from revenge, Thiat-yan is seeking something?"
"I knew you'd ask this someday... let me share my view. In the martial world, there are no secrets. Even the smallest news can travel thousands of Li. How does this happen?"
"Because martial artists roam far and wide, and relationships are well-maintained. True friends keep secrets from enemies, but sometimes, a trusted friend might also be an enemy. Do you understand?"
"I understand. Thiat-yan might have told someone, but you learned about it from rumors."
"Correct." Cu Siau-thian was pleased, "You're very clever. You grasp things quickly. I won't have to explain much to you."
Since childhood, Tu Liong had left his hometown. Though Mongolian blood ran in his veins, he felt akin to the Han people, enjoying their annual festivals, especially the Goan-siau festival.
"Cu Taiya, do you know why I like it?"
"Because you love riddles."
"Exactly! Cu Taiya knows me well. The more complex the riddle, the more excited I become. When solving it, I forget food and sleep. Now, a riddle stands before me."
"And its solution lies with Thiat-yan."
"Not quite right. Thiat-yan might be trying to solve the same riddle. If he had the answer, things wouldn't be like this."
"True, perhaps Thiat-yan hasn't solved it either..." Cu Siau-thian asked cautiously, "Do you plan to solve this mystery?"
"If you allow me, I'd like to try."
"I do not permit it," Cu Siau-thian replied curtly.
Despite his reluctance, Tu Liong pressed on, "Why not?"
"First, high-level riddles have many traps. You might think you've found the solution, and it will lead you deeper into trouble. Eventually, you'll be trapped. The real answer might be far from your guess."
"I understand..."
"Tu Liong, you might not fully grasp it. If you err in a word game, you can guess again. But with this mystery, you have one chance. A wrong guess means no repeat. Do you know the consequence of a wrong guess?"
Cu Siau-thian, suddenly fierce, answered, "You will DIE!"
His intensity didn't scare Tu Liong, who laughed instead.
"Why laugh?" Cu Siau-thian was surprised.
"I understand every word you said and your intentions. I laugh because it excites me more. Who can play hide and seek with death?"
Cu Siau-thian's expression shifted unpredictably. He was proud of Tu Liong's courage yet worried for him. Deep down, he cared for Tu Liong.
"Tu Liong, did you ever play hide and seek as a child?"
"Yes, I did."
"In that game, you evade and catch the opponent. Now, you're playing with death. Unlike childhood, you can only evade. You're young, with a long path ahead... to raise a family..."
"You raised me and taught me martial arts; how can I repay that? I've made up my mind. But out of respect, I ask for your permission."
"Have you truly decided?"
"You know I'm not one to change my mind easily."
"Very well!" Cu Siau-thian nodded reluctantly. "But you must keep a promise. Solve riddles as you wish, but don't ask me about it. Can you do that?"
"Alright!" Tu Liong agreed, "I won't ask anything."
Tu Liong began strategizing, choosing loyal martial artists, prioritizing loyalty over skill. He selected about twenty names, dividing them into three groups: one to guard, one to rest, and one as a backup for emergencies.
After planning, Tu Liong rode his white horse to the multi-story houses within the ten small alleys, first seeking Wie Kie-hong.
Seeing Tu Liong return, Wie Kie-hong knew it was important and welcomed him into his room.
"Kie-hong, do you remember Gu Thian-beng? One night, you invited me to hunt wild boar. Wouldn't it be great to leave here and hunt at Tiang-pek-san?"
"Tu Toako, we can only discuss it," Wie Kie-hong replied gloomily. "We both know that chance is gone."
"I want to invite you hunting now."
"Now?" Wie Kie-hong was shocked, "Are you joking?"
"I'm not joking; I'm serious."
"How can we do that now?"
"Kie-hong, I'm not asking you to go far. The hunt is in Pakhia city. The target is the young woman called Thiat-yan. If we succeed, it will be a fulfilling hunt."
Wie Kie-hong was stunned, unable to speak. He wondered why Tu Toako had such thoughts, while he hadn't considered it.
"Are you afraid to accept this challenge?"
"You know I'm no coward. I want to catch Thiat-yan and teach her a lesson, but why use wild boar hunting as a metaphor?"
"Don't ask yet. Before I explain, answer my question. Will you join this thrilling hunt?"
"I will!" Wie Kie-hong quickly replied. But added, "I must ask my foster father's permission first..."
"Kie-hong...! Leng Taiya is traumatized and in shock. Would you burden him with this? You're a grown man now."
Glossary:
1. Thiat-yan: A mysterious character central to the plot.
2. Tu Liong: The protagonist, young and naive but eager to solve mysteries.
3. Cu Siau-thian: An elder who guides Tu Liong, cautious and wise.
4. Goan-siau: A festival enjoyed by Tu Liong, representing cultural integration.
5. Tiang-pek-san: A place mentioned for hunting adventures.
6. Pakhia: The setting of the story, a city with underlying mysteries.
7. Wie Kie-hong: Tu Liong's associate, initially skeptical of the hunt.