Plum Blossom

　　Clip! Snow plum blossom petals. The fragrant branches. .h.i.t the ground, while the tree vibrated. The scene added an eloquent touch to the courtyard scenery.

　　Martial artists from Beijiang liked sophora j.a.ponicas, while martial artists from Jiangnan liked plum blossoms. Plum blossoms were resilient against cold weather and exuded a more prominent scent after snowfall. They were a favourite among poets because they complimented each other as per the saying, "Plum blossoms are the gentleman among flowers as the sword is among soldiers."

　　Jiangnan citizens believed plum blossoms was a symbol of their cultured characters. It was common to see many swordsman growing plum blossoms in their courtyards. They were also pedantic about having artistic vases. Luo Sword Manor was the most enthusiastic clan when it came to plum blossoms. They grew them anywhere they could and even proudly used a plum blossom petal as their clan's crest.

　　A gardener was at work, tr.i.m.m.i.n.g the plum blossoms as usual. There were unique patterns on the white petals. The unblemished white colour was an indication of the premium quality they were. An alternative name for them was snowflakes reflecting water, which described the scene of residue snowflakes reflecting clear water after winter.

　　The gardener was meticulous, able to use a pair of small and thin clippers to boldly trim branches. He wasn't quick, but he moved gracefully as would be befitting of the scenery and adding a tranquil vibe. It was highly doubtful anyone could tell the white petals were the same petals from yesterday. Anybody who recognised him would be startled to see him there because he shouldn't have been there as if there was nothing that could trouble him no matter what the reason. Him tr.i.m.m.i.n.g plum blossoms was an even more inconceivable sight because he was Beijiang's Evil Spirits' King of Bandits, Abels.

　　Since he never ran into any plateaus he couldn't overcome when learning martial arts, Abels was said to be a master of eighteen arms of wushu, a saying commonly used to refer to those who excelled at every style or weapon. Though it was an unverified rumour, his skills with the clippers were undeniable. The surprising part was clippers and plum blossoms didn't fit his physique's stereotype. His tall stature, bulky physique and the corns on his hands had people categorise him as a brawn head.

　　Abels gradually slowed down as he went. Suddenly, he heard, "Reporting in!"

　　The booming voice broke the peaceful atmosphere in the courtyard. A man knelt before Abels upon landing. The man was Mountain Monster's deputy, Plague Demon. Each of Abels' four sub-leaders had their own deputy in addition subordinates who could be considered henchmen. Owing to Mountain Monster killing the most among the four, his subordinates were also cold-blooded killers. Plague Demon inherited Mountain Monster's bloodl.u.s.t more notably than anyone else, which was why Plague Demon was instated as the latter's deputy.