Yanzi Li San: The Complete Saga - (8) Hero Faces Ordeal

(8) Hero Faces Ordeal

This is the eighth volume in "The Complete Story of Swallow Li San," a graphic novel series based on the novel "The Legend of the Great Thief Li San." After Li San returns to Beijing from his travels in Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze River), he doesn't seek out his old friends. Instead, he finds refuge on top of the Qianmen Arrow Tower. His first act is to mete out harsh punishment to Ma Yulin at the Tianxiang Brothel. He then brutally kills the madam, avenging Jin Lan (a previous character, likely a love interest or close friend, who suffered due to the madam's actions) and finally letting out his pent-up fury. However, his whereabouts are discovered by Zhang Lu (a former friend or associate who has turned traitor). One late night, while resting on the Arrow Tower, Li San is unfortunately captured. The cruel detectives sever the main tendons in his feet, rendering him unable to use his extraordinary martial arts. He is sentenced to death. On his way to the execution ground, he displays a heroic and defiant spirit, singing sorrowful songs, embodying the courage of a grassroots hero who faces death without fear.

After the "September 18th Incident" (the Mukden Incident of 1931, a crucial event leading to Japan's invasion of Manchuria and subsequent Sino-Japanese War), despite the national crisis, the everyday life of ancient Beijing's populace seemed largely unaffected. As the Chinese New Year approached, households in Beijing's markets were still adorned with lanterns and festive decorations, with the continuous crackling of firecrackers throughout the night.

2. Upon his return to Beijing, Li San decided against going to "Da Wan Ju" (a restaurant, likely a familiar haunt). He wandered the streets. As every family gathered for joyous reunions and family happiness, he, surprisingly, had no place to rest his head, which brought a pang of sorrow to his heart.

3. By now, day was breaking. As he walked, he unconsciously found himself on Qipan Street. Looking up, he saw the Arrow Tower in the distance and thought, "I'll just have to go up there again!" With nimble movements, he quickly ascended the ramp of the Arrow Tower and entered.

4. After waking up, the sun had already set in the west. Li San felt both thirsty and hungry. He got up to stretch his muscles, and once darkness fell, he descended from the Arrow Tower and entered a restaurant outside Qianmen.

5. As he ate, he again thought of Jin Lan. If it hadn't been for the madam of the Tianxiang Brothel deliberately making things difficult for him, he might have already traveled far and wide with Jin Lan. The more he thought, the more he hated, so he rose and headed towards Baizhifang.

6. The Tianxiang Brothel was aglow with red lanterns and tall candles, filled with the sounds of flutes and pipes, welcoming and sending off patrons. His eyes immediately fixed on the shifting silhouette of the madam in the wooden window of the upper floor.

7. Without hesitation, Li San ascended the wooden staircase and walked along the corridor. He pushed the door open, darted into the room, and then locked the door from the inside, proceeding into the inner room.

8. Inside, the madam, wearing a tight-fitting red bodice, sat on the edge of the bed cracking melon seeds. On the embroidered bed curtain lay the naked detective captain, Ma Yulin. Li San sneered, "Captain Ma! Madam! Do you still recognize me?"