Tao Feng: The Tale
The tale of Tao Feng: The Fist of the Lotus takes place in a mystical nation called New China. Here, fantastic myths shared in Taoist temples speak of the constant shifting of balance between Good and Evil. And, yet, here epics passed from generation to generation seem far removed from the realities of mundane life. When you're worried about where and when you will get your next meal, you don't stop to consider that heroes might walk among you. It's hard to believe that two ancient sects could still be competing for the attention of the Divine, but it's true. Here in Metro-China, the capital of New China, it's true. This is the tale.
The battle between good and evil.
Eternal Conflict
Throughout the centuries, two sects have fought a perpetual battle. High on a mountain, in the Perfect Harmony Temple, the Pale Lotus sect of martial artists trained. They knew they would soon have to defend the Tao. The time came sooner than they expected. Their enemies, the Black Mantis sect, discovered the location of the temple and attacked it.
Shihao, a member of the Pale Lotus sect, was away at the time. When Shihao returned to the temple the day after the massacre, he found his master, the sole survivor, barely alive. Shihao bent to hear his master's last words. The Pale Lotus leader revealed the location of his infant son, named Lo Shu, and entrusted the child's care to Shihao. Then, the master died. Shihao gathered up the master's son and headed for Metro-China.
Shihao leads the Pale Lotus sect.
Shihao, Master Caretaker
Shihao dedicated himself to the protection and education of Lo Shu. He trained the boy in the ways of the Pale Lotus, while keeping him safely hidden from the Black Mantis. Once Lo Shu became an adult, Shihao went his own way. He disappeared into obscurity. He told no one of his intentions to avenge the deaths of his master and fellow Pale Lotus students.
Lo Shu heard nothing from Shihao for a long time. Then, one day, a member of another martial arts sect, the Eastern Sun, arrived at Lo Shu's doorstep with the Yang Tablet in hand. He was mortally wounded.
The Yang Tablet and its companion, the Yin Tablet, bear riddles in their inscriptions that reveal the locations of the 12 temple treasures. Unfortunately, the Black Mantis sect hold the Yin Tablet.
Pale Lotus fighters: the "good guys."
The Pale Lotus
The lotus flower symbolizes the unfolding of inner divine potential. Heroes who belong to the Pale Lotus seek enlightenment by developing their own internal source. They balance theirchi, the spirit and life force that powers their martial arts. This is neidan, the study of inner alchemy. The initiates of the Pale Lotus strive for personal harmony, so that they can defend the helpless, promote justice, and increase world harmony.
The leader of the Pale Lotus holds the title of Master Sage. When one Master Sage dies, another steps up to take the role. Lo Shu, now grown to manhood, has taken the mantle of the Master Sage. He has sworn to succeed where his father failed.
So bad… but so good…
The Black Mantis
In mythology, the praying mantis is the seer who unerringly guides the deceased to the underworld. The insect carries dark symbolism often associated with death, lack of compassion, and forbidden mysteries. Those who belong to the Black Mantis follow an aggressive path to enlightenment. They believe in shortcuts and seek magic to help them. This is waidan, the study of external alchemy. They're too impatient to develop their chi naturally.
The leader of the Black Mantis sect bears the title of Wulong Goth. When one Wulong Goth dies, that leader's powers, knowledge, and even ancestral memories pass to the next in line. This gives the impression to those less informed that Wulong Goth is a single immortal individual. As much as Wulong Goth would like this to be true, it is not… yet.
Will good prevail, or will evil reign?
Facing Down a God
Wulong Goth has one goal: to live forever, as a god does. An ancient story talks about a god known as Shou-Hsing or Nan-chi Lao-jen ("Old Man of the South Pole"). This celestial entity sets the date of every person's death. He also possesses the ability to grant immortality.
To acquire immortality, a hero must travel to the South Pole with a treasure worthy of a god. He must defeat Zhao Yen, the immortal warrior who guards Shou-Hsing's palace. Then, he must present the treasure to Shou-Hsing. If he impresses the God of Longevity, the god will grace him with immortality.
There are few treasures worthy of the Old Man of the South Pole, but Wulong Goth knows of one. Ancient treasures, once in the possession of the Pale Lotus, are scattered throughout New China. The Black Mantis sect is in a race with the Pale Lotus sect to retrieve these treasures, using the clues provided in the Yin and Yang Tablets.
And so, the saga continues. Who will gather the treasures first? Will it be Black Mantis or Pale Lotus? The world hangs in the balance, waiting on the outcome of this monumental struggle.
By Violet Leigh
