For the first time in years, Penance Yang leaves the Zhongnan Mountains – to look for his martial teacher, the Dragon Maiden. As he roams the Central Plains, he begins to unravel the true reason behind her abrupt departure and becomes embroiled in rivalries between different kung fu clans. On his travels he will witness the final battle between two of the greatest martial masters of the age and find purpose in the epic struggle to hold back the Mongol hordes from achieving total victory against the Great Song Empire. But even if he manages to find the Dragon Maiden, it will be impossible for the martial world to accept their mutual affection, for love between student and teacher is expressly forbidden. And a woman of her beauty and fearlessness is likely to be coveted by many powerful warriors – Penance may find himself at odds with a deadly rival who believes that nothing merits dishonour in matters of love and war. Translated from the Chinese by Gigi Chang
