Chi's page

About Chi

For ten years I have been polishing this sword;
Its frosty edge has never been put to the test.
Now I am holding it and showing it to you, sir:
Is there anyone suffering from injustice?

Yu Chi Feng grew up on the streets, destitute and orphaned. He begged, stole, did all he could to survive in a harsh and cruel world which seemed to care little for him. But instead of becoming selfish, Chi learned compassion from those who took pity on him and felt empathy for others in his same condition. One day, a wandering monk came across Chi defending a small child from a bully with a crooked branch Chi had grabbed from the muddy ground. The monk saw Chi's inner strength of character and also his natural martial talent. He broke up the fight and took Chi back with him.

Chi studied both the art of fencing and the ways of meditation and arcane study in the monastery-fortress for ten years in preparation for his calling. He studied forms such as Divine Gate Thirteen Swords, Soft Snow Swordplay and Mystical Saber Style. He has become accomplished in quigong cultivation techniques and able to infuse his fencing weapon with his own energy.

When his powers grew to a point where his Sifu knew he could teach him no more, he summoned Chi before him.

"These old bones grow weary," the Sifu said to him.

Chi immediately grabbed a blanket, and swirling it around, brought it to rest upon his master's shoulders. "Rest easy, Teacher. I am here."

The old man patted Chi's hand. "I know you are here, but I cannot help but wonder what becomes of the caterpillar which refuses to leave the chrysalis?"

Chi frowned, he knew someday the old man would try this. "Perhaps some congee?" Chi offered, hoping to feint off-topic.

"You should leave here, Chi. There is a whole world out there you have not seen," the old man gruffly pulled the blankets around himself.

"But Sir," Chi protested, "all I need to learn and know in the world is here- I have worked hard to perfect my inner wisdom and knowledge... the scrolls and your..."

"Enough!" the old man cut him off, raising a hand. "Chi, you know I love you as a son," his voice softening as he continued, "but it is time for you to go. The outside world is very different than it is here. You may find it most... enlightening."

Chi stood and bowed, giving the bao quan salute to his teacher whom he loved as a father. "Yes, Sifu."

"Besides," the aging monk muttered as if to himself "it's time you found a wife."

Chi paled at the thought. He had withstood the Eight Chambers and the Test of Longest Night, but nothing could prepare him for the mysteries of the opposite sex. He shuddered a bit, nervously looking at his shoes. A slight trickle of sweat beaded upon his brow...

"AND," the old man continued, "there are many wrongs in the world which need righting. You have a good heart and empathy for your fellow man... those are stronger than any weapon or training you will ever find here or elsewhere. You were meant to do this- to be a champion of Justice wherever you may travel. Go and open the flower of Justice."

"Yes... Sifu." Chi bowed low to his teacher such that the tear he shed would remain unseen as he turned and walked away from the chamber and later the monastery.

And so Chi made his way into the wide world, restoring the balance of Justice where ever it may be needed and learning as he goes.

***

Several adventures later, having proven himself worthy to the Pathfinder Society and even more importantly, the Silver Crusade- Chi found himself still at the threshold of the test he dreaded the most.

"Why is it when Lady Heidmarch breathes deeply that I feel so flustered?" Chi would think to himself.