“Who slew my messenger?” cried the warrior.
“I did,” answered No-cha.
“Who are you?” demanded Ao Ping.
“I am No-cha, the third son of Li Ching of Ch’ên-t’ang Kuan. I came here to bathe and refresh myself; your messenger cursed me, and I killed him. Then—”
“Rascal! do you not know that your victim was a deputy of the King of Heaven? How dare you kill him, and then boast of your crime?”
So saying, Ao Ping thrust at the boy with his trident. No-cha, by a brisk move, evaded the thrust.
“Who are you?” he asked in turn.
“I am Ao Ping, the third son of Lung Wang.” Page 309
“Ah, you are a blusterer,” jeered the boy; “if you dare to touch me I will skin you alive, you and your mud-eels!”
“You make me choke with rage,” rejoined Ao Ping, at the same time thrusting again with his trident.