'Who knows? But we must remember, more people will join us.'
We see the martial artists from the Wudong clan and the Exiled Swords of Six continue their struggles with themselves and their many foes in the vol. 17 of Blood and Steel (the novel series) by Qiao Jingfu.
This time the few surviving members of the Wudong clan finally reunited with their clan leader, who swore revenge against the Emperor who had destroyed Wudong out of a whim. But in order to avenge their fell brothers and rebuild the Wudong clan, the clan leader did the unthinkable: I think it isn't like him to make a decision like this.
Meanwhile, the Exiled Swords of Six gathered around Lord Wong, who swore to stop the Emperor's uncle from wielding war against the Emperor, because they all knew a coup and a civil war would only bring harm and misery to the helpless ordinary people.
Both groups of martial artists are searching for betterment of their art and empowerment, but when schemes, power struggle and greed were involved, swords would be crossed and blood would be shed.
I think this series has become pretty much character driven, I like how those main characters developed through the series, I also like how they slowly get a better understanding of themselves, their places in the world and their art.
There is a scene I especially like in this volume: a young swordwoman became 'inhuman' when she faced a powerful foe and slayed him. (well, it isn't unheard of for martial artists and warriors reaching the level of inhumanity in battle.)
I'm looking forward for the great battle to come.
PS: I still think the characters and some of the author's wording is way too modern, it isn't so filling with the Ming Dynasty backdrop.