Assassins Baifeng (White Phoenix) and Moya (Ink Crow) debate the consequences of their actions under the orders of the general they serve. Baifeng accepts a challenge by Moya to try to save a little bird being attacked by the general’s falcon without harming the falcon. Moya wins the challenge and they continue the debate their situation. As payment for losing, Moya asks Baifeng to accompany him to see the new resident of the Sparrow Pavilion. They observe a beautiful woman playing music on an invisible Guqin (sounds like a piano). Baifeng agrees that she is beautiful, but she is the property of General Ji Wuye. Baifeng spends the next few days listening to her play at a distance. Moya reveals that her name is Nong Yu. Secretly, Baifeng leaves her a Zither which she plays beautifully and many birds flock to listen, as well as Baifeng. She tells Baifeng that the music is called Birdsong in Hollow Valley. Moya reminds Baifeng that the Sparrow Pavilion and all that’s in it belong to General Ji Wuye. The next day, the general questions the staff about the appearance of the zither and the disappearance of his pet yellow oriole, caged next to the falcon. He suspects his falcon of killing the oriole and strangles it in full view of his frightened staff, and then has the staff hanged. He then gives Moya a mission.
