Xena and Gabrielle find a monk from the temple where Xena had left Lao Ma’s book. He delivers a message that the warrior realizes is from her late mentor. The two women, along with Joxer, head for Chin. Once there, they find a devastated village. As they are investigating the damage, missiles begin exploding throughout the ruins around them, and soldiers attack them. During the fighting, a woman joins their defense and soon the army retreats. The woman then identifies herself as Pao Ssu, daughter of Lao Ma. She explains to them that the army that was attacking has discovered the secret of black powder, which had been outlawed in Chin. They head for the temple and discover that Lao Ma’s book has been stolen. As Xena and Pao Ssu search for the thief, Gabrielle and Joxer head to the market to get what they need to make their own black powder.
written by Jeff Vlaming
directed by Mark Beesley
music by Joseph LoDucaGuest Cast: Ted Raimi (Joxer), Marie Matiko (Pao SsU/K’Ao Hsin), Andy Choi (Go Kun), William Kwan (Vendor)
LogBook entry by Mary Terrell