Chapter 132

Countless heroes and brave men had arrived at Lu Manor; although Lu Manor was large, it was nonetheless packed with people everywhere.

Lu Guan Ying invited Feng Yi and Li Mochou to a small courtyard where he resided, made a deep bow: "Please make yourselves at home; if you need anything, call the servants." Then he withdrew, thinking: "These two's looks are indeed a good match, but Li Mochou, sigh…"

Feng Yi pushed open a room door, and instantly his eyes lit up; he saw that it was tastefully furnished, with a carved wooden table holding freshly brewed tea, and the bed already prepared with clean new bedding, giving off a faint fragrance—clearly this had been prepared in advance.

Li Mochou let out a long sigh and said, "This is thanks to your blessing."

Feng Yi turned his head and saw Li Mochou leaning against the door, smiling, and said, "Guests shouldn't stand for long—please have a seat!"

Li Mochou sat down at the table as instructed and said, "I get the feeling you seem to be scolding Yang Guo, but you actually have another target, don't you?"

Feng Yi smiled faintly: "You noticed?"

Li Mochou suddenly spoke softly: "Is it because of me?"

That sentence, full of lingering affection, overflowed beyond words.

Seeing Li Mochou's gentle, water-like tenderness now, so unlike the usual laughing-and-killing Scarlet Serpent Immortal, Feng Yi felt slightly surprised and said, "Where does this come from?"

Li Mochou gave a light smile, her starry eyes filled with emotion, her face like spring blossoms, and she said softly: "You say to reform and start anew, to employ only talent; even if we let go of past grudges and work together, success is not guaranteed. Are you not telling them, at this critical juncture, not to make things difficult for me, this wicked person?"

Feng Yi fell silent for a moment, then sighed: "Actually, it's not entirely for you. Besides, given your abilities, you don't need my help; I just don't want to waste time on pointless matters."

"How could I not need your help?" Li Mochou turned her gaze, saying, "Since I left the ancient tomb, I have faced everything alone. I encountered the madman Ouyang Feng and even ran to Mount Zhongnan; although my master came to my rescue, I also caused her harm."

When I met Huang Yaoshi, I had no recourse at all; if it weren't for my Ice Soul Silver Needles being formidable and wounding Cheng Ying, I would have...' She spoke, her brows and eyes reddening, her pupils flickering with tears.

Feng Yi was a hot-blooded man; seeing such a beautiful woman so gentle, his heart stirred, and he reached out to lightly stroke Li Mochou's silky hair, saying languidly: "In this world, how can everything go as one wishes?"

I am like this, you are like this, Yang Guo and Xiao Longnv are likewise, and Guo Jing and his wife, though far more capable than they, are the same.

Li Mochou said: "So, by scolding Yang Guo, you mean to tell Guo Jing that in this world there is no perfect win-win; one must sacrifice something."

"You are really smart." Feng Yi said: "I scold Yang Guo partly because I am vexed; besides, he is naturally young and reckless, a lifetime of unrestrained love for freedom, his temperament intense and changeable, whereas your junior sister and she are extremes."

Yet these two fell in love despite that; however, love is essentially compromise—if one party's nature does not change and does not draw close to the other's temperament, even the deepest love will not last.

If someone like Yang Guo is not scolded sharply, then if one day Xiao Longnv truly marries another and becomes a daughter-in-law, he will surely come to hate us both, and who knows what he might do thereafter!

Moreover, this heroes' gathering is all because of the Great Hero Guo couple; there are things I cannot say to him outright, so I can only speak indirectly.

Li Mochou nodded thoughtfully: "I've heard that Guo Jing was once valued by Genghis Khan, who made him a golden-sword prince consort, using the Song king as bait and his mother as hostage, ordering him to lead troops to attack Song, yet he remained unmoved."

A man who can endure humiliation and bear burdens for his family already counts as a husband; he, for the sake of the nation and those countless common folk unrelated to him, resists such temptation—truly a pillar of heaven and earth, a great man.

Feng Yi said: "Indeed, people like him, though our ideas differ, are worthy of admiration; before everyone, we can only wrong Yang Guo."

Li Mochou chuckled: "You're right to scold him!"

That brat, from childhood he's never been anything good!

At such a young age he called me 'great beauty,' called Guo Fu and Cheng Ying 'little beauties,' all slick and oily—I don't know what Guo Jing sees in him.

Feng Yi laughed heartily: "Look at you now, so gentle; if you had met Guo Jing in your youth, that would have been nice."

He spoke from the heart; actually, Huang Rong and Li Mochou share much in common—they are not innately vicious, yet both are lawless and do as they please.

Huang Rong's dismembering of limbs and cutting off ears were merely because, as a young girl, she met the honest and steadfast Guo Jing, who loved her wholeheartedly, and only then did she change.

Even so, she feared Mu Nianci would marry Guo Jing, so she beat her up, stabbing her face with a sword back and forth, forcing her to swear she would not marry Guo Jing.

Such mischief made even Hong Qigong say that if she dared to do it again, he'd give her a resounding slap on the ear.

Li Mochou, on the other hand, met the fickle Lu Zhan yuan, which made her resentful of society; from angry hatred and pain she became perverse, and from perversity grew cruel and violent, altering her life's course. In the original trajectory, Guo Xiang's lovely charm would have stirred her innate motherly nature.

If Huang Rong were betrayed by Guo Jing, what would she become? Who knows?

Or if Li Mochou had not been let down, what would she become? Who could know?

Li Mochou said with a hint of resentment: "Do you mean this, or do you think I am now too wicked and toxic, unworthy of you?"

Feng Yi saw her face show bitterness, and he stood there, unable to speak.

Li Mochou saw him at a loss, yet her heart felt warm. At that moment, both felt they had a thousand words to say, but didn't know where to begin.

Feng Yi could sense Li Mochou's affection for him, while his own heart also harbored a strange thought toward her; he truly wanted to be with her…

But this is someone else's home, and he and Li Mochou aren't even talking about marriage, let alone a lifelong promise; he thought again, yet dared not overstep with her.

Li Mochou saw Feng Yi's gaze change, knowing he was captivated by her beauty; she felt pleased inside, yet also worried.

Because after seeing Xiao Longnv leave, she too had her mind wander.

She could well understand why Xiao Longnv, after hearing Yang Guo declare his feelings again, suddenly departed.

Precisely because Xiao Longnv's oath was made—she broke it only because Yang Guo was willing to die for her, and thus their betrothal was formed, prompting her to leave the tomb.

But when Yang Guo risked his life for Ouyang Feng without regard for his own safety, onlookers could naturally see that his feeling for Ouyang Feng was one of filial devotion, while for Xiao Longnv it was romantic love.

The actions were the same, but the meanings differed.

However, Xiao Longnv does not understand the myriad ways of the world; she simply believes that in Yang Guo's heart she is not unique.

You can today die for another—will those sweet words you spoke to me also be said to someone else?

Especially since Yang Guo is utterly devoted and sincere—whoever treats him well, he treats them well in return. Xiao Longnv once asked him, 'What if someone else treated you as I do?' Yang Guo replied, 'I would treat her the same way.'

In Li Mochou's view, Feng Yi and Xiao Longnv also share something: one cares only whether you love me, the other only whether she is beautiful, and nothing else matters to them.

Thinking of this, Li Mochou smiled and said languidly: "Actually, this is also the truth—I have ultimately committed manifold evils; even if I reform, there remain countless troubles."

Her skin is white and tender, her jade-like quality natural, her features beautiful, her eyes bright and shining—truly like moonlight on a cold river, rosy clouds reflected in a pond, emitting layers of splendor.

Feng Yi, without realizing it, felt his heart stir like ripples on a lake, his cheeks burning; he stared fixedly at Li Mochou and said: "Your conduct in certain respects is indeed something I cannot agree with."

Yet your intelligence, beauty, and bearing all reveal a naturally lovely woman; you are so radiant that to live amid universal condemnation would truly waste the Creator's painstaking work. Hence there is no question of whether you are worthy of me or not.

It is merely that, as a youth, you do not know the taste of sorrow, and your heart's surging emotions are hard to restrain.

Li Mochou's heart jolted, her lovely eyes gazing at Feng Yi as she said: "You really know how to speak—am I truly that beautiful?"

Feng Yi said: "If you weren't beautiful, would there be any beauties left in the world?" As he spoke, he reached out and drew her into his embrace.

Li Mochou's pretty face, naturally delicate as if it could be blown apart, turned bright red from excitement or shyness, like a piece of pure, smooth jade, and she laughed: "Then, who is more beautiful, me or Huang Rong?"

Feng Yi chuckled: "Why do you keep fixating on Huang Rong? Must you compete with her for superiority? As far as I know, you two have no grudge against each other."

Li Mochou wrenched herself from his embrace, her face showing an arrogant look, her phoenix eyes slightly narrowed, the corner of her mouth holding a barely perceptible cold smile; after a long while she said wistfully: "Although my conduct has often been condemned, this appearance of mine has captivated countless souls."

Since I entered the martial world, I have constantly heard that Huang Rong not only possesses heavenly beauty, but also has superb martial arts and extraordinary wisdom; I have always wanted to meet her.

A few years ago, in Jiangnan, I was bullied by Huang Yaoshi, and this desire grew even stronger.

Upon seeing her today, she is indeed a rare beauty, but to judge whose martial arts and strategies are superior, we must exchange moves; however, her appearance is immediately apparent, so I would like to hear your opinion.

She said this, her eyes glistening as she looked at Feng Yi.

Feng Yi suddenly understood, but commenting on another man's wife was improper; yet he realized even more clearly that, in front of a woman, not answering this question would be digging his own pit, so he gave an embarrassed laugh and said: "This place is inappropriate; if someone hears me, I would become a rascal, but if people think that I could harbor lustful thoughts toward the wife of a benevolent patriot who serves the country and the people, wouldn't that be worse than a beast?"

Li Mochou nodded slowly, feeling that made perfect sense.

Her husband is defending the country against invasion, yet you criticize his wife's appearance; with so many people around, if anyone heard you, Feng Yi, you would truly be worse than a beast.

In fact, both Huang Rong and Li Mochou are beauties who have reached the ultimate, each with her own charm, like orchids and chrysanthemums, each fragrant; they are both pleasing to the eye, but you absolutely cannot say which is better.

Even if you compare them with the transcendent Xiao Longnv, the same holds true.

Because Xiao Longnv is a young girl of tender years, although lovely, she is somewhat immature; Huang Rong is a beautiful young woman, richest in charm; while Li Mochou possesses charm and has shed her immaturity, leaving an endless aftertaste.

But Feng Yi could not say that, because Li Mochou definitely wanted to hear that she surpassed Huang Rong.

Li Mochou's eyes seemed to glitter with starlight, and she suddenly laughed: "Then who between me and Huang Rong has higher martial arts? That should be easy to say." Feng Yi shook his head: "That's even harder to say. Moreover, whether she beats you or you beat her, what would it change? I think there's no need to compare at all!"

He knew Huang Rong was slightly superior to Li Mochou, but if he said so, that woman would surely demand proof!

"You don't understand!" Li Mochou lightly shook her head: "You've only been in the martial world for less than a year, yet you've shaken the world; how could you know what we think!" She suddenly turned and left the room, heading to her own quarters.

Feng Yi shook his head, lay down on the bed, wanting to take a good nap, when suddenly he heard the voice of "Chief Hong" like thunder ringing in his ears, as if the entire manor were trembling.

Feng Yi also didn't know whether it was Hong Qigong who had arrived, or something else.

For a moment, his mind was full of thoughts, tossing and turning unable to sleep; after an unknown time, he heard footsteps and a clear voice call: "Feng Yi, are you inside?"

Feng Yi grunted in acknowledgment, glanced up, and saw a person as beautiful as a flower, with a graceful figure—it was Guo Fu hurrying over.

Feng Yi rose and asked: "What's the matter?"

Guo Fu, her face flushed red, said: "My mother wants to pass the leadership to Elder Lu and has invited you to witness the ceremony."

Upon hearing this, Feng Yi lay down again and said: "Then I won't go."

Guo Fu, who always loved excitement, seeing Feng Yi's formidable martial arts and his ability to quote classics and speak eloquently—something the Wu brothers and Yang Guo could never match—really hoped he would accompany her, and she said: "Elder Hong has also come; won't you go see him?"

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Feng Yi frowned slightly and asked: "He really came?"

Guo Fu nodded.

Feng Yi then asked: "What about Ouyang Feng?"

Guo Fu snorted: "He left."

Feng Yi hurriedly asked for details.

It turned out that Hong Qigong had not originally planned to attend the Heroes' Assembly; he had already met a Beggar Sect disciple and conveyed his intention, which was enough.

But upon meeting Feng Yi, hearing that he wanted the Beggar Sect's help and realizing the matter was not trivial, he also came to the Heroes' Assembly.

The Beggar Sect has countless disciples, not everyone has seen Hong Qigong; moreover, his profound martial arts allow him to come and go without trace, able to hide in the imperial kitchen for many days without being noticed, showing his abilities.

Therefore he had been hiding in the beams of the hall, eating and drinking to his heart's content; whether it was Xiao Longnv and Li Mochou fighting, or Guo Jing battling Ouyang Feng, he took it all in.

Until he heard Ouyang Feng claim he could break the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms, he could no longer restrain himself, gathered his breath, shouted, and leapt out of the house.

Everyone saw a big-bellied, white-bearded, spirited old man, vigorous and imposing, standing before Ouyang Feng—who else could it be but Hong Qigong?

The crowd was awed by his presence and fell silent for a moment.

Hong Qigong laughed: "Old Poison, you were defeated by my disciple's hand, yet you still have the nerve to speak of breaking the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms! Go ahead and try!" He glared at Ouyang Feng, blowing his beard wildly.

His sudden arrival stirred mixed feelings among the Beggar Sect disciples; Guo Jing and Huang Rong rushed forward, both bowing: "Master!"

The two had not seen Hong Qigong for over a decade, unaware of his fate; now seeing his hair and beard completely white, yet his skin ruddy like an infant's, obviously in excellent condition, they were overjoyed, and tears instantly filled their eyes.

The heroes were likewise moved, bowing deeply: "We pay respects to Elder Hong, the former sect leader!"

Hong Qigong waved his hands dismissively: "Enough, enough! I dislike others bowing to me; you are neither Beggar Sect members nor my disciples—why would you bow?"

He is truly a towering figure in the martial world, and everyone holds him in reverence.

Hong Qigong then helped Guo Jing and Huang Rong up, clicking his tongue and laughing: "You two are renowned far and wide, excellent, excellent; even as an old hermit living apart from the world, I have heard of you."

"Ronger, later you must prepare a few good dishes to honor my five viscera temple!"

Upon hearing this, Huang Rong recalled her youth, feeling both grateful and sorrowful; her eye sockets reddened, she embraced Hong Qigong's arm and cried: "Elder Hong, this time you must not leave without saying goodbye!"

Guo Jing nodded repeatedly, and two lines of clear tears streamed down his cheeks.

His present achievements are due to the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan venturing far into the desert and receiving Hong Qigong's guidance; knowing the elder is advanced in age, he and Huang Rong have made several trips out to the islands to seek his whereabouts, yet heard nothing, causing great worry.

Hong Qigong laughed heartily: "Guo'er, your martial arts are superb now; even this old beggar feels ashamed of his 'Arrogant Dragon Has Regret' palm. Old Poison, how do you break it? Go on, tell us."

Ouyang Feng, hearing as if he hadn't heard, glared with angry eyes, his face twitching; after staring a while, he coldly sneered: "Old beggar, what are you proud of? Guo Jing is naturally fine material; you and Huang Yaoshi have been calling him a silly child every day, yet now you show off."

Although Ouyang Feng is mad, his aura is always perfectly under control.

"Haha..." Hong Qigong laughed: "Old Poison, sometimes I truly can't tell whether you're genuinely mad or just pretending!"

"Stinking beggar, I am the Western Poison Ouyang Feng; what 'Old Poison'? Besides, your hair and beard are all white, while mine aren't that white—you're far older than me." Ouyang Feng spoke with great contempt.

He seemed to know who he was, but upon saying that, Guo Jing and Huang Rong stared at each other in astonishment, while Hong Qigong fixed his gaze on Ouyang Feng, his eyes full of amusement.

Ouyang Feng, seemingly unaware, simply gazed at Hong Qigong.

Everyone knows Ouyang Feng is called the Old Poison, while Hong Qigong in his youth trained mainly external arts, making him appear aged; now his beard and hair are completely white, whereas Ouyang Feng's deep internal energy leaves his hair and beard merely grayish, so he does not actually look older than Hong Qigong, yet amid the amusement there is an inexplicable sadness.

A grand master of a generation, with illustrious fame, reduced to this state—truly, living is more painful than dying.

Hong Qigong smiled: "Forget it; I won't stoop to the level of a madman."

"Stinking beggar!" Ouyang Feng blurted: "You're the madman! Look at your ragged clothes, like a beggar..."

"Father, aren't you supposed to teach me martial arts?" Yang Guo hurriedly tugged at Ouyang Feng.

"Yes!" Ouyang Feng laughed: "I also want to teach you how to defeat Guo Jing!" Saying that, he grabbed Yang Guo and leapt onto the roof.

Guoer!

Guo Jing shouted urgently, Huang Rong grabbed him with one hand, saying: "Brother Jing, he's fine!"

Hong Qigong also said: "Yeah, Ouyang Feng this madman truly treats Yang Guo like his own son, dotes on him, but Feng Yi......"

Guo Jing frowned and said: "How is Feng Yi?"

Hong Qigong chuckled, ignored him, cupped his fists to the crowd and said: "Everyone, eat well and drink well; this old beggar has business, excuse me!"

Huang Rong said: "Qigong, let's go to the study to chat!" She waved her hand, and the heroes made way.

Hong Qigong chuckled, and several people went to the study.

Guo Fu and the Wu brothers had never seen Hong Qigong before; they only knew there was such a grandmaster. Upon seeing him now, they all felt he was mighty and imposing, his reputation not exaggerated. Several people together again thought, as if they were eavesdropping last night in the study on Yang Guo and the Quanzhen Sect's affairs.

Unexpectedly, this time they were caught by Huang Rong and dragged out; Guo Jing sternly scolded them; if not for Hong Qigong's intercession, they would surely have gotten a beating; thus they dared not go again.

The Wu brothers were also summoned by Zhu Ziliu and the Diancang hermit to be taught the One Yang Finger; Guo Fu, alone, found it boring, until Huang Rong had her go invite Feng Yi to attend the ceremony.

Of course, the beggar gang's leadership succession is a major affair; all the martial arts heroes attending went to witness the ceremony.

Feng Yi pondered and understood; surely Guo Jing, Huang Rong, and Hong Qigong were discussing his idea, whether to send beggar gang disciples to participate. Thinking of this, he asked: "Speak clearly, is the gang leader position to be contested, or has it already been decided internally?"

"What do you mean?" Guo Fu exclaimed in surprise.

Feng Yi gave a slight cold smile: "If the position is to be contested by martial prowess, I would be interested; if it's already decided internally for Lu Youjiao, then going to congratulate would be tasteless; with this effort, I might as well say a few more words to a beauty."

(End of chapter)