Chapter 134: Contending for Beauty and Splendor

Feng Yi is a seasoned hand, while Li Mochou is just starting out, unable to endure; Feng Yi pities her again and again, hastily calling a truce, but one secretly rejoices while the other feels relieved, each finding their own pleasure.

Feng Yi held Li Mochou in his arms, caressing her in every way, but Li Mochou gave a cunning smile and said, "You say if I had just killed you, wouldn't that have been very easy?"

Feng Yi heard this and stared, stunned, looking at her and said, "Don't scare me; if you ever make a move like this, I'd probably carry the shadow for the rest of my life and never be able to use it again."

Li Mochou giggled and said, "How? Are you afraid?"

Feng Yi hurriedly said, "If it were before, I might have been afraid, but after this ordeal, I'm not afraid of death; I'm afraid of hurting you again! After all, if you killed me this way, wouldn't that show you love me deeply? To wound me would surely hurt you."

Li Mochou suddenly rose, her flawless jade-like chest fully revealed before Feng Yi's eyes, and said, "This place is already our bridal chamber; though we lack parental orders and a matchmaker's word, I consider myself married to you. If you ever betray me, I will surely kill you by any means—don't blame me for not warning you!"

At that time, marriages emphasized parental orders and matchmaker's words, leaving the couple themselves no say; thus back then Guo Jing's father Guo Xiaotian and Yang Guo's grandfather Yang Tiexin arranged the engagement by matching toes. In the original plot, Guo Jing only intended to betroth Guo Fu to Yang Guo.

Speaking nicely of him and Li Mochou, one could say when passion runs deep they return to nature, but in this era that is called cohabiting without a matchmaker!

However, seeing Li Mochou utter harsh words, her skin soft and white as snow, her lovely, exquisite full figure, Feng Yi nonetheless stared, entranced, about to reach out.

Li Mochou quickly knocked his hand away; seeing him reluctant to leave her body, she inwardly felt quite pleased, yet even the mere thought made her blush involuntarily.

Seeing her alluring charm about to overflow, Feng Yi couldn't help sighing, "Sister Mochou, to speak frankly, I spared and saved you at first simply because you were born with flower-like beauty and moon-like face; I could not bear to burn the lute and boil the crane."

But later, with some experience and insight, I finally realized my mistake, for your emotional wound was not a simple breakup; it was that he never declared the split before taking another woman.

Such behavior may not cause great harm, but its insult is extreme, especially for someone as proud as you—naturally you cannot accept it.

When I realized this, I felt greater understanding and pity for you, so my earlier words were not idle talk; for if I were in your place, I might well be even more crazed.

Fortunately, it's all in the past now; Sister Mochou, with your immortal bearing, I, Feng Yi, am merely a mundane fellow with some dumb luck; to earn your favor feels like great fortune. Should I ever grow tired of the old and chase the new, betraying you, to die between bed and ground would be just deserts, and I would die without regret.

He possesses a broad-minded heart, naturally knowing that at this time a woman lacks security most, needing to be followed and coaxed. Especially a woman like Li Mochou.

If you make her feel like a man who pulls up his pants and denies responsibility, who knows—she might actually be set up one day.

The principle of one full meal versus constant fullness is something everyone knows how to choose.

Upon hearing his words, Li Mochou was bashful beyond measure; pondering them, she found they were not without reason.

Because Li Mochou, though beautiful, is infamous; those who lust after her beauty are all heretical crooks, and even upright folks who might harbor thoughts dare not act on them.

Yet Feng Yi's appearance shattered all that.

He truly dares to think and dares to act!

Even though I initially hated his actions to death, as we interacted more and more, I came to understand him better and could feel his thoughtfulness.

Because Feng Yi never merely praised Li Mochou, but often pointed out what was wrong with her, yet never simply blamed her.

Rather, he could put himself in her shoes; this made her, at some point, feel that perhaps they were destined for each other.

Unbeknownst to many, most love stories feature a phase of hate before love, a plot that invites criticism; but love and hate always spring from the same root, none can escape, so when Li Mochou's hatred for Feng Yi runs deep, once that hatred lessens, love naturally arises.

After hearing Feng Yi's heartfelt words, Li Mochou finally set her mind at ease, chuckling and saying, "Earlier I sent you to be a flower-stealing thief; turns out I still underestimated you—your tongue can sweet-talk any woman!"

Feng Yi laid her soft-jade-like body upon himself, caught sight of the scarlet-stained sheets, and solemnly said, "Sister Mochou, though I may be lacking in bedroom matters, I am certainly not a heartless, faithless man who chases novelty and abandons the old."

Li Mochou sighed softly and said quietly, "Feng Brother, this body of mine I give to you; for this lifetime it belongs entirely to you—do as you see fit."

Li Mochou's icy skin and snowy complexion, at this moment her lovely eyes glimmering with watery light—truly the description "not smiling yet alluring, silent yet full of feeling"—made Feng Yi's heart race, and he could not help pressing himself upon her.

Feng Yi feared that if he left this place for the great desert, mishaps might occur; though he was otherwise fearless, his worldly attachments made him extremely indulgent in pleasure.

Therefore, without tiring, he repeatedly instructed Li Mochou in depth and in outline; once she grasped the essentials, with her internal-and-external cultivation martial arts, any casual application she made became a marvelous principle.

Moreover, Li Mochou having subdued him by stealth last night also felt guilty for betraying his feelings; her original notion of "only finding it hard to come out, letting the gentleman indulge in pity" truly carried the spirit of offering oneself to the tiger.

Feng Yi thus got to indulge greatly in delight, blissfully happy beyond words; the two shared many rounds of cloud and rain, their love deep and entwined, hard to fully describe.

Feng Yi was just feeling his spirit unsettled when suddenly three bangs sounded outside the door, and both of their minds instantly cleared.

Then came Lu Guanying's voice: "Master Feng, the Heroes' Grand Banquet is ready; please proceed to the main hall!"

Feng Yi knew that the leadership handover of the Beggar Gang was a major event shaking the martial world, bound to take a long time, so upon hearing the crowd cheer for Chief Hong, he finally decided to take Li Mochou down.

Who would have thought it would happen so quickly; his skin is thick, but Li Mochou couldn't help but feel great shame.

Feng Yi laughed, "Lord of the manor, please wait a moment; I'll be right away!" The two hastily put on their clothes without making a sound.

With a creak, Feng Yi opened the door to see Lu Guanying standing beside two maidservants; looking at the sky, it was already dusk.

Only then did he realize that he and Li Mochou had been at it since the afternoon, and several hours had passed.

Yet Lu Guanying bowed with clasped hands and said, "Our manor is honored to have Master Feng grace us with his presence, and now we have double joy; I, Lu, hereby offer my congratulations!"

Feng Yi laughed openly, "I have just obtained my heart's desire; I may be overjoyed to the point of losing composure—please forgive me, Lord of the manor."

His words were frank and open, while Li Mochou was overcome with shame; fortunately this room is a suite, so outsiders cannot see.

Lu Guanying applauded and laughed, "Brother Feng truly is a genuine hero; I have prepared a modest gift—please accept it with a smile."

He is bold and unrestrained, moreover a bandit by origin, engaged in killing and plundering; his feelings toward Li Mochou are not as strong as ordinary people's aversion, and furthermore he and his wife Cheng Yaojie lacked parental orders and a matchmaker's word—just a single remark from Huang Yaoshi sufficed for them to spend their wedding night in the dilapidated wine shop of Ox Family Village, a matter that invites both laughter and tears, yet the outcome was utterly unexpected.

Not to mention being observed on the spot by Ouyang Ke, his wife even narrowly avoided insult. But now his own household has become the place where Feng Yi and Li Mochou have tied the knot, sharing a similar wonderful circumstance, so upon hearing the report he offered his congratulations, entirely sincere.

Feng Yi acts solely according to his own will, caring little for praise or blame from the world; hearing this, he was also pleased, so he did not ask how Lu knew.

All he saw was the maidservants presenting a tray full of women's garments and some jewelry; he did not decline, saying, "Then thank you very much—I'll take it!"

"Mochou, are you coming with me, or not?"

Li Mochou hesitated slightly, then emerged from the inner room and bowed to Lu Guanying.

She was radiantly charming; Lu Guanying, having eyes, could see she remained poised and graceful, which greatly surprised him, and he hastily returned the salute.

Li Mochou looked at Feng Yi, her starry eyes gleaming, and said, "Chief Huang has long said he would hold the Heroes' Grand Banquet; how could I not go?"

Feng Yi saw her thoughts and whispered, "Why don't you rest first…"

Li Mochou resolutely said, "I must go!"

Feng Yi felt a great headache, seeing Li Mochou's mind made up, he had to say, "Then let's go together!"

Lu Guanying laughed heartily and said, "Please, both of you!"

Feng Yi also said, "Lord Lu, this place holds special meaning for me; please keep it reserved for me!"

Li Mochou's cheeks flushed slightly, like a touch of rouge, and she muttered softly, "Say two less words—will you die?"

Lu Guanying laughed and said, "You watch from here; no one is allowed to enter this room!"

Yes!

The two youngsters replied.

Lu Yingxiong led the way, the three walked windingly toward the main hall. At this time, the Lu family manor inside and out was hung with lanterns and decorated with colorful ribbons, the jeweled candles blazing. In the main hall, front hall, rear hall, side halls, and flower hall, altogether over two hundred tables were set up, and more than half of the famous heroes of the world had come to the banquet.

Such a heroic banquet is a rare grand event occurring only once in several decades; the host must have wide acquaintances, be universally respected, and also be wealthy enough to afford the huge expenses, otherwise it would be impossible to invite so many martial arts heroes.

Upon reaching the main hall, just as they arrived at the doorway, they saw Guo Jing come out to greet them, taking Feng Yi's hand and laughing: "Brother Feng, you've arrived late!"

Feng Yi laughed: "Great Hero Guo, no blame." He paused slightly, then laughed: "Mochou, although we have never met before, we have long heard each other's names!" He gestured: "Come, pay your respects to Great Hero Guo!"

Seeing Guo Jing's bearing and skill, Li Mochou was already convinced; she immediately bowed: "Great Hero Guo, your heroic fame shakes the world; hearing it fills one with admiration. Today I am fortunate to meet you, Li Mochou is delighted, and I offer my respects here."

Guo Jing pondered a moment, then slightly nodded: "Happy to meet you, happy to meet you!"

Guo Jing had long heard the name of the Scarlet Practice Fairy; a few years ago in Jiangnan he disliked her ruthless methods, whistled a challenge to her, not expecting her to have close ties with Feng Yi; at this time he could only offer a few polite words.

Feng Yi naturally knew Guo Jing's character and paid it no heed, while Li Mochou snorted coldly in her heart.

Several people entered the main hall, where guests gathered; an elderly beggar occupied the seat of honor at the head table, with Huang Rong sitting beside him speaking. Guo Jing led the two to the chief seats, while Guo Fu and the Wu brothers, who were already seated far from their master and mistress, seeing Li Mochou also able to sit in the place of honor, felt a nameless anger rush to their heads, making their faces flush and ears hot.

Guo Fu at this moment only sized up Feng Yi, noting his tall and slender figure, fair complexion, sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, his bearing still heroic; she couldn't help thinking: "This guy really is something—why is he getting involved with that wicked woman Li Mochou?"

As it turned out, Guo Fu had not managed to invite Feng Yi; after reporting to her parents, Guo Jing wanted to go himself, but Huang Rong had Lu Yingxiong go instead.

Lu Yingxiong's martial arts were not weak; upon reaching the courtyard, without entering the house he heard the sounds of a fierce battle. Being experienced, he understood everything, and immediately had people prepare congratulatory gifts, then returned saying that Feng Yi was at a crucial stage in his martial training and would certainly arrive by the time of the main banquet.

Guo Fu also mused, "No wonder his martial arts are so high at such a young age—he never neglects his practice!"

It seems from now on I cannot indulge in play.

Then Feng Yi stepped forward to salute Hong Qigong: "Junior pays respects to Elder Hong."

Li Mochou's heart jumped; this was her first time seeing the Northern Beggar. She fixed her gaze, seeing Hong Qigong sturdy and strong, his beard and hair white, yet possessing an innate authority, and she likewise performed a salute.

Hong Qigong nodded at Feng Yi, then asked: "Miss Li, you and your junior sister have excellent martial arts, but I, an old beggar, have never heard of the Ancient Tomb Sect; who are your master and grandmaster?"

Li Mochou's fame shook the martial world; her sect, the Ancient Tomb, had been unheard of before her. Upon hearing Hong Qigong's question, the assembled heroes were all startled, focusing their attention in silence.

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Li Mochou laughed: "My master never wandered the jianghu, so you, senior, would surely not know; however, my grandmaster you might know."

Oh? Hong Qigong's eyes flashed with divine light: "Please, tell us."

The hall fell into solemn silence, not a sound from sparrow or crow, all eyes fixed on Li Mochou.

One must know how Li Mochou and Xiao Longnv's martial arts are; the world's heroes can see it, and who their grandmaster is—even the others in the hall are full of curiosity.

Li Mochou smiled faintly: "My grandmaster is also a woman; her surname is Lin, her given name is Shangchao…"

"How foolish of me." Hong Qigong slapped his forehead, laughing loudly: "It must be Lin Chaoying."

Li Mochou gave a slight smile: "Senior, your knowledge is vast."

Hong Qigong nodded: "She became famous before us four; alas, at the time of the first Mount Hua sword debate, she was already unheard of—truly a pity."

Lin Chaoying and Wang Zhongyang were older than the Eastern Heretic, Western Poison, Southern Emperor, and Northern Beggar; they gained fame earlier, and each was a top-tier master of the time, with no one able to match either of them.

However, by the time of the first Mount Hua sword debate, when the Four Absolutes' martial arts had reached the pinnacle, Lin Chaoying had already been dead for over ten years; although Hong Qigong and the others had never seen her, they still knew of her former reputation.

Li Mochou smiled faintly: "If my grandmaster had not died in middle age, at the Mount Hua sword debate how could Wang Zhongyang have taken the lead?"

This was no surprise to Feng Yi; Guo Jing had also heard from Qiu Chuji about the entanglement between Lin Chaoying and Wang Zhongyang, whose martial arts were certainly not inferior to the Four Great Masters.

But the others were unaware; hearing this, they were all moved.

The Quanzhen Sect is universally recognized as the orthodox tradition of martial arts under heaven; its founder's martial arts are said to be the best in the world, yet they are still not as good as your grandmaster?

Hong Qigong's brows also furrowed slightly, revealing a thoughtful air.

Suddenly, a voice came from the Piscatorial Hermit of Pointed Green: a snort, then he spoke gruffly: "Excuse my boldness; the Scarlet Practice Fairy's skill is indeed not an empty reputation, but don't you think your words are too arrogant?"

At this moment there were no Quanzhen masters present, but since Master Yideng's master and the Zhenyang True Man are on close terms, we cannot simply watch him be insulted.

Li Mochou gave a low chuckle: "Do I need you to judge my martial arts? If you want to avenge your martial brother, you need no excuse—just step forward!"

The Piscatorial Hermit laughed heartily and was about to leap forward, when Feng Yi suddenly turned sideways, blocking Li Mochou, his body slightly inclined, he let out a light sigh and said: "You have long admired Madame Guo; let me introduce you."

The Piscatorial Hermit was rather helpless.

Although this heroic gathering does not claim to include all the heroes under heaven, at least the attendees are all long-famous figures in the martial world; everyone knows Feng Yi is deliberately shielding Li Mochou, yet at this moment no one dares to speak further.

After all, this is an introduction of Li Mochou to the host of the heroic gathering, Huang Rong; who could say it wrong?

Of course, this is Feng Yi himself.

When he does not speak, no one dares to ignore him.

When he speaks nonsense, everyone must listen.

When he acts, everyone pays attention!

If it were Yang Guo or the Wu brothers' ilk, imitating him in stirring up trouble, that would be another matter.

Lightly, they would be rebuked; heavily, they would be driven out!

Feng Yi is deliberately muddying the waters, hence this action.

Heaven knows how many enemies Li Mochou has; whether fighting or arguing, it's endless.

Li Mochou was also quite obedient; she bowed to Huang Rong with clasped hands, her face full of joy: "Younger sister has long admired Lady Guo's great name; today I finally see her lovely countenance, truly comforting my lifetime."

Huang Rong had long heard her name; upon first seeing her, she noted her peerless beauty, not inferior to her own. Because of apprehension, her heart stirred, but at that time the situation changed abruptly, leaving no chance to confront her directly; only now, through Feng Yi's formal introduction, did they exchange their first words.

Now Li Mochou has become a proper young wife, growing ever more stunningly beautiful, her radiance lighting the four walls.

Although Huang Rong is a woman, she also felt her heart flutter, thinking: "No wonder Feng Yi treats her so—she really is very beautiful." She rose to return the salute: "Younger sister has long heard of the Scarlet Practice Fairy's grace; today I see her, and her reputation is not false. Why are you speaking so politely?"

Li Mochou laughed: "Lady Guo is the former chief of the world's number one beggar gang, the foremost among martial arts fraternity; younger sister truly regrets not having met you sooner."

The more polite they were, the more the Wu brothers fumed; they both rose abruptly, but seeing the master's uncle Zhu Ziliu shake his head, they had words on the tip of their tongues, then restrained themselves and sat back down.

The onlookers were all keenly interested, Feng Yi included.

Huang Rong laughed: "Yesterday I learned that the imperial carriage would surely arrive; I have been waiting respectfully, not knowing what hopes you harbor."

Li Mochou spoke softly: "Younger sister has heard that this heroic gathering was organized to resist the Mongols, and I wished to contribute; of course, the great hero Guo and his wife's fame shakes the jianghu, and I have long admired them deeply, so I came; today, seeing Guo Jing's skill, I find his reputation truly deserved."

Huang Rong knew her implied meaning; Guo Jing was formidable, you, Huang Rong, might not be; she sensed the main topic was approaching, she pondered a plan in her mind, how to avoid a fight.

Looking across the martial world, those whose martial skill surpasses that of Huang Rong and Li Mochou are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns; among women, Huang Rong and Li Mochou are considered the most outstanding; upon seeing them today, everyone felt their reputation was not undeserved.

No one knows whose martial skill is higher; everyone is full of curiosity.

After all, besides Feng Yi and Guo Jing, no one knew that Huang Rong had stirred her fetal qi, her internal breath was disordered; they only thought there would surely be a good fight.

Only hearing Huang Rong laugh and say: "I've heard Chilian Xianzi has already taken the veil as a Daoist, yet today she is dressed in secular attire—truly unexpected!"

Her clumsy daughter has a woman's sensitivity; she perceives that Li Mochou is picking on Xiao Longnv, because she said she would be Feng Yi's wife, plus the words Xiao Longnv said earlier, and her now being dressed in secular attire—what is that supposed to mean? Obviously she has a private relationship with Feng Yi, but she deliberately does this.

Li Mochou, how could she not know her implied meaning? Angry in her heart, yet her beautiful face showed no trace of anger; she spoke gently: "Madam Guo Jing, you come from a prestigious family, your learning is profound—how is it that you don't even understand the principles of monastic and lay life, both being cultivation?"

Everyone could see that the two harbored resentment toward each other, their swords crossed, yet they remained composed and charming.

Guo Jing glanced at Feng Yi, and Feng Yi also looked at him.

They both knew that at this moment, stopping their wives would be to undermine their prestige; going back, there would surely be a reckoning, so until the final moment, they could only be spectators.

Then Huang Rong laughed and said: "That's right, but little sister was spoiled by her father when young, and later indulged by her clumsy husband to the point of not knowing what monastic life entails—letting Sister Li Mochou see the joke!"

These words made Li Mochou both ashamed and angry; the father Huang Rong spoke of, she doesn't have; her master is even more biased toward the junior female disciple; as for her husband, being indulged by others, one cannot say she and Feng Yi have secretly gotten together at the Lu household, can one?

But Li Mochou, angry, burst into laughter, covering her mouth with her hand, hee-hee-hee, her whole body trembling like a blossoming orchid.

Huang Rong also laughed; though her smile was faint and full, it was as if an autumn moon's mirror had opened.

Both possessed peerless beauty, and today they were both dressed in purple robes, noble yet showing unmatched charm; as they smiled at each other, it seemed they were vying for beauty.

Although many of these people were hegemonic martial arts heroes who knew to uphold their status, they too were awed by the two women's radiance.

Feng Yi secretly thought: "If Huang Rong is pregnant, once Li Mochou openly challenges, how can she break the situation?"

Indeed, Li Mochou's laughter ceased, and she spoke solemnly: "Madam Guo Jing's strategies are unmatched; I have long known this, I willingly yield in verbal skill."

Moreover, I am grateful for your father's past guidance; I never forget it, that old gentleman is a towering figure in the martial world, and I know I am not qualified to seek his instruction.

Today seeing Guo Daxia, his divine skill is invincible, awe-inspiring; since Madam Guo Jing also possesses the teachings of the two great masters, Dong Xie and Bei Gai, I wonder if she could bestow some instruction!

(End of chapter)