Chapter 135: then translation of title, then ===GLOSSARY=== then list

A few years ago, when Li Mochou was in Jiaxing trying to kill Cheng Ying, Huang Yaoshi once toyed with her; despite having fought hundreds of battles big and small, she once believed she had encountered a ghostly apparition.

Translate: A few years ago, when Li Mochou was in Jiaxing intending to kill Cheng Ying, she had once been toyed with by Huang Yaoshi; though she had experienced hundreds of battles big and small in her life, she once thought she had encountered a ghostly demon.

Make sure to keep meaning.

Then Huang Yaoshi appeared, flung Cheng Ying aside, and used his "Flicking Finger Divine Power" to help, leaving her unable to fight back; Cheng Ying not only crashed headfirst into his chest but also gave him a casual slap.

Then Huang Yaoshi appeared, threw Cheng Ying out, and himself used the "Finger Flick Divine Power" to assist, rendering her unable to resist; Cheng Ying not only bumped headfirst into her chest, but also casually slapped her.

Li Mochou had never suffered such a deep insult before; she dwelled on it, though she also realized she could not get the better of Huang Yaoshi. Therefore, Huang Rong became her avenue for revenge.

Li Mochou had never suffered such a great humiliation in her life; she kept it in mind, yet also knew she could not gain advantage against Huang Yaoshi, and Huang Rong was the means by which she would avenge this shame.

The crowd hadn't known this, but when Li Mochou said Huang Yaoshi had instructed her, they realized: "No wonder she claims little Huang Rong has no real ability, just relying on her husband Guo Jing to bluff. As Beggar Sect chief, she leans only on her master, Hong Qigong."

The heroes originally did not know this, but hearing Li Mochou say that Huang Yaoshi had instructed her, they understood: "No wonder she said little Huang Rong has no real skill herself, relying only on her husband Guo Jing to bluff. As the Beggar Clan's chief, she leans only on her master, the Northern Beggar Hong Qigong."

She's directly saying Huang Yaoshi is useless!

"She is directly pointing out Huang Yaoshi's incapability!" (Need to keep quotes? The line is a quoted speech inside previous line? Actually line 5 is just that sentence. We'll translate as: "She is directly accusing Huang Yaoshi of being incapable!"

Everyone knew Huang Rong was clever and highly skilled, so they all turned to her, thinking: "Li Mochou mocks Madame Guo for relying only on her husband and master; if Guo the Great Hero and Elder Hong stepped forward, that would exactly prove her point."

Everyone knew Huang Rong was resourceful and highly skilled in martial arts; they all turned their heads to look at her, thinking: "Since Li Mochou mocks Lady Guo for relying only on her husband and master, if Guo the Great Hero and Elder Chief Hong were to step forward, wouldn't that just prove her point?"

Luckily, even if Li Mochou's martial arts are formidable, she might not be able to beat her; I wonder what plan they'll devise.

"Fortunately, even if Li Mochou's martial arts are strong, she may not necessarily defeat her; I wonder what scheme they will come up with."

Feng Yi didn't intervene, and even deliberately introduced Li Mochou to Huang Rong, not only with a purpose but also to pull her out of the evildoers' crowd, and partly out of a mischievous attitude.

Feng Yi's reason for not stopping and even deliberately recommending Li Mochou to Huang Rong is certainly purposeful—by doing so he pulls Li Mochou out of the crowd of evildoers, and also he has a mischievous mindset.

She knew that in the original plot, Li Mochou met Huang Rong and was completely outmatched in both wit and strength, yet Huang Rong spared her. But today Huang Rong is feeling unwell, so she wants to see how this so-called "Female Zhuge Liang" will break the deadlock.

She knows that in the original story Li Mochou, when meeting Huang Rong, is bound hand and foot, loses in both wit and strength, yet Huang Rong did not kill her. But today Huang Rong is unwell, so she wants to see how this woman dubbed the "Female Zhuge Liang" will break the situation.

Huang Rong called out: "I've long heard of your fame, Red Immortal Fairy; on an ordinary day I would gladly accept your advanced moves."

Only hear Huang Rong loudly say: "Little sister has long heard the great name of the Red Silk Immortal; on an ordinary day, little sister would certainly respectfully receive your superior moves."

But this gathering of heroes from across the land is meant to deter the Mongols from invading our Song lands; your timing is wrong, so you can only let your ambitions go unfulfilled.

"But this time I have invited heroes from all over the world to jointly hold this grand gathering, in order to prevent the Mongol barbarians from daring to invade our Great Song territory; your timing is off, so you can only disappoint your ambition!"

Huang Rong knows she'd be no match for Li Mochou in a fight; to avoid battle she just needs a respectable excuse, which is easy for her.

Huang Rong herself knows that if she were to fight, she is certainly no match for Li Mochou at present; if she wishes to avoid combat, she also needs a noble and righteous pretext, which is not difficult for her.

Li Mochou smiled slightly: "The timing is off? Right now all the world's heroes are gathered here; you say it's to discuss anti-Mongol strategy, but wouldn't it be more appropriate for us to duel for fame, which would only make me look petty?"

Li Mochou smiled faintly and said: "Timing not right? At this moment all the heroes of the world are gathered here; you say it's to discuss strategies against the Mongols—could it be that I, by challenging you to a martial contest for fame, would appear petty?"

Huang Rong smiled without speaking.

Huang Rong smiled and said nothing.

Li Mochou snorted: "I never even went to Lujiazhuang, yet my disciples, upset over Wu San'nang's death, have been shouting to beat and kill me, and even the young lady has spoken rudely to me, showing no manners."

Yet hear Li Mochou sneer: "But I never went to Lu's Manor; yet my disciples, because of the death of Wu Santang, have been shouting for my beating and killing, and your daughter has even spoken rudely to me, utterly lacking courtesy."

At the Heroes' Gathering, even Master Yideng's top disciples attacked me after I spoke a few blunt truths that harmed their master's reputation.

Upon entering the Heroes' Assembly, even the high disciples of Master Yideng, because I spoke a few blunt truths that affected their master's reputation, have come to provoke me!

How is it that your friends and disciples, Madame Guo, can use the Heroes' Assembly to settle martial disputes, but I, Li Mochou, can't seek justice for myself and my school?

How come? Your lady Guo's friends and disciples can use the Heroes' Assembly to settle Jianghu grudges, while I, Li Mochou, cannot seek justice for myself and my school?

Or does the Heroes' Assembly regard only you and your husband as true heroes, treating us as mere filler?

Or is it that the Heroes' Assembly only considers you and your husband as heroes, while we are merely making up the numbers?

Her words were piercing, every sentence laden with challenge, making it hard to endure.

Her words are sharp; every sentence, every character, contains a challenging intent, making it hard to bear.

Huang Rong's heart skipped a beat; she realized she was completely caught in Li Mochou's verbal trap.

Huang Rong's heart gave a sudden jolt; she had been completely cornered by Li Mochou's words.

The Dangang Fisherman Hermit flared up, slammed the table and rose, his thick brows knitting as he shouted: "A life for a life, debts must be paid—this is heavenly justice and earthly reason!"

Dangang Fisherman Hermit flew into a rage, slammed the table and stood up, his thick brows furrowing as he shouted: "Kill a life, pay with a life; owe a debt, repay the money—this is heavenly justice and earthly principle!"

His voice was already loud, and shouting like this made everyone's ears buzz.

His voice was already loud, and shouting like this made people's ears ring with a buzzing sound.

"Well said!" Li Mochou raised her eyebrows: "I heard you were once the Dali navy commander; have you ever killed anyone? Why don't you pay with your life? If heroes here must repay a life for killing, then just burying them on the spot would be quite fitting."

"Well said!" Li Mochou raised her delicate brows slightly: "I heard you used to be the Dali Naval Commander; have you ever killed anyone? Why don't you go pay with your life? If these heroes here must repay a life for killing, then they might as well bury themselves on the spot—I think that would be splendid!"

The Dangang Fisherman Hermit snapped: "You demon, slaughtering innocents and committing endless evils, everyone can punish you; do you think you can justify yourself by twisting words and forcing reason?"

Dangang Fisherman Hermit angrily replied: "You, this demon, slaughter innocents indiscriminately, commit myriad evils; everyone deserves to punish you. Do you think you can justify yourself by twisting words and seizing upon reason?"

"Demon?" Li Mochou chuckled: "Slaughtering innocents? Committing many evils? Well said!"

"Demon?" Li Mochou chuckled: "Slaughtering innocents? Committing myriad evils? Well said!"

Then I'd like to ask: Hero Guo, though you are righteous and benevolent, you once aided the Mongol western campaign; I don't know how many died under the sword because of it—not only foreign women, children, and elders, but also Beggar Sect heroes; because of your personal selfishness they died that way—should they be considered innocent?

"Then I would like to ask: Hero Guo, whose benevolence and righteousness surpass others, yet in the past you assisted the Mongol western expedition—do you know how many people died under the slaughter knife because of it? Not only were there foreign women, children, and infants, but also heroes of the Beggar Clan? Because of your private motives they died like that—do they count as innocents?"

Madame Guo, as the saying goes, "I didn't kill Bo Ren, yet he died because of me"; should you also pay with your life?

"Lady Guo, the saying goes 'I did not kill Bo Ren, yet Bo Ren died because of me'; then do you also owe a life?"

This statement was shocking; everyone knew that Guo Jing once aided the Mongol western campaign, and Huang Rong, for his sake, led thousands of Beggar Sect fighters to help, causing countless casualties—a story known across the land.

These words startled Shi Potian; all the heroes knew that in the past Guo Jing helped the Mongol western campaign, and Huang Rong, for Guo Jing's sake, led thousands of Beggar Clan warriors to assist, causing countless casualties, a matter known throughout the world.

Thus, hearing Li Mochou speak frankly about this, everyone's heart jumped and they turned to look.

Thus, upon hearing Li Mochou speak plainly of this, they could not help but feel a jolt in their hearts and turned to look.

Guo Jing, seeking revenge that day, helped Genghis Khan take a city; after seeing the slaughter he felt deep regret. Now he thinks day and night, just wanting to prevent a tragedy in the Song, but his past deeds leave him feeling guilty, and his ears ring.

Guo Jing, at that time seeking vengeance, helped Genghis Khan breach a city; after seeing him massacre the populace, he once felt boundless regret; now, day and night he thinks, simply not wanting to let tragedy be enacted upon the Great Song, yet his past deeds ultimately leave him with a guilty conscience, and at this moment his ears ring with a buzzing sound.

Huang Rong's expression darkened as she saw Guo Jing's eyes stare blankly, dazed and foolish, making her heart feel as if cut by a knife.

Huang Rong's expression also darkened; seeing Guo Jing's eyes stare blankly, dazed and foolish, she could not help but feel her heart cut like a knife.

Feng Yi glanced over and saw Huang Rong's brows furrowed, while Li Mochou's gaze shifted, her eyes hinting at delight; he thought: "This Female Zhuge Liang, Huang Rong, without her martial arts, is nothing special; she won't gain any advantage against Li Mochou."

Feng Yi glanced over and saw Huang Rong's worried brows unfurrowed, while Li Mochou's gaze shifted, deep in her pupils seemingly hiding a hint of delight; he could not help thinking: "This Lady Zhuge Liang Huang Rong, without martial arts, is nothing remarkable; anyway, she cannot gain any advantage from Li Mochou."

The heroes then understood why Li Mochou is said to be not to be provoked.

Only then did the heroes understand why Li Mochou has the reputation of being not to be provoked.

Suddenly Zhu Ziliu snorted, "Absurd!" He put on a solemn face, stepped forward, and said: "Back then the Mongols and the Jin were enemies, yet they allied with the Song; how could Guo the Great Hero and the Beggar Sect leader's aid to the Mongols be mentioned in the same breath as your actions?"

Suddenly Zhu Ziliu let out a hum: "Absurd!" With a solemn face he stepped forward and said: "At that time the Mongols and the Jin were enemies, and they were allied with the Great Song; how could Guo the Great Hero and the Beggar Clan chief's assistance to the Mongols be spoken of in the same breath as your actions?"

Li Mochou sneered: "Did I say they spoke of me on the same day? Isn't my point that many people were harmed by them, including innocents?"

Li Mochou sneered: "Did I say they spoke on the same day as me? Isn't what I said that many people were harmed by them, and among them were there innocents?"

Moreover, to those whose homes and countries were destroyed, Guo the Great Hero and Madame Guo may appear as demons and seductive women.

Moreover, in the eyes of those whose homes and countries were destroyed, Guo the Great Hero and Lady Guo may not be seen as anything other than demons and seductive women!"

Everyone among the heroes knows it's uncertain whether Guo Jing is a demon, but Huang Rong was formerly notorious as a seductive woman—not only the Quanzhen Sect, but even Yideng disciples like Zhu Ziliu have called her that.

The heroes all know that whether Guo Jing is a demon is hard to say, but Huang Rong was formerly notorious as a seductive woman—not only the Quanzhen Sect, but even Zhu Ziliu and other disciples of Yideng have called her that.

Zhu Ziliu gave a dry cough and said: "Guo the Great Hero, Madame Guo, with the Mongol invasion of Song imminent, we must unite to resist the enemy; we must not let her sway our minds, lest we give the barbarians an opening."

Zhu Ziliu gave a dry cough and said: "Guo the Great Hero, Lady Guo, now that the Mongols are about to invade the Song, we ought to join hands to resist the enemy; we must absolutely not let her disturb our minds, giving the barbarians an opportunity!"

"Hehe, have you run out of reason and words? Is the next step to become angry out of embarrassment?"

"Hehe, have you run out of reason and words? Is the next step going to be to become angry out of shame?"

Anyway, this is your so-called righteous people's home ground; rushing forward and killing me would not be difficult.

"Anyway, this is your so-called righteous people's home ground; if you all rush forward and kill me, it would not be difficult!"

Li Mochou shifted her gaze, sweeping over Hong Qigong: "Back then, the nephew of Western Poison Ouyang Feng, Ouyang Ke, in the Central Plains ruined the reputations of many respectable women; wasn't he guilty of countless evils, deserving of punishment by all?"

Li Mochou's gaze shifted, sweeping over Hong Qigong: "Back then, the nephew of the Western Poison Ouyang Feng, Ouyang Ke, in the Central Plains harmed how many respectable women's chastity; isn't he guilty of myriad evils, deserving of death by all?"

The Elder Beggar Sect Chief is invincible under heaven and exceedingly righteous; why not punish him?

"The Beggar Clan chief Hong is invincible under heaven, extraordinarily righteous—why not execute him?"

These few words instantly shocked everyone present, and without prior agreement they all turned their gazes to Hong Qigong's face.

These few sentences instantly shook the hearts of everyone present; they all turned their gazes to Hong Qigong's face without prior agreement.

"Why not punish him?"

"Why not execute him?"

Everyone knows it's not because Ouyang Feng is formidable!

"Everyone knows, it's not because Ouyang Feng is formidable!"

Hong Qigong furrowed his brows and drank a large bowl of wine.

Hong Qigong furrowed his brows and drank a large bowl of wine.

Then Li Mochou said: "Let me speak for Elder Hong, shall I? You are certainly acting out of benevolence and self-respect, but also out of apprehension."

Then hear Li Mochou say: "Or let me speak for Elder Hero Hong: you are certainly out of benevolence and self-respect in your station, but also out of apprehension."

You fear that if you kill one Ouyang Ke, Ouyang Feng will repay with thousands or tens of thousands of lives from your Beggar Sect.

"You fear that if you kill a single Ouyang Ke, Ouyang Feng will use a thousand or ten thousand lives of your Beggar Clan to offset it!"

So your stance is understandable, but the Island Master Huang, who is your equal in fame, hehe…

"So your stance is understandable, but the Island Master Huang, who is your equal in fame, hehe..."

Hong Qigong laughed heartily and said: "Li Mochou, is it because the old heretic Huang once beat you, leaving you unwilling to accept it, that you've come to pester Rong'er relentlessly?"

Hong Qigong laughed heartily and said: "Li Mochou, is it not because the old heretic Huang once struck you, leaving you resentful, that you now come to pester Rong'er relentlessly?"

Li Mochou softly hummed and said: "Elder Hong, you understand well; in this world, many right and wrongs are actually determined by whose martial arts are better and whose strength is greater, not by whose reasoning is greater."

Li Mochou gave a light hum and said: "Elder Hong, you see clearly that in this world many right and wrongs are actually determined by whose martial arts are better, whose strength is greater, not by whose reasoning is greater!"

Island Master Huang is a senior of the martial world, his status most exalted; his instruction to me is indeed an honor for a humble woman like me.

"The Island Master Huang is a senior of the martial world, his status most exalted; his instruction to me is indeed an honor for a humble woman like me."

But he relies on his superior martial arts to act mysteriously, even using children's hands to humiliate me; this concerns not only me, Li Mochou, but also the reputation of my Ancient Tomb Sect—how could I say I won't tolerate it?

"But he relies on his superior martial arts to pretend mysticism, and even uses a child's hand to humiliate me; this concerns not only me, Li Mochou, but also the reputation of my Ancient Tomb School—how could one say I am unwilling to yield?"

Hong Qigong laughed heartily and said: "Your ancestor's martial arts mastery is unparalleled in the martial world; what need is there for you, a little girl, to step forward?"

Hong Qigong laughed heartily and said: "Your ancestral master's martial arts prowess is unmatched in the martial world; where would there be need for a little girl like you to step forward?"

Li Mochou proudly said: "Our sect's founder's martial arts truly deserve the phrase 'peerless in the martial world,' but what I have received is likely less than one-tenth of what others have."

Li Mochou said proudly: "Our school's ancestral master's martial arts truly deserve the four words 'peerless in the martial world,' but what little I have obtained is probably no more than a tenth of others."

Island Master Huang is the foremost martial arts master of the present era, much older than I, so his inner strength is naturally deeper; I suffered a crushing defeat at his hands, and though I am unwilling, I cannot help it.

"The Island Master Huang is currently the foremost martial arts master; he is much older than I, so his inner strength is naturally deeper; I suffered a great defeat and loss at his hands, and though I am unwilling, I cannot help it."

So I can only seek his disciples, but after Qu Lingfeng, Chen Xuanfeng, Mei Chaofeng, and Lu Chengfeng have died, he has none left.

"Thus I can only seek his disciples, but since Qu Lingfeng, Chen Xuanfeng, Mei Chaofeng, and Lu Chengfeng have all died, his school has no one left."

Thus I have no choice but to boldly seek instruction from his biological daughter, Madame Guo's divine skills, and in doing so, to draw a parallel and examine Island Master Huang's martial arts: apart from his profound inner strength, is there anything noteworthy?

"So I can only presume to request instruction from his biological daughter, Lady Guo's divine skill, and in this way analogize to observe the Island Master Huang's martial arts—apart from his deep inner strength, is there anything still praiseworthy?"

As her words fell, she flicked her whisk, her sleeves fluttering in the wind, like a fairy gliding over water.

As her words fell, she flicked her duster, her sleeves fluttering in the wind, like a fairy gliding over waves.

Everyone sighed in their hearts: "Old Heretic Huang destroyed his own worthy disciple, this is also karmic retribution; today, among his four great disciples Qu, Chen, Mei, and Lu, one is present; how could one let Li Mochou speak like that!"

Even though Huang Rong had countless strategies, she was helpless and felt quite distressed.

Li Mochou shouted, but seeing Huang Rong still unmoved, she yelled: "Madam Guo, if you're truly afraid, just say you're unwell—it's fine! After all, Qiu Qianzhang once did such things; you've seen it, and drawing analogies is not hard!"

Huang Rong thought: "Li Mochou is so overbearing; if I don't fight back, or claim I'm ill, wouldn't I really be like Qiu Qianzhang? My father's lifelong reputation would be ruined! I have no choice—I'll use skillful force to contend with her." She said: "Rather than be respectful, I'll obey..."

Guo Jing was greatly startled and hurriedly said: "No, no! You're unwell—how can you fight?"

Huang Rong also felt she had no certainty of victory, when suddenly Wu Xiuwen shouted: "Brother, no need for the mistress to act—let the two of us fight her!" He leapt forward.

He, his elder brother, Guo Fu, and Yang Guo eavesdropped on Guo Jing and Huang Rong's conversation, learning that the mistress was pregnant and her health had recently deteriorated, so Guo Jing had Huang Rong hand over the Beggar Sect's affairs big and small to Lu Youjiao, who needed proper rest.

The mistress delayed engaging, surely because she was unwell, and besides there was the grudge against her parents; she immediately drew her sword.

Wu Dunru also suddenly drew his long sword and followed closely.

Guo Fu said: "And me too!"

With a flick of the right wrist, the three shot out together, cold light flashing from their swords, producing a piercing sound as they all thrust toward Li Mochou's back. Li Mochou, unaware, simply gazed at Huang Rong.

Only a "whoosh" was heard—the long swords in the hands of the Wu brothers and Guo Fu vanished, and each of their faces turned red as eggplants,

In that instant, Feng Yi's hand held three extra long swords; they recognized them as their own, but if asked how they ended up in Feng Yi's hands, they had no idea.

"What is this?" Guo Fu, extremely embarrassed, snapped: "You surnamed Feng, what love potion did that wicked woman give you?" She glared at Feng Yi, then lifted her eyes to Li Mochou, her eyes nearly spitting fire.

Feng Yi smiled, shook his head, and said: "Adult matters—just watch from the side."

Guo Fu was about to speak when she suddenly saw Guo Jing shout: "Step back!"

Guo Fu's heart turned cold at once; Feng Yi handed her the long sword, smiling: "All right! This is how you should behave."

Guo Fu was so angry smoke seemed to rise from her seven orifices, yet she couldn't lash out; she took the sword, puffed her cheeks, her eyes gleaming sharply, and glared at him fiercely.

Feng Yi seemed oblivious, then with a sudden flick of his right hand, two long swords flew straight toward the Wu brothers at the side.

Everyone saw as if an invisible force lifted the two long swords, which slowly flew to the Wu brothers' sides.

The Diancang Hermit, fearing his nephew would suffer loss, raised his thick brows about to speak, but Zhu Ziliu tugged at his sleeve.

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The Wu brothers snorted coldly, exerted their full strength, grabbed the sword hilts—only to find nothing unusual in their hands, just as Feng Yi had handed to them.

Although everyone in the hall was a skilled martial artist, such profound internal energy made them involuntarily widen their eyes.

Li Mochou's cheeks flushed crimson, her beautiful eyes gleaming; she glanced at her whisk, then spoke evenly: "Madam Guo, I merely wish to learn your martial skills. Since you shy from battle, just say a word—claim that your ability to lead the Beggar Sect relies on your husband and Elder Hong, while the Peach Blossom Island Master only bullies the weak with no real talent; I could still force you, so why let a few juniors step forward merely to invite ridicule?"

Feng Yi immediately said: "Mochou, we came here not to contend for fame in the martial world—let's call it a day!"

Li Mochou glanced at his face, her expression displeased: "Do you know I was tricked by Huang Yaoshi and slapped by a child?"

Feng Yi knew she was proud and felt deep shame at being slapped; in the original plot, even facing Huang Yaoshi she dared to mock him, and now with me she feels even less restrained.

The hall fell silent for a moment; Huang Rong showed hesitation, but the Diancang Hermit could not contain his anger, shouting: "Demon, you bully people too much!"

He shook the two iron maces in his hand, strode over, utterly lacking pity, and swung the iron mace to smash Li Mochou's face.

Li Mochou snorted coldly.

"Please halt for now."

The Diancang Hermit suddenly saw Feng Yi's left hand move slightly, followed by a sharp gust; he hastily raised his iron mace.

Only a "dong" sound was heard—the hidden power surged into wind, blowing the nearby people's garments aloft, and the Diancang Hermit's jaw went numb.

Though Feng Yi swung casually, his deep inner power made his palm's might far beyond what ordinary martial artists could imagine.

The Diancang Hermit, a senior disciple of the One Lamp Grand Master, shouted loudly: "You surnamed Feng, Li Mochou says the Island Master Huang insulted her, so she refuses to yield to Madam Guo—but she not only harmed my junior martial brother, she also insulted my master; I wish to learn your high techniques—what's wrong with that?"

Feng Yi clasped his hands and said: "Please calm your anger for a moment and hear me out."

The Diancang Hermit snorted coldly, turned, and sat at a table on the left.

Feng Yi said: "Actually, Madam Guo's earlier words were sound; she and Hero Guo jointly invited you all to gather at Lu Jia Zhuang. You endured thousand‑hardship journeys to come here—not for anything else, but because you all harbor a loyal, patriotic heart; certainly not to watch people settle martial grudges, talking about right and wrong!"

Everyone who heard this felt it made great sense.

Most of those who came today to the Heroic Banquet were hot‑blooded men; seeing the nation's affairs go awry and disaster loom, they had long worried deeply. Feng Yi's words drew unanimous assent from the loyal heroes: each said, "I agree."

Feng Yi continued: "I believe you all know that the Mongols are strong and the Song court is weak."

Just as Madam Guo is provoked in every way yet avoids battle—only because she is unwell; to fight would be like throwing eggs at stones, which no wise person would do!

Though his inner power is deep, even speaking amid the clamor his words are clear, and only then did the heroes understand why Huang Rong does not go to battle.

Yet upon close inspection, seeing her beautiful appearance and delicate frame, she hardly looks ill.

Li Mochou couldn't help but ask: "Madam Guo, are you ill?"

Guo Fu's face flushed red, and she cried in a coquettish voice: "You—you're the sick one! My mother is…"

"Fu'er!"—before she finished, Huang Rong gave a sharp shout.

How could her pregnancy be spoken of openly in the grand hall before everyone? Truly shameless!

Feng Yi smiled and said: "Although those present are all renowned masters of the Central Plains martial world, they are still insufficient to defeat the Mongol iron hooves."

If you are afraid, then turn back early; don't linger. If you came with a heart for contention and ferocity, please leave as well—because this Mongol invasion of Song is, for us Han people, a catastrophe of national extermination.

We gather to discuss self‑rescue plans, which may not even avert the impending disaster, yet we remain here killing each other over private grudges—how ridiculous!

The crowd fell silent for a moment, then Zhu Ziliu interjected: "Your meaning is that we should let go of our grudge against Li Mochou, right?"

In fact, Feng Yi had said this before; this is the anti‑Mongol assembly, where everyone is supposed to discard past grudges and unite—yet many who bear a grudge against Li Mochou do not agree.

Huang Rong, Guo Jing, and Hong Qigong had discussed this; Li Mochou's martial skill ranks among the very best of the heroes, and if we could gain her aid, our strength would certainly increase greatly.

Only, myself being looked down upon by Li Mochou in public aside, my disciple's mother was killed by Li Mochou, further humiliating the Southern Emperor's line; thus, when Li Mochou provokes, we cannot simply use joint resistance to the Mongols as an excuse to tell everyone to set aside martial grudges.

"Mr. Zhu, you're mistaken!" Feng Yi shook his head and sighed: "This grudge cannot be resolved overnight, nor erased by a single remark of mine. Yet this is a matter of right and wrong, and everyone has their own justification."

Yet now the world is in dire peril, precisely the time to employ talent; Li Mochou has long admired the Beggar Sect's heroic spirit, which has endured for centuries, so in this autumn of crisis she resolutely came to the meeting!

Feng Yi paused, then raised his voice: "But whether it is the leader of this Heroic Assembly, or whether we can set aside past grudges, turn foes into friends, and unite our strength—ultimately it cannot be achieved by mere talk.

Because we are martial people who establish ourselves through skill, today's Heroic Assembly should also judge right and wrong by martial prowess!

These words rang true; not only do the Beggar Sect disciples firmly believe them, but all the heroes nod in agreement.

Zhu Ziliu once said Feng Yi's words were somewhat off; I didn't expect he would throw it back at me, my face flushed then paled, and he suddenly shouted loudly: "Sir, what do you mean? Please speak plainly!"

Feng Yi waved his hand: "I dare not accept your instruction! It's just that I, Feng Yi, know full well Li Mochou's past deeds; indeed they are somewhat intolerable. If I were to protect her by force, everyone would surely resent it, affecting the overall situation."

However, what she said—that the Island Master Huang bullied the weak with his power and added humiliation, seeking to regain face—is also quite reasonable.

In my opinion, since both sides are dissatisfied, let the heroes of the martial world nominate someone of equal generation and similar age to her, to settle the matter once and for all with a duel, thus ending the grudge.

Good! the crowd exclaimed, "Let the martial arts contest decide right from wrong!"

Guo Jing and Huang Rong remained silent, but they also deeply agreed; each side has its own justification, and to break the deadlock, only a martial arts contest will do.

Huang Rong called out loudly: "Master Feng, your words are swift and frank; then, should we restrict the gender of the combatant?"

Feng Yi said: "As long as they are of similar age, gender is no restriction—after all, women can hold up half the sky! But everyone's time is precious; one match must decide the winner, and we cannot drag it on endlessly!"

If Li Mochou wins, from today onward, we shall no longer call her a demon and shout for her death!

Saying this, he bowed with clasped hands to Hong Qigong, Guo Jing and Huang Rong: "Please, Elder Hong, Master Guo, Lady Guo, and the hosts, be our witnesses together."

The three had not spoken, yet they heard Zhu Ziliu smile faintly: "Master Feng, what would you say if she loses?"

Losing? Li Mochou would not let Feng Yi speak, lightly brushing her hair, she said coldly: "I, Li Mochou, have roamed the world for half my life, slaughtered countless; I never expected to live to this day. Whether you wish to kill me for revenge or to eradicate evil, it's each to their own ability. Having decided the outcome, we also divide life and death. If I lose, what harm is there in giving you my life?"

Of course, if one fears death, they should not waste time!

(End of chapter)