Chapter 144

This fishing net formation is indeed exquisite; even the fishing net itself is a treasure passed down through generations in Jueqing Gu, thus it is forged from extremely tough yet extremely soft gold silk mixed with steel wire, so precious swords and sharp blades are certainly not easily cut, and moreover, at the intersections of the gold silk in the net, small magnetite pieces are inlaid; such a large net can generate tremendous magnetic force, so no matter how fierce the enemy's hidden weapons are, they will be caught.

Thus a single fishing net has many wonderful uses; as for fishing nets covered with barbs and daggers, they are rarely employed—even when facing Zhou Botong just now, they were not used at all, which shows that Valley Master Gongsun is determined to catch this uninvited guest in one net.

Feng Yi must be killed, fed to the crocodiles I raise; as for Li Mochou, she is also a rare beauty, and moreover she is Liu Mei's senior martial sister, so letting her reside permanently in Jueqing Gu would not be unacceptable.

Valley Master Gongsun has already thought it through clearly, so he is all the more confident and fearless.

Even experts like Zhou Botong fear the fishing net formation; could he still fear Feng Yi?

Hearing the daggers and hooks on the net clink and clang, even Li Mochou, veteran of the jianghu, knew Feng Yi's ability; seeing such poisonous moves, she was also quite worried, and was about to speak.

Suddenly Xiao Longnv said: 'Senior sister, you and he should leave quickly, and also do not tell……anyone, I am here.' The last words were barely audible, her brows and eyes flushed red, and she almost burst into tears.

Li Mochou exclaimed in shock: 'Junior sister…'

Xiao Longnv did not wait for her to finish, turned her face away, and said: 'Feng Yi, Valley Master Gongsun, you two have both granted me life-saving kindness; I am deeply grateful, yet seeing you two brandish weapons against each other here, how could I bear it in my heart?'

Gongsun Zhi suddenly saw Xiao Longnv's large tears rolling from her eyes; standing in the moonlight, she resembled Chang'e falling to the mortal world, her whole body radiant and dazzling, his heart stirred even more, and he said: 'Liu Mei, my affection is sincere and wholehearted; I wish to bind a hundred years of good fate with you, yet they insist on making things difficult for me!'

Feng Yi chuckled and said: 'Making things difficult for you is indeed not wrong, but you are clearly lusting after her body, yet you have the nerve to speak of sincere affection?'

You clearly know that her heart belongs to another; marrying you would not make her happy—is this what you call love?

Moreover, this deep mountain secluded valley is named Jueqing (Severed Affection); how could you possibly have love?

From the time you were widowed, you still wanted to marry another—how much love do you have for Qiu Qianchi?

She could become your wife and bear you such a beautiful and charming daughter—is your love not wholehearted?

For a maiden you have known less than half a month, how much love do you have?

Valley Master Gongsun, loving beauty is natural to all people; I, Feng Yi, like beautiful women even more than you, but you manipulate emotions, disregarding her willingness, using kindness to demand repayment—this is really rather base!

I want to ask, was your deceased wife Qiu Qianchi obtained by you in this very deceitful manner?

These words flowed forth freely, causing Gongsun Zhi's face to flush red then turn pale; he could not refute a single sentence!

Wasn't Qiu Qianchi just won over by your honeyed words and deceit?

Once the goal was achieved, you no longer liked her domineering nature; you came to favor the gentle Rou'er.

He also knows that even if Xiao Longnv married him she would not be happy, yet she is so beautiful that he desires to possess her body even if he cannot win her heart, hoping that over time feelings will grow and she might change her mind.

Gongsun Zhi stole a glance at Xiao Longnv, seeing her head lowered, her brows raised in a straight line, killing intent soaring, her face ashen, and he said: 'Liu Mei, you see—this brat is bullying people too much. If I do not detain him, the surname Gongsun will be looked down upon too much.'

Feng Yi chuckled, and then Xiao Longnv said sorrowfully: 'Mr. Gongsun, you have granted me life-saving kindness; you have always treated me well, been attentive and thorough, and shown me the utmost courtesy…'

She sighed long and said: 'If you had not encountered me in the wild mountains that day, if you had not saved my life, and let me die silently unknown, it would have been better for all three of us.'

Feng Yi waved his hand and said: 'Miss Long, whether you live or die is your own business, but do not say such things in front of me.'

Now the atmosphere has been built up to this point; do you not feel that this affects my performance?

Besides, speaking of an aside: Gongsun Zhi saved you, and you agreed to his proposal of marriage; I also saved you, and although I am self-aware and have no intention of letting you marry me, I hope you will not become a stumbling block for me!

These words left Xiao Longnv stunned; she meant well, fearing he would be caught in the net and killed, yet how did it end up that she herself is not 【to blame】?

Gongsun Zhi gave a cold snort and said: 'Seize him!' Sixteen disciples took their positions at the four sides; with a sudden whoosh, each group of four jointly held a fishing net, simultaneously unfurled, encircling Feng Yi.

Gongsun Lǜè suddenly said: 'Father, just let Master Feng go.'

Gongsun Zhi shouted sternly: 'What did you say?'

Lü E's cheeks flushed red as she said: 'Perhaps after this incident, we might still be able to resolve the grudges of previous generations.'

Feng Yi saw Gongsun Lǜè actually pleading for him, and felt quite puzzled; he had just noticed her frightened expression, exchanged glances, signaling him to leave the valley quickly.

He wondered why this woman treated him so well.

If one were to say she is kind-hearted, yet just now when using the fishing net formation to seize Zhou Botong, she showed no leniency.

In the original plot, she treated Yang Guo well because he flirted with her and moved her heart; my words to her were only a few sentences, and moreover I came under the name of Qiu Qianchi's enemy!

This left Feng Yi truly unable to fathom; he never indulged in self-love, nor did he believe that women ought to like him!

Furthermore, unlike Yang Guo, he did not make women fall into infatuation for him; that is simply his personal preference.

He had long since decided: his person is like a boat without moorings; like poisonous women such as Li Mochou and Hong Lingbo, if one day he must abandon them, his heart would feel less guilt!

Gongsun Lǜè, this sort of delicate white flower, is better kept at a distance; don't end up dying for a man in the end.

Then Gongsun Zhi shouted: 'You want to let your mother's enemy go?'

Gongsun Lǜè suddenly knelt and said: 'Father, whether my mother truly has a grudge against him, do you really not see it?'

Moreover, does Liu Mei truly wish to marry you?

Do you see even a hint of joy at the prospect of marriage on her face?

Master Feng also once granted her life-saving aid, and they are of similar age; everyone has not let her marry himself, so do you really think you are inferior to a young upstart?

She had long seen that Xiao Longnv did not want to marry her father, and moreover she herself did not wish for that person to become her stepmother; she simply did not know where she found the courage to speak these words outright.

Gongsun Zhi's two long eyebrows shot up at once, and he coldly snorted: 'Hmph, truly raising a tiger to bring disaster upon oneself. I have raised you to this size, yet I never expected you today to come to the aid of an outsider!'

'Raising a tiger to bring disaster?' Feng Yi chuckled hehe: 'Well said!'

Suddenly his expression turned solemn as he said: 'Miss Gongsun, you are truly pure-hearted and bright; I indeed have no grudge against your mother.'

Of course, I am not here to snatch a bride; Feng Yi does not boast, but people in the jianghu say I am the number one expert under heaven, so naturally I should have some taste.

As for treating women, having body and mind devoted to you is what truly matters; this prospective stepmother of yours, with another man in her heart, I simply cannot esteem!

The reason I oppose your father rests on three points: first, in this world the most hateful are those who betray their teacher and annihilate their ancestors, repay kindness with enmity, and forget gratitude and righteousness.

Second, would it not be better for everyone to settle superiority with fists, feet, and weapons? Yet this old Gongsun is utterly shameless, indulging solely in schemes and tricks.

Third, most aggravating of all: his family's cultivated closing-aperture technique cannot tolerate meat and fish, yet this old man makes the whole valley eat vegetarian; after I have been here for an hour, my mouth is about to turn as bland as bird feed.

I, Feng Yi, have studied martial arts for over ten years, all for the sake of wandering the jianghu with a soaring dream; this exquisite secluded valley is precisely where I can enjoy leisure and comfort; seeing someone imprison your dietary nature and disposition, I feel it my duty not to shirk, and must change all this, so that my coming here is not in vain!!

Having said that, he burst into loud laughter, his heroic spirit and vigor showing at his brows.

At this moment he was besieged by the fishing net formation; others were trembling with fear, but Feng Yi was unfazed, instead directly stating his purpose. Such nonchalance—who could not be won over by it?

Even Gongsun Zhi is no exception!

Of course, this also makes his anger blaze fiercer, as if he regarded Jueqing Gu as his own pocket!

The Valley Master said in a deep voice: "Your boldness is not small, but I fear you can accomplish nothing, and your life must remain here."

He struck both hands four times, urging the green-clad disciples to act.

Sixteen disciples shook the fishing nets, moving in crossing patterns.

Gongsun Zhi is only about forty, not very old, yet he intends to marry Xiao Longnv; however, Zhou Botong has caused a great disturbance, calling him a 'rotten old man', and he is already furious.

Now Feng Yi calls him an old man, especially the words 'betraying master and exterminating ancestors, forgetting kindness and betraying righteousness', all of which stir his innermost feelings.

After all, he treats Qiu Qianchi exactly like this!

Therefore, at this moment, even if it offends Xiao Longnv, we must kill Feng Yi!

As for his daughter Lü E defying him, he also plans to first deal with Feng Yi, then severely punish her; if that fails, he will send her to see that woman.

Having just observed the fishing net formation used to catch the old mischievous child, Feng Yi now understood its details; although the formation's steps are marvelous and the fishing net weapons are formidable, he remains unafraid.

That is why it works against Zhou Botong: his martial arts are high, yet he follows a yin‑soft path, and lacking divine weapons, encountering such a sharp net naturally leaves him helpless; but for Feng Yi, who bears a precious blade, it is of little use.

Seeing Feng Yi look around, he said to the Jueqing Gu disciples: "Gentlemen, I am open and aboveboard, I do not wish to harm you, but you also have reasons not to retreat; if we fight, do not blame me for being heavy‑handed."

As he spoke, he felt his waist and drew a curved blade that gleamed in the moonlight, its endless sharpness showing it is a fine weapon.

Xiao Longnv has known Feng Yi for a long time and has never seen him use a weapon; otherwise, why would she be so worried?

Yet the Jueqing Gu disciples are not afraid of sharp blades; suddenly, the bright blade turned dark red, as if stained with old blood, or as if filled with scorching flames.

The Valley Master's heart jolted; he quickly clapped four times, and the formation disciples gave a shout, a fishing net already slanting down from the right shoulder.

Just as the net was about to wrap Feng Yi, he suddenly swung his blade and cut it; in an instant, the net snapped apart section by section.

All the disciples stared wide‑eyed; those four still held the torn net, yet as if time had frozen, they ceased motion, gazing at Feng Yi, each showing shock.

Feng Yi's move seemed light and effortless, but once one understands how formidable the net is, the difficulty becomes apparent.

The fishing net is forged from gold wire that is both extremely hard and extremely soft, mixed with steel wire; even the sharpest blade cannot cut it, yet Feng Yi easily severed it—this ability is simply astonishing.

Gongsun Zhi knew it was not only due to his weapon's sharpness but also evidence of his profound inner strength; a surge of despair rose in his heart as he reflected on his own arduous training and divine skill, finding himself vastly inferior to this youth, to the point that even the valley‑guarding formation seemed unable to withstand a single blow.

Feng Yi understood that if he did not frighten these disciples, it would be disadvantageous later; seeing them stunned, he did not pause, suddenly thrusting his blade upward and shouting, "Hand it over!"

With a clatter, the two youths holding the net felt a great force surge; the broken net in their hands was forcibly taken by Feng Yi.

Feng Yi's blood blade hooked onto the fishing net, forming a weapon, albeit odd‑shaped and uncategorized, something unseen from ancient times to the present.

He spun in mid‑air, hearing the clear, pleasant clang of blade and hook striking each other, as he lunged at the four disciples.

When the four disciples' large net contacted Feng Yi's weapon, they became entangled; several instinctively pulled the net, trying to reclaim it.

Feng Yi did not resist; going with the flow, his Divine Illumination inner strength, deep and abundant, could also be transmitted through the weapon; since the fishing net is made of gold‑steel threads, it naturally reaches everywhere.

Thus, as he thrust his energy forward, the Jueqing Gu disciples all felt excruciating pain in their tiger mouths, a tightness in their chests, the large net snapping from their hands and being taken by Feng Yi.

Although the fishing net formation is marvelous, it is merely exquisite footwork, not a formation like the Big Dipper Heavenly Gang that can unify one's power; in reality, the two are not even of the same caliber.

Feng Yi's inner strength is extremely profound, while the disciples are merely average; after just two exchanges, three large nets—one broken, two seized.

The Jueqing Gu disciples have relied solely on the fishing net all their lives; once the net is lost, they are at a loss.

Feng Yi also ignored the few people; his blade and net interlocked, momentum like a living dragon, swaying head and tail as he charged at the last fishing net.

When the disciples practiced the fishing net formation, they feared only that enemies would slip through and escape, seeking only tight enclosure; they never imagined the net would turn and bite back. Seeing the gleaming hooks on the net lunge toward their heads, their souls fled, they cried out in unison, letting go and leaping away.

The boy substituting for Lü E, whose skill was weaker, finally had the fishing net's dagger catch his thigh; blood instantly poured, he collapsed to the ground, involuntarily letting out a wail and loudly weeping.

Feng Yi casually waved, hooked and hung, then draped another net over it; the four fishing net formations were thus scattered by his casual sweep, falling into disarray.

After this, the disciples dared not step forward, standing far away; without the master's order, they did not dare flee.

Li Mochou sneered: "Fishing nets can catch fish, but to subdue dragons and tigers—wouldn't they just be torn apart?"

Feng Yi laughed loudly, waving his hand; this strange weapon twisted like the Big Dipper, flying across the sky with a clatter, sweeping toward Gongsun Zhi. Gongsun Zhi suddenly extended both arms, seized the edge of the net and pulled. He seemed impervious to blades and spears, his palm unafraid of the net's dagger hooks.

Feng Yi used the blade's adhesive strength to hook the net; Gongsun Zhi's pull was tremendous, with a clattering resonance, and the net was actually torn away by him.

Feng Yi thought, "How formidable!" He reckoned that even with his strength he would not dare to grasp those dagger hooks bare‑handed; his mind grew hazy, wondering, "Should I acquire this Iron Palm skill?"

Gongsun Zhi threw the net toward several disciples, then exclaimed, "Indeed, impressive skill!"

Feng Yi steadied his mind, shook his blood blade, and smiled: "You are not bad either; try grabbing this with your hand."

Gongsun Zhi coldly replied: "You merely rely on the advantage of your weapon; what is there to be proud of?"

Although he has cultivated a unique, strange martial art that can seal his own acupoints, he is far from having an iron‑clad body impervious to blades and spears; even masters of horizontal training like the Golden Bell Cover or Iron Cloth Shirt can only barely block a weapon strike in an emergency—how could he dare to seize such a sharp blade as the blood blade?

Feng Yi laughed: "Is this fishing net not a weapon's advantage? Valley Master Gongsun, have you really decided to be shameless?"

The Valley Master said: "Do you dare to wager weapons with me?"

"What, I should fear you?" Feng Yi said nonchalantly: "Today, whatever means you employ, I will meet them, and I will make all your disciples submit wholeheartedly."

=9+book_eh

The Valley Master laughed heartily: "Then please go to the training hall!"

Feng Yi smiled and shook his head: "Heh, whether you fight in a group or duel, I will accept it. But the place is only here; you have many tricks—who knows if your location has traps or the like? If one fell into an abyss, wouldn't that be unjust?"

Seeing Feng Yi from head to toe, relaxed and smiling, Gongsun Zhi felt quite puzzled, thinking, "Who exactly is this person? His profound martial skill is one thing, but every thought of mine is anticipated by him." Upon this thought, Gongsun Zhi's palms broke out in a fine sweat.

Feng Yi gave a grim smile and slowly said: "Valley Master Gongsun, if you do not now bring out your hidden abilities, you will have no chance!"

The Valley Master turned to his daughter and said, "Fetch my weapon." Lü E hesitated and did not answer.

The Valley Master shouted sternly, "Did you not hear?" Lü E's face turned ashen, and she could only reply, "Yes!"

Xiao Longnv walked up to the Valley Master and said, "Valley Master Gongsun, I have known Feng Yi for a long time; I have seen many experts, yet no one has ever gained an advantage over him—no matter how high your martial skill, you cannot surpass him."

Feng Yi chuckled: "Thank you for the praise!"

Gongsun Zhi thought: "This person's martial skill is high, he is younger than me, and he has saved Liu Mei's life; if I do not kill him, I cannot guarantee Liu Mei will not follow him, and if that happens, what meaning is there for me to live out the rest of my life?" He then spoke softly: "Liu Mei, only after meeting you did I truly feel happy…"

Li Mochou cut in: "My junior sister does not bear the surname Liu; stop calling her Liu Mei all the time!"

Xiao Longnv said: "Senior sister, he saved my life, and I also tricked him into thinking my surname is Liu; let him call me whatever he likes, eh."

Feng Yi smiled faintly: "Miss Long, I am puzzled—someone has saved your life, yet you treat him poorly; although I, Feng Yi, bestow favors without expecting return, are you not bullying an honest person?"

Furthermore, if I were to kill him, would you then help him?

Xiao Longnv was stunned, then gave a bitter smile and said: "Why do you insist on killing him?"

Feng Yi rolled his eyes and said: "Didn't I just say that?"

Besides, you're protecting him now; if Yang Guo comes, he won't let you marry — are you helping this valley master, or helping Yang Guo?

If Xiao Longnv said she was helping Yang Guo, she would feel reluctant toward the valley master; if she said she was helping the valley master, she would certainly not do so. She hesitated, wondering how to answer.

"Junior Sister!" Li Mochou laughed and said: "This man is endlessly cunning; he has several times tried to lure Feng Yi away, showing there must be a trap here. With such ill intentions, you, unaware of worldly affairs, had best stay far from him."

Gongsun Zhi was about to speak when he suddenly saw Feng Yi's eyes flash with cold light, and said: "Valley Master Gongsun, could it be that you rely on women?"

As a grand master of martial arts, the valley master knew Feng Yi's prowess well, yet how could he rely on Xiao Longnv for protection? He felt his chest ache with anger.

Suddenly, Lü E called from behind: "Father, the weapons have been brought!"

The valley master didn't turn, shrugged his shoulder, stepped back a few feet, and took the weapons in hand.

Everyone saw that in his left hand he held a broad-backed, wide-bladed sawtooth sword, its golden light flashing — clearly a steel blade plated with gold.

In his right hand he held a slender, long black sword that trembled lightly, showing the blade to be extremely supple, its edges glowing blue — indeed extraordinarily sharp.

The two weapons were opposites: one utterly hard and heavy, the other utterly light and supple.

Feng Yi burst out laughing and said: "Mochou, this valley master is truly rich and imposing — look at that sword's golden flash; he must have spent a fortune on it. And this black sword is a perfect portrait of him; this trip was certainly worthwhile!"

Li Mochou gave a tittering laugh and said: "He looks impressive, but who knows if he's actually effective?"

Her voice was clear and pleasant to hear, and her lovely appearance added a touch of charm, instantly arousing the valley master's anger.

How could this beauty so disregard herself? It's outrageous! Once I've done away with Feng Yi, I'll let her know my power.

Seeing the valley master's black sword and gold blade clash, they hummed continuously, a clear, lingering tone, as he said: "Liu Mei, step aside!"

Feng Yi suddenly swayed, reaching out with five fingers to grab Xiao Longnv.

Xiao Longnv instinctively thrust her left palm out from under her elbow, but before it could strike, Feng Yi slightly turned his wrist, snatched out like a gust of wind, seized her shoulder, and flung his hand toward Li Mochou, shouting: "Hold her!"

The valley master gave a low shout and slashed his blade horizontally at Feng Yi — swift and decisive — Feng Yi blocked with his horizontal blade; the valley master, not waiting for the move to age, immediately turned his wrist and shook his black sword, stabbing Feng Yi's abdomen.

Originally, swordplay emphasizes hardness and strength, while sword technique stresses lightness and agility; the two weapons' natures are utterly opposed, making it nearly impossible for one person to wield both sword and blade. Yet the valley master distinguishes his blade and sword techniques clearly, harmonizing hardness and softness, yin and yang — a rare supreme skill in the martial world.

Seeing this move extremely swift and exquisite, Feng Yi suddenly halted his foot, leapt up, and chopped his blood blade at the valley master's chest.

This blade, used defensively as offense, flashed like startling thunder and swift lightning; the sound of tearing air actually carried the rumble of wind and thunder, its power overwhelming.

The valley master's face grew solemn as he praised: "Excellent bladework!" He uttered those words rapidly, clear as a crane's cry, fierce as an ape's howl, while his black sword shot out, seeking to cleave the enemy's weapon with his black sword — but the blood blade was also a precious blade; with a clang, the weapons struck, sparks flying, neither could cut the other.

Instead, the valley master's arm went numb, and he thought: "This villain is formidable; I must use my secret technique!"

In a flash of thought, his gold blade and black sword, left and right, unleashed his lifelong supreme art, the "Yin-Yang Chaotic Blade Method".

The black sword, normally yin and supple, suddenly hardened and chopped, becoming a yang, hard blade technique; while the bulky, lengthy sawtooth gold blade performed thrusts, sweeps, and cleanses, wholly following the light, agile path of a single sword — blade became sword, sword became blade, marvelously unpredictable.

Even with Feng Yi's ability, he dared not lightly oppose its edge; he could only employ his lightness skills to avoid the solid and strike the void.

Li Mochou, though knowledgeable, had never seen or heard of this yin-yang chaotic blade and sword method; yet she suddenly understood, thinking: "No wonder that fellow insisted on having Feng Lang drink tea! If he went to a stone room or similar secret chamber, laid out a fish-net formation all around, and then used this skill, he would indeed be hard to defeat!"

Yet she admired Feng Yi all the more: "No wonder, with his skill, he wouldn't need to spar here — truly cautious!"

The more she watched Feng Yi, the more she felt his bearing was graceful and handsome, his martial arts light, agile, and unrestrained; moreover, he had clearly said he didn't like her junior sister, filling her with happiness. She thought about how to reward him.

The two exchanged blows, faster and faster, their silhouettes blurring, while white light, golden radiance, and black qi intertwined, the ringing sounds never ceasing.

Xiao Longnv also focused her gaze; the two's movements grew ever swifter, yet the valley master's attacks became exceedingly leisurely — each release immediately withdrawn, as if restrained by some invisible force, each move and form unable to be fully exerted. She couldn't help but sigh softly and say: "Valley Master Gongsun, in your contest of might with Feng Yi, your lightness and inner strength are both inferior; no matter how marvelous this martial art, it cannot surpass him!"

Li Mochou snorted coldly: "He is arrogant and ignorant; how could he know that my Ancient Tomb lightness skill is unrivaled under heaven, and Feng Lang's inner marvel is without peer!"

Gongsun Lv'e worried about her father, but could not make out the two's martial arts; yet she heard this clearly and was greatly frightened.

The valley master brandished his heavy, solid sawtooth gold blade, yet it flew about with the agility of a single sword, using the sword with tremendous heft and might; his techniques, when executed, are exactly opposite to the ultimate principles of martial arts. This in itself is not surprising, but what's truly terrifying is that he suddenly reverses: his sword techniques reveal blade methods, while his blade moves conceal sword techniques' killing points, endlessly variable and unpredictable.

However, Feng Yi's abilities fundamentally come from the Divine Illumination Classic, sourced from system uploads; but as his martial prowess grew and battles multiplied, he no longer relied on system-uploaded martial arts.

From nothing to something is the most difficult; yet if one has the foundation of the Divine Illumination Classic and the Blood Blade Classic — the orthodox and heterodox supreme martial arts — and still needs to rely on system uploads to progress in martial arts, he would look down on himself.

Thus, even after obtaining the Nine Yin True Classic and similar martial arts, he relies on his own study; when he later encounters the East Evil and West Poison, the Northern Beggar Guo Jing — all masters among masters — each bout gives him an additional layer of insight.

Moreover, his extensive discussions with Guo Jing and Huang Yaoshi on all martial arts greatly broadened his horizons; therefore, he has seen through the valley master's Yin-Yang Chaotic Blade, realizing: "A blade is a blade, a sword is a sword!"

The so-called sword techniques on blades and blade techniques on swords are mere tricks, meant only to dazzle the eye; fundamentally, a blade remains a blade, a sword remains a sword,

like his own Blood Blade's technique of striking left with substance, right with emptiness, or Guo Jing's Dragon-Subduing Eighteen Palms where the palm clearly faces upward yet the force drops downward, and Ouyang Feng's left-leg kick that turns into a right-leg strike midway.

Such "topsy-turvy" methods are actually the martial arts tactic of "feigning east to strike west".

Even if one sees through this, if the opponent's skill is somewhat lacking and the response is inappropriate, these tricks can become genuine, harmful moves.

Feng Yi gave a long laugh: "After all, a blade is a blade, a sword is a sword — exceedingly wonderful, exceedingly wonderful!"

He had the advantage of foreknowledge, naturally knowing how to counter it, yet he wanted to see whether, relying on his own ability, he could perceive this; at that moment his mind understood, and he was inwardly delighted, unleashing seven blows in one breath — real or feigned, endlessly changing.

The valley master, having his martial secrets laid bare by him, was inwardly startled; all he saw was a sky-full of blade shadows like falling rain, blade energy like splitting bamboo, making it utterly impossible to discern his direction of attack.

The valley master felt dazzled, unable to discern the blade's origin; his black sword traced a large circle, and any weapon entering it would be seized.

Who would have thought Feng Yi would charge in like lightning, raising and turning his wrist to hook the opponent's black sword, then twist and entwine it — not restraining the opponent's force at all, but instead applying a marvelous internal energy that caused the black sword to spin faster; the valley master felt a vast, surging energy, unpredictable.

Gongsun Zhi's internal energy was deep, the force on his black sword endless—no ordinary strength could deflect it. Yet, by circling to overcome the foe, there was no opening to the right of the Taiji Sword; Feng Yi fully grasped its essence.

This deflection, using force against force, is the supreme skill of 'four ounces deflect a thousand pounds,' where forces superimpose. No matter how strong Gongsun Zhi is, he cannot simultaneously resist Feng Yi's internal force and his own strength; his wrist trembled, his chest boiled with hot blood—how could he hold on?

Everyone saw a black light shoot up into the sky, all crying out 'Ah!' in unison, only hearing the whoosh of wind—Gongsun Zhi had already swung his serrated blade at Feng Yi.

Feng Yi laughed ha-ha, tilted his body sideways, suddenly curled his middle finger and flicked it out, shouting, 'Let go!' This was precisely Huang Yaoshi's secret art, the Finger-Flicking Divine Ability.

Finger and blade clashed, emitting a resonant 'clang' that vibrated softly.

Gongsun Zhi felt an unmatched force surge from the blade, his fingers and palm seized with sharp pain, and his golden sword flew from his grip; he was utterly astonished, never expecting anyone could flick his sword away.

Feng Yi's Divine Illumination Skill had reached the stage of pure refined fire, attaining a state like withered silk, like emaciated richness; this flick was no less than Huang Yaoshi himself present, yet it directly caught Gongsun Zhi off guard, plunging him into a dazed stupor.

And Feng Yi had knocked away his two weapons in the blink of an eye—his left hand flicked the golden sword away, while his right hand, wielding the blood blade, swept like the wind toward Gongsun Zhi's shoulder.

Suddenly a sharp wind arose from behind; Feng Yi gave a cold snort, lashed out with his left palm, while his right blade continued to slash at Gongsun Zhi.

Soon came a few tinkling sounds; the concealed weapons were swept away by the palm wind, colliding midair and falling like a sudden rain.

With a 'puff,' a spray of fresh blood gushed from Gongsun Zhi's left arm, shooting straight into the heavens.

Li Mochou couldn't help shouting approval loudly.

But the disciples of Jueqing Gu never imagined that their valley master would be so unable to withstand a single blow in Feng Yi's hands?

Gongsun Lü E only felt dizzy, almost falling.

Gongsun Zhi, a great hero of the martial world, had his arm severed, yet he didn't utter a sound.

Feng Yi chopped off the left arm, then naturally chopped off the right arm; his way of dealing with evildoers has always been like this, but just as he swung the blade, he heard a sharp shout from behind: "Stop!"

(End of chapter)