Chapter 146: with translation of chapter title

Everyone saw the two approach, and the woman was lame, walking with a limp.

Translation: Everyone saw the two approach, and the woman was lame, walking with a limp.

Everyone saw the two approach, and the woman was lame, walking with a limp.

Upon seeing them, Wind Yi instantly recognized them as Yang Guo and Lu Wushuang.

Translation: Feng Yi instantly recognized them as Yang Guo and Lu Wushuang.

Yang Guo chuckled and said, "Brother Wind, you really are here; Zhou Botong truly didn't deceive me."

Translation: Yang Guo chuckled, "Brother Feng, you're really here; Zhou Botong truly didn't deceive me."

After Yang Guo and Feng Yi parted during the day, he suddenly felt something was off, since Feng Yi's predictions had always been accurate since they met. He wanted to ask, but acting both arrogant and then submissive was contrary to his and Lu Wushuang's pride, so he decided to follow her.

Translation: After Yang Guo and Feng Yi parted during the day, he suddenly felt something was off, because since knowing Feng Yi, Feng Yi's words always came true. He wanted to ask, but his and Lu Wushuang's pride would not allow him to be first arrogant then respectful, so he decided to follow.

We need to keep meaning. Let's craft: After Yang Guo and Feng Yi separated in the daytime, he suddenly felt something was wrong, for since they had met, Feng Yi's words always proved true. He wanted to inquire, but his and Lu Wushuang's arrogance would not allow him to be first haughty then deferential, so he resolved to tail them.

However, Feng Yi and Li Mochou were both martial arts experts, and neither dared to follow too closely, so Zhou Botong led Feng Yi and Li Mochou into the Valley of Unfeeling; the two couldn't keep up and could only wander aimlessly in the mountains.

Translation: However, Feng Yi and Li Mochou were both martial arts experts, and they dared not follow too closely, so Zhou Botong led Feng Yi and Li Mochou into Jueqing Gu, while the two could not keep up and could only wander aimlessly in the mountains.

But after Zhou Botong finished causing trouble in the Valley of Unfeeling, he felt a bit hungry; since they didn't eat meat there, he left the valley to get a meal, fill his stomach, and then return to play, and coincidentally ran into Yang Guo and Lu Wushuang.

Translation: But after Zhou Botong had finished causing a ruckus in Jueqing Gu, he felt a bit hungry; since they didn't eat meat there, he left the valley to grab a meal, fill his stomach, then return to play, and happened to run into Yang Guo and Lu Wushuang.

Zhou Botong hated not being able to lure everyone into the Valley of Unfeeling to cause chaos, so he pointed out the path, and the two proceeded to enter the valley.

Translation: Zhou Botong hated not being able to draw everyone into Jueqing Gu to cause chaos, so he pointed out the path, and the two proceeded to enter the valley.

Although Yang Guo didn't know the details, hearing someone angrily scold Feng Yi made him laugh; upon approaching, he saw Gongsun Zhi with disheveled long hair, covered in blood, writhing on the ground and emitting mournful cries, resembling a vicious ghost, and he thought, "This seems like he's been struck by the Jade Peak Needle."

Translation: Although Yang Guo didn't know the details, hearing someone curse Feng Yi loudly made him laugh; drawing near, he saw Gongsun Zhi with disheveled hair, covered in blood, writhing on the ground and emitting mournful cries, like a vicious ghost, and thought to himself, "This seems to be the work of the Jade Peak Needle."

But he couldn't be sure, since the Jade Peak Needle, once embedded in a person, is invisible, and all poisons are similar; he was about to ask.

Translation: But he could not be certain, for the Jade Peak Needle, once embedded in a person, is invisible, and poisons under heaven are all much the same; he was about to ask.

Suddenly, Gong Sun Lvguo trembled and said, "Father, is what Lord Wind said really true?"

Translation: Suddenly, Gongsun Lü E's trembling voice rang out: "Father, is what Master Feng said really true?"

Gongsun Zhi shouted angrily, "You wretch, how dare you believe an outsider's words?"

Translation: Gongsun Zhi shouted harshly, "You wretched creature, actually believing the words of an outsider?"

Gong Sun Lvguo wept, "Then why are you so afraid of me?"

Translation: Gongsun Lü E wept, "Then why are you so afraid of me?"

Over these years, whenever you see me, your expression is unnatural, as if you're hiding something important, afraid I'll find out. All this time you've also tried to avoid me, not wanting to meet my face—why is that?

Note: There's a typo, the character should be 'you'. We'll translate it as 'you'. Over these years, whenever you see me, your expression is unnatural, as if you're hiding something important, afraid I'll find out. All this time you've also tried to avoid me, not wanting to meet my face—why is that?

Lvguo had previously noticed her father's strange demeanor; although she found it odd, each time she thought about it she attributed it to her mother's death and her father's grief, which had altered his temperament—but when her father wanted to send her to Feng Yi, where was any trace of father‑daughter affection?

Translation: Lü E had previously noticed her father's strange demeanor; though she found it odd, each time she recalled it she simply attributed it to her mother's death and her father's grief altering his temperament—but when her father wanted to send her to Feng Yi, where was any trace of father‑daughter affection?

This is certainly not merely about wanting to marry Miss Liu while alive; it must conceal a tremendous malicious plot.

Translation: This is certainly not merely a desire to marry the Willow Maiden while alive; it must conceal a tremendous wicked plot.

The more she thought about it, the more distressed she became, yet her understanding grew clearer.

Translation: The more she thought, the more anguished she felt, yet her understanding grew clearer.

His father's many peculiar words and deeds had once been baffling, dismissed merely as "strange behavior"; now it seems they all stemmed from a single feeling of fear—but why would he fear his own biological daughter? When Feng Yi mentioned the cause of his mother's death, his suspicions naturally surged.

Translation: Her father's many unusual words and deeds had once baffled her, which she dismissed as "odd behavior"; now it seems clear it all stemmed from a single "fear"—yet why would he fear his own biological daughter? When Feng Yi mentioned her mother's cause of death, her suspicions naturally surged.

Gong Sun Lvguo then turned to Feng Yi and said, "Lord Wind, do you know something? Please tell me!"

Translation: Gongsun Lü E turned to Feng Yi again and said, "Master Feng, do you know something? Please tell me!"

Saying this, she knelt down again.

Translation: Saying this, she knelt down once more.

At first she addressed him as "Master Feng" out of courtesy, later she called him "great hero," which was actually sarcastic—what kind of hero robs others? Now calling him "Master" again is really her way of seeking the truth about her mother's death.

Translation: At first she addressed him as "Master Feng" out of courtesy, later she called him "great hero," which was actually quite sarcastic—what kind of hero robs people? Now calling him "Master Feng" again is simply to learn the truth of her mother's death.

Feng Yi thought, "Gongsun Zhi harmed your mother in an extremely secretive way; besides the parties involved, who else would know?"

Translation: Feng Yi thought, "Gongsun Zhi killed your mother in utmost secrecy; aside from the parties involved, who else would know?"

He knew he could claim to be speculating and give a result, but if he described the detailed process, others would simply ask how he knew that.

Translation: He knew he could claim to be guessing and state the outcome, but if he described the specifics, others would just ask how he came to know.

It has no credibility at all!

Translation: It would have no credibility at all!

That's why he forced Gongsun Zhi to admit it himself—yet, to his surprise, even at this point the man still refused to acknowledge it.

Translation: That is why he forced Gongsun Zhi to admit it himself—yet who would have thought that even at this point the man still refuses to acknowledge it!

Little did he know that Gongsun Zhi is not stupid; if he wants to survive, everything hinges on his daughter—if he admitted to killing Qiu Qianchi, his daughter would hate him, and that would truly be his doom.

Translation: Little did he know that Gongsun Zhi is no fool; if he wishes to survive now, everything hinges on his daughter—if he admits to killing Qiu Qianchi, his daughter will hate him, and that would truly be his doom!

Yang Guo saw Gong Sun Lvguo's clear, elegant features, truly lovely; at this moment her eyes were glistening with tears, her fair skin tinged with red, and under the moonlight she looked especially pitiable, so he wanted to help her and laughed, saying, "Brother Wind, I once heard a story: an ancient king lit beacon fires to amuse the feudal lords, squandering a fine kingdom, all for the sake of making a peerless beauty smile just once—showing how rare a smile is."

Translation: Yang Guo saw Gongsun Lü E's clear, elegant features, truly lovely; at this moment her eyes glistened with tears, her fair skin tinged with red, and in the moonlight she was utterly pitiable, prompting him to want to help her. He laughed, "Brother Feng, I once heard a tale of an ancient king who lit beacon fires to amuse the feudal lords, squandering a splendid realm just to win a single smile from a peerless beauty—showing how rare such a smile is!"

"Such a beautiful maiden, and you make her cry—this is utterly inappropriate!"

Translation: "Such a beautiful maiden, yet you make her weep—this is greatly improper!"

Gong Sun Lvguo had been pondering Feng Yi's words, but upon hearing Yang Guo's remark she glanced up and saw his handsome, refined appearance, his face like powdered makeup, his eyes smiling like spring—warm and gentle—and hearing his amusing words, her sorrow lessened a bit.

Translation: Gongsun Lü E had been pondering Feng Yi's words, but upon hearing Yang Guo's remark she glanced up and saw his handsome, refined appearance, his face like powdered makeup, his eyes smiling like spring warmth, and hearing his amusing speech eased her sorrow a little.

Feng Yi thought, "No wonder it's Yang Guo—what a big air‑conditioner!" He chuckled and asked, "What do you mean?"

Translation: Feng Yi thought, "No wonder it's Yang Guo, what a big air‑conditioner!" He chuckled and asked, "What do you mean?"

Yang Guo laughed and said, "Everyone knows how rare a beauty's smile is—phrases like 'one smile overthrows a city, another smile overthrows a state'—but in fact a beauty possesses something even rarer than a smile."

Translation: Yang Guo laughed, "Everyone knows how rare a beauty's smile is—'one smile overturns a city, another overturns a state'—but in fact a beauty possesses something even rarer than a smile."

Feng Yi laughed and said, "You're not going to say it's crying, are you?"

Translation: Feng Yi laughed, "You're not going to say it's crying, are you?"

Yang Guo nodded and said, "Indeed, merely catching a glimpse of a beauty is already great fortune; to see her smile radiantly, one must have accumulated ancestral virtue and even cultivate for three lifetimes..."

Translation: Yang Guo nodded, "Indeed, merely glimpsing a beauty is already great fortune; to see her smile enchantingly requires ancestral virtue, and one must cultivate for three lifetimes……"

Feng Yi suddenly felt this was really cheesy, and Lu Wushuang had already pinched Yang Guo's waist, scolding, "Are you being cheesy or not?"

Translation: Feng Yi suddenly felt this was truly sickeningly sweet, and Lu Wushuang had already pinched the soft flesh at Yang Guo's waist, snapping, "Are you not being cheesy?"

Yang Guo remained earnest, saying, "Sister Wushuang, how is this cheesy? If one could make a beauty weep, it would require eighteen generations of ancestors to have accumulated vast hidden merit; for any task she undertakes, if it's within our power we must see it done properly, otherwise even our eighteen‑generation ancestors would accuse us of filial impiety."

Translation: Yang Guo kept a straight face, "Lu Wushuang sis, how is this cheesy? If one could make a beauty weep, it would require eighteen generations of ancestors accumulating hidden merit; for any task she undertakes, if within your ability you must see it done well, otherwise your eighteen‑generation forefathers will accuse you of filial impiety!"

Hehe...

Translation: "Ge ge……" (laugh). We'll keep as "Ge ge……"

Suddenly, Gong Sun Lvguo began to laugh.

Translation: Suddenly, Gongsun Lü E began to laugh.

This was the first time anyone had seen her laugh.

Translation: This was the first time anyone had seen her laugh.

Although Feng Yi is bold and can speak freely without restraint, he could not bring himself to utter such cheesy words.

Translation: Feng Yi was indeed bold, able to speak recklessly without restraint, yet such cheesy words he could not utter.

Seeing Lvguo smile, Yang Guo's upper body trembled slightly and his heart stirred, while Lu Wushuang grew displeased and said, "Aren't you here to look for your aunt? Why are you spouting nonsense here?"

Translation: Seeing Lü E smile, Yang Guo's upper body trembled slightly and his heart stirred, while Lu Wushuang grew displeased, saying, "You didn't come here to look for your aunt, did you? What nonsense are you spouting?"

Upon hearing that, Yang Guo felt regret: "I am wholeheartedly devoted to my aunt, so why does this unruly bad temper never change? Yang Guo, Yang Guo, you little rascal, don't keep spouting nonsense."

Translation: Upon hearing that, Yang Guo felt remorse: "Though I am wholeheartedly devoted to my aunt, why does this unruly bad temper never change? Yang Guo, Yang Guo, you little rascal, don't keep spouting nonsense."

In his nature he actually inherits three parts of his father's frivolous and roguishness; though he means no harm, teasing a few girls and provoking them, causing them to lose their composure, is something he enjoys.

Translation: In his nature he actually inherits three parts of his father's frivolous and licentiousness; though he means no harm, joking a few sentences with every girl and teasing them leaves them bewildered and enamored, which is precisely what he enjoys.

Lu Wushuang, without even looking at Yang Guo's face, said to Feng Yi, "You're also a major figure in the martial world—how can you boast about dealing with others, yet bullying a girl is what kind of skill?"

Translation: Lu Wushuang also didn't look at Yang Guo's face, and said to Feng Yi, "You're also a major figure in the martial world; getting away with mistreating others is one thing, but what skill is there in bullying a girl?"

Feng Yi's brows flared as he gave a cold smile and said, "I, Feng, have always acted as I please—do you only realize this today?"

Translation: Feng Yi's brows rose as he gave a cold laugh, "I, Feng Yi, have always acted as I pleased—do you only realize this today?"

His Blood Blade Scripture has also been cultivated to the highest level; even a hint of a smile can move hearts, and his domineering aura is like that of the Blood Blade Ancestor, looking down on all ages.

Translation: His Blood Blade Classic had been cultivated to the utmost pinnacle; a mere hint of a smile could stir hearts, and that overbearing aura was exactly like the Blood Blade Ancestor, looking down on all ages.

When Lu Wushuang's eyes met his, her heart shuddered; reflecting on his deeds since his debut, she realized they truly could only be described as "doing as he pleases"—and who could possibly rein him in?

Translation: When Lu Wushuang's eyes met his, her mind shuddered; reflecting on his deeds since debut, they truly could only be described as "acting as he pleases"—who could possibly rein him in?

He's the sort who would start a fight with Guo Jing over a single disagreement!

Translation: He's the sort who would come to blows with Guo Jing at the slightest disagreement!

Yet he also felt angry inside and shouted, "Your martial arts are high—do you really have no sense of reason at all?"

Translation: Yet he also felt angry and shouted, "Your martial arts are high—do you really not care about reason at all?"

Feng Yi's eyes shifted slightly; his overbearing aura faded into a gentle demeanor as he said, "Reason? Is it reasonable to cut off someone's ear just because you glance at a lame leg?"

Translation: Feng Yi's gaze shifted slightly; that lofty, disdainful aura vanished, replaced by a gentle air as he said, "Reason? Is it reasonable to lop off someone's ear just because you glance at their limp leg?"

Lu Wushuang's face flushed with anger as she let out a heavy snort.

Translation: Lu Wushuang's face flushed with angry blood as she let out a heavy snort.

Feng Yi couldn't stand this—he himself could be unreasonable, yet he wanted her to be reasonable; since he felt no attraction to her, why would he indulge her?

Translation: Feng Yi could not stand this—he himself could be unreasonable, yet he wanted others to be reasonable; since he felt no stir toward her, why would he indulge her?

This is the greatest difference between him and Yang Guo!

Translation: This is the greatest difference between him and Yang Guo!

Although Feng Yi likes beautiful women, if he has no particular intention, he maintains a strong sense of boundaries, refrains from sweet talk, and doesn't care what they think of him.

Translation: Although Feng Yi likes beautiful women, if he harbors no design he maintains a strong sense of boundaries, refrains from sweet talk, and cares little for their opinions of him.

Feng Yi said, "Yang Guo, you've come at a good time."

Translation: Feng Yi said, "Yang Guo, you've come at a good time."

"Lord of the Gong Sun Valley!" Feng Yi turned and smiled, saying, "You're a smart person—do you understand what I mean?"

Translation: "Valley Master Gongsun!" Feng Yi turned and smiled, "You're a smart person—do you understand what I mean?"

As soon as the name Yang Guo was spoken, everyone except Yang Guo and Lu Wushuang understood; when Feng Yi had just mentioned Yang Guo, everyone knew that Xiao Longnu's expression revealed her beloved was Yang Guo—yet they hadn't expected him to also arrive.

Translation: As soon as the name Yang Guo was spoken, besides Yang Guo and Lu Wushuang, everyone understood—when Feng Yi had just mentioned Yang Guo, Xiao Longnv's expression made it clear her beloved was Yang Guo; no one expected him to appear as well.

Gong Sun Lvguo wore a face full of worry and glanced at Yang Guo.

Translation: Gongsun Lü E wore a face full of worry, glancing at Yang Guo.

Gongsun Zhi, suffering from unbearable itch and pain, heard the words, his eyes flickering, and thought, "Yang Guo, could he be Miss Liu's beloved?" He glared at Yang Guo maliciously.

Translation: Gongsun Zhi, tormented by an itch, heard this and his eyes flickered; he thought, "Yang Guo, could he be Liu Mei's beloved?" and glared at Yang Guo with malice.

Then they saw Feng Yi sigh and say, "Yang Guo, your aunt is to marry this valley lord as his wife—you've come at just the right time; you could even have a cup of wedding wine!"

Translation: Then Feng Yi sighed, "Yang Guo, your aunt is to marry this valley master as his wife—you've come at a most opportune moment; you might even get to drink a cup of wedding wine!"

Yang Guo flew into a rage and shouted sharply, "What nonsense are you spouting? My aunt is supposed to be my wife—how could she marry him?"

Translation: Yang Guo flared with anger and shouted sharply, "What nonsense are you spouting? My aunt…… is supposed to be my wife—how could she marry him?"

Feng Yi said lightly: "It's what she herself said; if you don't believe me, ask her." He turned his head to look at Xiao Longnv inside the house: "Mo Chou, release your junior sister's acupoints; let's also watch this show of two men fighting over a wife!"

Li Mochou instantly understood Feng Yi's intent, gave a giggling smile, unlocked Xiao Longnv's acupoints, and floated out of the room.

Yang Guo followed his gaze, and suddenly his eyes fixed on one spot; for a moment he saw sweat on his forehead, he leapt into the house and shouted, "Auntie, you really are here!"

Gongsun Zhi watched Yang Guo, thinking this youth had an elegant bearing, handsome features, and his martial arts were surprisingly high; compared to him, he couldn't help feeling ashamed of his own appearance.

Xiao Longnv had already seen Yang Guo arrive, but whether she truly recognized him was indeed difficult. In a moment of daze, Yang Guo had already rushed over, happily saying, "Auntie, auntie…" His eye sockets grew hot, and tears flowed from his excitement.

Xiao Longnv's chest rose and fell slightly; seeing her pale face, Yang Guo exclaimed in surprise, "Auntie, are you injured?" Suddenly hearing Xiao Longnv sigh, she lowered her head.

Gongsun Zhi witnessed this scene and mused, "Liu Mei surely hasn't forgotten her feelings for this brat. The term 'Auntie' must be their usual endearment when they flirt."

Thinking again of his daughter and Lu Wushuang's recent behavior, a sour feeling welled up in his heart; he gritted his teeth and thought, "What's so great about this kid? Letting all these young women flock around him? Humph, if it weren't for that dog thief Feng Yi's peerless martial arts that reduced me to this state, I would surely kill him!"

Although Gongsun Zhi could remain sane despite Feng Yi's torment, at this moment he was consumed by jealous rage, and the pain and itch on his body seemed to lessen somewhat.

Xiao Longnv's mind was in utter chaos, and she had no idea what to do in the future.

Although parting with Yang Guo pained her greatly, this act of sacrificing herself for him was entirely for his sake, settling everything once and for all; even if she couldn't bear it, death would bring clarity.

Now this person had come alive before her eyes; she felt that every word and action, every smile and frown of his stirred her heart and swayed her mind. She wanted to ignore him, yet how could she bear to? She lowered her head and stayed silent, but inside she felt as if hundreds of steel knives were twisting and carving her.

Yang Guo looked left and right, then glanced again; seeing that his aunt was unharmed, he finally breathed a sigh of relief, but seeing she wouldn't speak to him, he suddenly grew anxious and called, "Auntie…"

Clang— "Miss Long, Valley Master Gongsun has been struck by your Jade Peak Needle; will you detoxify him or not?"

Feng Yi, Great Sabre Golden Horse in hand, sat on a nearby stone, tapped his blood blade, and said.

Li Mochou suddenly pressed her waist, giggling "kekeke" as she laughed, flicked a finger, and poked his forehead, half-chiding, "Are you doing this for fear of not attracting hatred?" She then burst into incessant laughter.

In Feng Yi's peripheral vision, he saw Lu Wushuang staring at him, her eyes brimming with utter hatred.

Feng Yi gave a faint smile: "It doesn't matter; anyway, those who hate me are just brainless idiots!"

Feng Yi possesses two faces: usually he is jovial and laughing, but he loves tormenting his enemies; the more they resist, the more spirited he becomes, and his cold-hearted cruelty surpasses that of a starving eagle or tiger.

Therefore, whether it be disciples of the Plum Gate in the Liancheng World or whatever Blood Blade Old Ancestor, he never kills anyone outright; he insists on tormenting them until they have nothing left, only then does he cease.

Only then could he gain a sense of satisfaction!

Thus, once Feng Yi's methods are employed, they are more villainous than any antagonist's; in the Liancheng World, he still worries about the reputations of the great heroes Ding Dian and Mei Niansheng, not wanting them to earn the infamous label of 'inhuman' transmitted by their divine arts, so he restrains himself somewhat.

But in the Shendiao World, with no constraints, he lets himself run free, doing whatever he pleases—only his own desire matters; everything else is irrelevant.

He cares neither for his own reputation nor for the fame of Ding Dian and Mei Niansheng, since who here even knows them?

Thus, Xiao Longnv's earlier remark that Gongsun Zhi had a lifesaving debt to her, her successive interventions to thwart his plans, and her giving him a 'good person' card, happened to stir the malice in Feng Yi's heart.

Now that Yang Guo has arrived, will Xiao Longnv offer herself in return for that lifesaving favor? He both wants to see it, and he wants that if Gongsun Zhi knew all his thoughts, it would not only come to nothing,

he would end up with a broken arm and missing ear, his heart surely shattered,

then he would have to follow the script he arranged.

At that point, it would be time to end all of this!

In the midst of his thoughts, Yang Guo said to Xiao Longnv, "Auntie, what exactly is going on? Why are you ignoring me?"

Xiao Longnv, however, gave no answer, walked out of the room, took a bottle of Jade Bee Honey Syrup from her bosom, and said, "Miss Gongsun, you pulled out the golden needle for your father; now take the syrup orally to relieve the itch."

Lü E rose to take the magnet and honey syrup Xiao Longnv offered, saying, "Miss Liu, thank you!" She slightly bowed in return, pulled the golden needle from her father's back, and handed the small bottle to him.

Gongsun Zhi pulled the stopper and poured the entire bottle of honey into his mouth.

Feng Yi raised his sword-brows and exclaimed, "Good!"

He said, "Miss Long, Yang Guo is here now, and your future husband is also here—give me a straight answer: will you go with Yang Guo, or marry Old Man Gongsun? If you still choose to marry him, I will immediately see to it, letting you enjoy the bridal chamber and floral candles!"

Xiao Longnv trembled at the words, her eyes glistening with tears.

Yang Guo snapped, "Surname Feng, what right do you have to say that?"

Feng Yi lifted his brows, his eyes flashing with sharp light, and coldly replied, "Just because I'm stronger than you! Just because I can slaughter you like a dog—if I want to do as I please, I can do as I please—is that enough?"

Yang Guo felt his breath catch, yet also secretly wondered, "This person is truly strange—friendly one moment, hateful the next!" He reached out his hand and softly said, "Auntie, let's go."

The Valley Master's back still itchy, he shouted, "Liu Mei, you personally said you would marry me!"

Yang Guo flared with anger and shouted, "You old coot, how could my aunt marry you?"

"Shut up!" Gongsun Zhi snapped, his face turning ashen, "What right do you have to speak here? Are you suggesting all these people are deaf?"

Yang Guo was lost for words, recalling what Feng Yi had just said, and adding that his aunt had still not spoken a single word to him so far, nor did she deny his statement—clearly it was true.

Xiao Longnv sighed softly, "Everything I do is for your own good—go on, take care!" Though these words were spoken weakly, they were filled with tenderness and affection.

Feng Yi felt amused in his heart; this, too, was for your own good.

Xiao Longnv said, and then to Gongsun Zhi she added, "Valley Master Gongsun, my disciple momentarily acted rudely; please forgive her!"

Feng Yi laughed, "Miss Long, stop fussing—just pick someone and give me a straight answer."

"If you still intend to marry Valley Master Gongsun, I will heal his wounds, then send you to his bed—I guarantee it won't affect his bridal night! I say it, I can do it; then, don't you regret it!"

Xiao Longnv's eye sockets reddened, her expression extraordinarily stubborn.

Then Li Mochou murmured, "You're full of deceit, adept at playing with people's hearts. Is this really satisfactory?"

Feng Yi gave a slight smile, saying, "As for me, I simply don't believe there exists anyone who treats all equally; whoever dares to put on an act before me, I will surely tear away their pretense!"

Valley Master Gongsun pretends to be righteous and noble, acts like a good man—I must see whether he's truly an iron-willed tough guy; your junior sister clearly likes Yang Guo, even a blind person could tell, yet she keeps beating around the bush—I will certainly make her reveal her true colors!

But Li Mochou said, "Yang Guo, the reason my junior sister is torn is because your adoptive father Ouyang Feng killed my master! Do you understand?"

Yang Guo's expression darkened, he fixed his gaze on Xiao Longnv, and pleaded, "Auntie, I promise to spend a lifetime with you in the ancient tomb, never parting—would that be alright?"

Xiao Longnv lifted her head, their eyes met; seeing his face filled with endless affection and myriad sorrows, her heart involuntarily stirred. Then Li Mochou said, "Junior sister, I've said it—I will handle the killing of Ouyang Feng; you must not truly bear a lifelong grudge!"

Feng Yi murmured, "Is Ouyang Feng really that easy to kill? How can you be so bold?"

Li Mochou laughed, "Besides, there's still you—shouldn't you avenge my master?"

Feng Yi couldn't help but be stunned.

Then Li Mochou said, "I've thought it through: the day Ouyang Feng bested you in one move, it was only because you had lost a leg—his victory was not honorable; that day at the Heroes' Assembly, you also subdued him, and he too suffered grave injuries, so you two fought to a draw! Next time we meet, if you kill him, it won't violate righteousness!" Before Feng Yi could speak, Yang Guo's emotions surged and he blurted, "No, you can't kill him!"

He knew that if Feng Yi wanted to kill his adoptive father, whenever they met he would surely be able to do so.

Li Mochou furrowed her brows and said, "He killed my master—can we still not take revenge?"

Yang Guo felt a rush of hot blood surge to his head, his voice rising: "You are all renowned figures in the martial world; my adoptive father has gone mad, he doesn't know what he's done—what vengeance is there to exact?"

Li Mochou raised her brows, yet saw Feng Yi wave his hand and say: "Don't speak further. Yang Guo, the great hero, is the protagonist of heaven and earth. If he bears a grudge, he must exact it, by any means!"

"Others' grudges—heh, what are they? As the saying goes, a smile upon meeting dispels grudges—how delightful!"

He recalled the original plot, where Yang Guo and Guo Xiang went to threaten Yinggu, making her abandon her vengeance for her son, utterly forgetting what he had done for the sake of avenging a father he had never met!

That demeanor made Guo Xiang feel he was a true hero, her heart stirred, never to forget him for a lifetime.

Feng Yi sighed: "Ah, Valley Master Gongsun, I say these days it's hard to be a good person, don't you agree?"

"You saved someone, yet invited this evil guest to your door, losing arm and ear; this newlywed lady is a person, everyone can see she has someone in her heart, watching her estate be taken, and she must still die—truly pitiful!"

Seeing Xiao Longnv still not uttering words to annul the marriage, Gongsun Zhi, unwilling to lose composure, suppressed his anger and forced a smile.

Feng Yi's eyes glittered, his tone unhurried: "Your yin-yang chaotic blade technique just now—half from your family tradition, half from the Iron Palm Sect. Though you are extraordinarily talented, having blended the two, without Qiu Qianchi's wholehearted guidance, could you have achieved today?"

"To others you may be some valley master, but in Feng Yi's eyes you are nothing but a lecher who forgets righteousness for beauty—a vile scoundrel!"

=9+ book bar

"Who knows what the younger Rou'er saw in you back then?"

Although Gongsun Zhi's yin-yang twin blades are a family martial art, they were refined by Qiu Qianchi—discarding the dross, retaining the essence, innovating to fill gaps, thoroughly overhauled; moreover, the Iron Palm technique was transmitted to him by her.

Yet none of these carried the shock of the name 'Rou'er'; even with Gongsun Zhi's deep scheming, hearing the last sentence shook him greatly, his face turning ashen, and he didn't even ponder how Feng Yi knew of Rou'er.

Then Feng Yi sneered: "You killed your beloved woman with your own hands just to survive—aren't you afraid her vengeful spirit will haunt you?"

Suddenly a disciple of Jueqing Gu said: "Rou'er? She truly is the valley master—did you kill her?"

Gongsun Zhi fell out with Rou'er and Qiu Qianchi twelve years ago; although the elders in the valley didn't know the details, they all eventually knew who Rou'er was!

Even though Xiao Longnv was unaware of worldly affairs, she sensed something amiss; the color drained from her jade cheeks as she gave a bitter smile: "Valley Master Gongsun, is what Feng Yi said true?"

This question threw Gongsun Zhi into turmoil; he lifted his head to the heavens and murmured: "Indeed, it's Rou'er, it's Rou'er!"

Back then, because Rou'er clashed with his wife, Qiu Qianchi threw them into the Qing Hua Cong, then placed the Jueqing Dan in arsenic-laced water, leaving only one pill, saying only one could survive.

He then killed Rou'er—this was the utmost pain in his heart!

Lü E's body trembled slightly as she turned her gaze; her father's heart seemed stirred to the utmost.

Feng Yi chuckled: "I can make a reasonable guess—this Iron Palm Lotus martial art is formidable; knowing her husband had a lover, she would surely object, so for the valley master Gongsun to keep his lover, he naturally had to kill her!"

Upon hearing this, Lü E also staggered, crying: "Father, is it really like that?"

Gongsun Zhi sank his face, saying nothing.

Feng Yi laughed: "Miss Long, actually you and Qiu Qianchi are both extremely obstinate, always believing your actions are for the beloved's good; yet once you meet this valley master and he possesses your body, your fate will surely be the same as Qiu Qianchi's—tsk tsk!"

After Qiu Qianchi married Gongsun Zhi, she not only imparted all her martial arts wholeheartedly, but also attended to his food and clothing, cold and warm, with meticulous care, so he needed to exert no effort at all.

Just as Xiao Longnv cared for Yang Guo in the ancient tomb.

The only difference: one dislikes such oversight, the other gladly accepts it.

Xiao Longnv's voice trembled: "Mr. Gongsun, did you truly kill your wife for Rou'er?"

Feng Yi's scheme was ruthless to the extreme; Xiao Longnv's question left even the resourceful Gongsun Zhi in utter turmoil, speechless.

Feng Yi smiled: "Look, from a thief's guilt to being cornered in argument, finally to anger out of shame—we all must be on guard."

Gongsun Zhi harbored a deep infatuation for Xiao Longnv; though her question left him tongue-tied, only his expression grew awkward, yet he kept his composure, speaking softly: "Junior Sister Liu, I love you fearing I fall short; if I harbor any ill will toward you, may heaven strike me down and earth destroy me!"

Feng Yi chuckled: "You probably said those words to both Rou'er and Qiu Qianchi, alas—sweet words are a bone‑scraping blade."

Yang Guo didn't want to get involved in this right and wrong; he gently tugged Xiao Longnv's sleeve and whispered: "Let's go."

Xiao Longnv looked at Feng Yi and asked: "Did he really kill his wife?" She found it hard to believe such a wicked person existed in the world, and had already seen that Feng Yi was using her to break through Gongsun Zhi's mental defenses.

Feng Yi laughed: "Eating one's fill and then refusing responsibility is a flaw of many men; you must understand."

The better sort just have a fling and that's it, harboring no ill intent—like Yang Guo; the worse sort cannot let scandal leak, so they must silence witnesses by murder—like Gongsun Zhi!

Lü E wept: "Father, did you really kill Mother?"

Seeing Xiao Longnv fall into contemplation, Gongsun Zhi immediately snarled: "Yes! No! It's that ruthless, vicious wretch who first forced me to kill my beloved woman!"

Upon uttering those words, he seemed to plunge into hysteria, his face growing ever uglier: "She was the first to strike at me—do you know? She shoved me into the Qing Hua Cong, making me suffer a thousand needles and ten thousand piercings—do you know? She soaked the antidote in arsenic liquid, so that whether I took it or not I would die—do you know?"

She forced me to kill my Rou'er—do you know?

Once these words were spoken, everyone understood—he had indeed killed his wife; several women felt a great chill in their hearts.

Under heaven, there actually exists such a cruel husband!

Feng Yi sneered: "If you truly loved Rou'er, you would rather die yourself—how could you kill her? In short, you are merely a faithless lover; pah to your so‑called beloved woman!"

Gongsun Zhi shouted: "If it were you, what would you do?"

"'If it were me, I would die! How could I kill my beloved to save my own life?'"

Feng Yi remained silent, while Yang Guo gazed at Xiao Longnv and spoke directly.

Feng Yi sighed inwardly: "This kid is constantly fawning; which woman could tolerate him?"

Lü E swayed, then collapsed face‑up; Feng Yi, standing close, reached out and caught her, feeling her body icy cold, trembling in waves, knowing her inner anguish could not be expressed in words.

Feng Yi apologized deeply: "Although your father is worthless, for my own purpose I have placed you in this predicament—you may hate me, or even come to kill me! But you must train your martial arts well!" As he spoke, he infused her with a strand of divine illumination true qi.

Lü E, however, shoved him away with both hands, glaring at him with utmost hatred, she wailed and burst into tears, staggering as she fled in a panic.

Gongsun Zhi shouted: "Stop her!"

The disciples of Jueqing Gu, who had always been on good terms with Lü E, were shocked by this sudden turn; hearing the valley master so vicious, they no longer resembled the people they once knew, thus upon hearing the order they stood frozen, watching Lü E vanish from sight.

They knew all too well that over the past decade, Lü E's reverence and affection for Gongsun Zhi had only grown—who would have thought her father was the culprit who killed her mother and tore her own flesh apart!

This upheaval was as if heaven and earth had been overturned; no one could bear it.

Feng Yi knew that in the original plot, Lü E would commit suicide for Yang Guo beneath Gongsun Zhi's blade—a great pity!

Now that we have exposed Gongsun Zhi's mask and perhaps slain him, we might alter Lü E's fate; as for her hating herself, it no longer matters.

He has always done only what he deems right; why should he care about others' opinions!

Suddenly a long laugh rang out, a blue shadow flashed like lightning, and lunged at Yang Guo.

Gongsun Zhi had already been abandoned by all and had nowhere to turn; the resentment in his heart was like molten rock underground, and he suddenly vented it on the person he hated most.

Of course, this person was not Feng Yi, but Yang Guo!

Because Feng Yi could destroy his person but could not break his heart, whereas Yang Guo could.

After all, Xiao Longnv had previously said she would marry him.

But after Yang Guo arrived, he no longer said that!

Because of whom?

It's obvious!

How could he not hate!

This iron palm, gathering his last strength, whooshed toward Yang Guo's back.

This strike was utterly sudden, but Xiao Longnv was right beside Yang Guo; without thinking, she flicked her hand back and struck Gongsun Zhi's wrist,

Gongsun Zhi's arm was severed and bled, and then Feng Yi's palm shook him, scattering his qi and destroying his skill; he was no longer as before, and his palm naturally weakened.

Yang Guo reacted just as swiftly, backhanding a palm strike into Gongsun Zhi's chest.

Feng Yi thought to himself: "Indeed, in the eyes of someone like Xiao Longnv, even a life-saving debt cannot compare to a lover!"

Gongsun Zhi, already gravely wounded, was struck squarely in the chest by Yang Guo's palm, immediately spitting out a mouthful of old blood and flying far away.

Yang Guo felt his palm force was heavy, not that of an ordinary fighter; he stepped forward and raised his palm again to incapacitate him, but unexpectedly Xiao Longnv leapt over, pushed his body aside, and Yang Guo stumbled several feet away.

He fixed his gaze and saw Xiao Longnv arrive beside Gongsun Zhi, her expression solemn as she said: "Gongsun Valley Master, why do you put yourself through this again?"

The Gongsun Valley Master sighed: "Liu Mei, I truly love you, in this lifetime..."

Yang Guo laughed: "Aunt," he pointed at Gongsun Zhi, "look, even now you still pretend deep affection—truly not ordinary baseness and shamelessness."

Gongsun Zhi sneered: "Even if the Gongsun surname is base and shameless, it is still better than you, who constantly claim to love Liu Mei while actually being flirtatious everywhere, and even better than a beast that disregards master-disciple ethics!"

What kind of person is Gongsun Zhi? He had long seen that his relationship with Lu Wushuang was not shallow; otherwise, how could a girl follow a man?

Moreover, Xiao Longnv said Yang Guo was his little disciple!

This affair is even more despicable than my own!

And he felt that, having suffered successive injuries and being on the verge of death, he no longer cared about decorum, so naturally he said whatever came to mind!

As soon as those words were spoken, Yang Guo stared blankly, while Lu Wushuang shouted: "Shut your foul mouth; I and Elder Brother Yang are merely bound by righteousness!"

"Hehe... then what about my daughter? Is she also just a righteous acquaintance?"

Gongsun Zhi asked again.

Yang Guo was actually speechless; he had just met Lü E earlier and couldn't help but feel moved—something he could not deny.

Gongsun Zhi pointed toward the direction Lü E had run and said: "Feng Yi, hurry and find... my daughter, don't, don't forget what I just said."

Feng Yi frowned slightly and said: "I came to seize your estate."

Gongsun Zhi gasped: "The victor becomes king or marquis, the loser a bandit. What more is there to say? Quickly go find my daughter—she will kill herself!"

Feng Yi's heart jolted, thinking: "Exactly, that woman says she'll kill herself and does it, unlike Xiao Longnv, who's all talk!"

But seeing Gongsun Zhi at death's door finally show a bit of humanity, he said: "Fine, I promise you!"

Feng Yi handed the blood saber to Li Mochou, saying: "You handle the aftermath; I'll go look for that girl!"

Li Mochou took the saber, nodded silently, watched his retreating back, did not stop him, and said nothing.

Of course, she had long understood that Feng Yi's business was none of hers, and it was best not to interfere!

Suddenly Xiao Longnv's tears welled up and she said: "Mr. Gongsun, it's I who harmed you..."

"Liu Mei, I saved you; I don't blame you! You, you even look beautiful when you cry..."

Abruptly, Gongsun Zhi's voice, his breathing, all sounds ceased; finally he smiled at Xiao Longnv, closed his eyes, and breathed his last.

That smile was one of satisfaction.

Because Xiao Longnv shed tears for him.

This seemed to be his greatest reward before death.

Yang Guo reached out and touched Xiao Longnv's face: "Auntie, from now on, don't ever leave me again!"

Xiao Longnv felt a pang of sorrow; Gongsun Zhi had after all saved her life, yet what had she brought him?

Ruined in reputation and person, dead and the Dao extinguished!

I like Yang Guo, yet that caused him to be called a beast; just now he even narrowly escaped being beaten to death by Gongsun Zhi!

She felt utterly lost!

Could it be that I am a calamity star?

Lu Wushuang felt even more tasteless inside; she had told Gongsun Zhi that she and Yang Guo were merely bound by righteousness.

But is that really true?

Seeing how Yang Guo treated Xiao Longnv, her heart twisted in pain.

Lu Wushuang suddenly understood what Feng Yi was after—what are you scheming?

Li Mochou slowly approached Fan Yiweng.

Fan Yiweng closed his eyes.

Today's events made him unwilling to recall them.

He was so loyal to his master, yet he actually killed his wife!

Moreover, he killed his beloved!

Li Mochou looked at him and said: "Now you know why you're still able to breathe, right?"

Fan Yiweng opened his eyes.

Li Mochou said: "Your master killed his wife and wanted to marry my martial sister—both utterly lacking self-awareness, and you have learned to be just like him."

"But my husband likes your loyal and righteous sort, so even though he knows he will have to take over all this, you would be an obstacle, yet he still shows you mercy! Do you understand what this means?"

Fan Yiweng let out a long sigh.

Feng Yi could have slit his belly with a single stroke just now, but he held back at the last moment; instead, he had his whisker plucked by him, and didn't seek revenge, not even mentioning it—showing how broad-minded he is; how could he not know?

Li Mochou said: "Making the people in the valley obediently listen is, for you, this senior brother, very simple, isn't it?"

Fan Yiweng slowly nodded.

"Very good!"

(End of chapter)