Chapter 148: Only enemies meet

"Older Brother Fan, immediately gather the valley's disciples and set up the bladed fishing net formation to block the windows and roof."

"In Fan Yiweng's impression, Jueqing Gu had never seen outsiders, but when Gongsun Zhi saved Xiao Longnv, it provoked Zhou Botong to set fire and Feng Yi to kill and seize the valley. Moreover, early that morning disciples reported that several strangers had come to the valley to pay a visit."

"Fan Yiweng exchanged glances with several people and felt that their martial arts were highly refined, certainly not ordinary."

"He was not worried, for he trusted Feng Yi."

"He believed Feng Yi could easily defeat his master and was fully capable of handling anything."

"But now he felt some worry, because that person inside let out a long laugh, extraordinarily forceful, with inner strength surpassing his master's, and Feng Yi even ordered the preparation of the fishing net formation, showing how formidable the visitor was."

"Feng Yi then said: 'These people are not Han Chinese and have a deathless feud with me. Bring more fishing nets, covering every gap with four or five layers; if today I let one escape, I wouldn't mind, but for Jueqing Gu, lightly it would mean no peace, heavily it would mean the valley's destruction.'"

"Fan Yiweng thought: 'My master was just careless; if he had set up four or five layers of fishing nets, how could you split them with one sword?' Before the thought finished, he saw Feng Yi already fluttering into the stone house."

"Fan Yiweng glanced at his junior fellow disciple and said: 'Do as he said.'"

"In Jueqing Gu there are not only Gongsun Zhi's green-clad disciples but also ordinary residents; Feng Yi's words are certainly not baseless."

……

"As Feng Yi entered the hall, he heard howling winds, saw wheel shadows flying everywhere, the hall filled with pearl light and treasure glare, golden brilliance dazzling, with many people fighting."

"Li Mochou sat upright with her jacket open, four green-clad maidens stood behind her, a black sword lay on the table—exactly Gongsun Zhi's treasure blade. Feng Yi thought: 'She always goes it alone, yet she's getting into role quite quickly!'"

"Seeing him arrive, Li Mochou also breathed a sigh of relief; Feng Yi gave her a slight nod. Then he examined the fighters: on a beam over three zhang high sat an old man—none other than Zhou Botong."

"Four or five people were attacking him in succession."

"They were not strangers, but Feng Yi's old acquaintances."

"Upon hearing the laughter outside, Feng Yi knew the Golden Wheel National Master had arrived; indeed present were the Golden Wheel National Master, Xiao Xiangzi, Nimoxing, Yin Kexi, and Ma Guangzuo—five in total."

"Zhou Botong sat on the beam, high and looking down, using two different martial arts with his hands: his left palm was strong and fierce, its exhalation and inhalation stirring fierce gusts; his right fist delivered light and agile strikes, seeming present yet absent, soft as cotton, void as shadow, bringing lightness to the utmost."

"With each hand using a different martial art, he seemed like one person split into two."

"The Golden Wheel National Master stood on the ground, silver and copper wheels spinning like flying, assaulting Zhou Botong; both wheels were of fine steel, very heavy, their surfaces plated silver and copper, differing in color, clanking loudly in the air, their momentum astonishing."

"Zhou Botong dared not clash head-on with those wheels, but as he drifted and turned on the beam, he continually caused the National Master's storm‑like assaults to fall completely short."

"Nimoxing, having lost both legs, held two iron staffs—one planted to leap, the other striking at Zhou Botong."

"The beam was over three zhang high; no one in the hall could leap up in one bound, nor could anyone stay airborne, so only at the instant of a jump could the iron staff strike, smash, sweep, or stab."

"Xiao Xiangzi's whistling never ceased, chill filled the hall, his iron‑like claws lashed out with vicious strikes, swish‑swish fierce attacks, yet after a single move he could only fall back to the ground."

"His whole body was like a stiff piece of timber; his foot pressed the ground and he sprang up again, as if fitted with a spring."

"Yin Kexi's gold‑silk pearl whip, like the Golden Wheel National Master's, could reach far; standing on the ground, his whip alternately extended and contracted, bent and straightened, at times coiled into blossom‑like whip flowers, vibrating in the air with continual strange sounds."

"The tall and stout Ma Guangzuo, with a single leap, used his huge palm‑like hands to seize Zhou Botong's feet hanging in the air."

"The Golden Wheel National Master and Yin Kexi attacked from a distance on the ground, while Xiao Xiangzi, Nimoxing, and Ma Guangzuo leapt up and down repeatedly, continually jumping to strike from above. Zhou Botong thought the opponents were many and he could not cope, and was about to flee."

"Suddenly a voice rang out: 'You came here just to besiege an old man?'"

"Although the voice was faint, the noisy clamor could not drown it out; moreover, the remark was not at all eloquent—lacking dignity, not refined, even somewhat laughable!"

"But to the Golden Wheel National Master and company, it was like having cold water poured over their heads; the five instantly sheathed their weapons and all turned toward the door."

"Surely it was the person they feared most."

"The visitor wore plain farmer's garb, looking rustic, yet among the world there are many refined scholars, many extraordinary scions of noble families, and many handsome young martial heroes—none could compare with him."

"This impression comes from his martial skill."

"Yet anyone who has interacted with him will feel that he is indeed different."

"Feng Yi is now at the height of his power, studied by friends and foes alike; his uniqueness lies in the unfathomable impression he gives."

"You say he's a good person? No!"

"When encountering villains like Ouyang Feng and Li Mochou, he not only refrains from killing them but remains ambiguous with them; at the martial arts assembly of heroes he declares himself a rascal, having nothing to do with goodness."

"You say he's a bad person?"

"Yet he has committed no evil deeds in the jianghu."

"Those who bear him no ill will do not know what he thinks; those who consider him an enemy are even more unsure how to deal with him."

"If an ordinary person managed to be neither good nor bad, that would also be common."

"Yet when this phenomenon appears in Feng Yi, it becomes exceptional."

"For as a martial arts master, whether good or evil, one values one's status and always has some reputation and principles to uphold."

"But what about Feng Yi?"

"Possessing supreme martial skill, yet regarding cherishing reputation and preserving one's feathers—there is not a trace of that!"

"When facing foes, he does the very things top experts scorn—assassination, poisoning, and so on—full of scheming and calculation, and he never tires of it!"

"This makes everyone troubled and fearful."

"The Golden Wheel National Master was frightened by him into canceling his plan to go to the Heroes' Gathering to display martial might and suppress the Central Plains martial artists' enthusiasm for resisting the Mongols."

"Yin Kexi's unique luxurious weapon, the only one of its kind in the martial world, was taken by him to snap the tendons and break the bones of Mongol soldiers in the Mongol army formation—most embarrassing."

"Nimoxing was struck by his ice‑soul silver needle ambush, causing both legs to break."

"Xiao Xiangzi and Ma Guangzuo, meanwhile, were for half a month carried on the shoulders of Mongol soldiers on the march."

"These incidents, while certainly embarrassing them, also aroused fear from within."

"Who wouldn't wish that the Golden Wheel National Master's last wheel strike had killed him!"

"But as his deeds at the Heroes' Gathering spread, they all told them that hope was shattered!"

"Now this person actually stands before them again!"

"Right now, everyone's gaze is gathered on Feng Yi, yet he is raising his head to drink, as if that remark had never come from him."

"What's more, after taking a sip he even dripped from his wine gourd, as if he had poured all his spirit into it, utterly treating those people as nothing."

"The Golden Wheel National Master and the five exchanged glances, all showing anger, vigilance, and shock."

"Even with the Golden Wheel National Master's formidable strength, his expression changed drastically; he thought: 'If he joins forces with Zhou Botong, would this old monk not have to die?' Already inclined to retreat, he laughed: 'Great Hero Feng Yi, you do not know—this Old Master Zhou surely wishes to judge our martial arts; being disrespectful, I have no choice but to obey.'"

Suddenly hearing Zhou Botong give a hehe laugh, he loudly said: "Big monk, I just ate a bit of your meat and drank a little wine? Following me for several dozen li, what are you trying to do?"

As it turned out, Zhou Botong had run out of Jueqing Gu, and in the night he chanced upon Yang Guo and Lu Wushuang, pointed the two inside, then went to look for food.

Coincidentally seeing the firelight, he went closer and saw that it was actually the Mongol army camp invading the south.

Originally, the Mongol troops set out from Huayin, passed through Tongguan and Suixiang, crossed the Yellow River, and marched into Henan. Arriving at Luoyang, the troops regrouped, then turned south and advanced toward Xiangyang.

While resting in the Guanzhong-Luoyang area, Zhou Botong thought that Guo Jing had grown up with the Mongols, so he rushed in to look for him.

His lightness skill was so strong, passing like light smoke, agile as a startled dragon; in the black night he directly slipped into a large Mongol tent, saw a huge lamb leg, and immediately, like a gust of wind, snatched it up, eating while grabbing wine to drink.

The tent he entered was the largest, naturally Kublai Khan's camp, where he was conferring with the Golden Wheel National Teacher, Zicong, and others on important matters, when this uninvited guest disturbed them.

Yin Kexi, being knowledgeable, recognized his identity and knew he was the martial uncle of the Seven Masters of Quanzhen.

Zhou Botong, not finding Guo Jing, caused a disturbance in the camp and then swaggered away.

The National Teacher and Xiao Xiangzi, etc., together apologized to Kublai Khan, feeling ashamed that their guard was lax and had alarmed the prince.

Kublai Khan didn't mind at all; on the contrary, he kept praising Zhou Botong's abilities, hoping to recruit him so he wouldn't help Guo Jing, thereby increasing the enemy's strength.

The National Teacher and the others immediately gave chase; Zhou Botong felt no fondness for Jueqing Gu at all, thinking its people were as dull as wood and very desolate, so he also wanted to lure a few of them over to liven things up.

The Golden Wheel National Teacher, Xiao Xiangzi, and the others were all top-tier masters; when fighting, they would never lower their status and relied on numbers to win, but after Feng Yi appeared, their thinking completely changed.

He himself was no longer an unrivaled grand master, and with five of them coming together, if they couldn't take down a crazy old man, where would their face be?

That is why there came to be a scene of five grand masters besieging a single person.

Feng Yi walked slowly up to Li Mochou, picked up Gongsun Zhi's black sword, lightly flicked it with his finger, and it let out a clear, resonant chime.

The National Teacher nodded and said: "Good sword, good sword!"

Feng Yi glanced at the Golden Wheel National Teacher with a half-smile and said: "National Teacher, your martial arts seem to have improved again; our two meetings have both left us wanting more, today we can finally have a proper bout."

After the National Teacher's first defeat at Feng Yi's hands, he regarded it as a great disgrace; the second time, he and the five grand masters, together with countless troops, suffered countless casualties, yet Feng Yi still swaggered away—how could he not harbor vengeful hatred?

Hearing this, he raised his eyebrows and gave a heh laugh: "Hero Feng, escaping death is also cause for joy! But some things you only know after trying them."

Although his tone was tough, he was actually worried: "Today the Grand Jupiter emerges from the earth, most inauspicious!" His thoughts spun like a windmill as he urgently sought a plan.

Feng Yi nodded, looked at Nimoxing, and said: "You too are a sect master; now both your legs are broken—why not return to India, instead of sacrificing your life in the Central Plains and ending your lineage?"

Nimoxing, by nature bold and brave, after being startled his courage flared, revealing a vengeful look, and said: "Your kung fu is excellent, but you used poison to break my legs—I will find you to take revenge!"

Feng Yi gave a slight smile, shifted his gaze to Xiao Xiangzi and Yin Kexi, shook his head and said: "You two—one has painstakingly trained in the deep mountains for years, the other is merely a merchant; why mix with the Mongols? Leaving now is still timely."

Feng Yi's whole person was like a sword just drawn from its sheath, exuding a sharp, aggressive aura that pressed upon others.

Not to mention the green-clad disciples of Jueqing Gu; even Xiao Xiangzi and Yin Kexi, these martial heroes possessing supreme skills, felt their hearts jump at a glance of his eyes.

Although they were arrogant and domineering in the martial world, unbeatable, Feng Yi's rise in the jianghu, his prestige growing day by day, already gave them a sense of surpassing the Five Absolutes, and they truly felt a bit afraid!

But if they were driven off by a single word from him, they really couldn't bring themselves to lose face.

Yin Kexi sighed: "Don't blame me, Hero Feng, I also know that meeting you this time could mean life or death, but having accepted a commission and being loyal to the task, should I come to any harm, I hope Hero Feng will not let my corpse lie exposed in the wilderness."

Xiao Xiangzi gave him a sideways glance, snorted coldly and said nothing. Feng Yi smiled, then turned to Ma Guangzuo and said: "Old Brother Ma, your mind is slow, you cannot tell right from wrong; I also advise you to leave here and break free from the Mongols—that is the way to preserve your life."

Ma Guangzuo couldn't help but say: "I actually hadn't intended to fight this Old Man Zhou just now, but he…"

He is a simpleton, yet he also knows that in the previous battle Feng Yi didn't kill him—his words trailed off.

Then Zhou Botong's hehe laugh was heard: "Big oaf, here you have the lowest martial skill; when the adults fight, you just stand aside and watch!"

Ma Guangzuo's face flushed red, and he was about to retort.

Li Mochou, however, laughed.

From the moment Feng Yi entered, his imposing presence pressed on everyone, making their hearts tremble; her laugh was like a silver bell, giving a feeling of relief.

Li Mochou's laughter soon faded, and she said softly: "I understand now; it really is true that enemies don't meet unless they are destined."

Just then, Fan Yiweng was seen being carried in by four disciples, who slightly bowed their heads toward Feng Yi.

Feng Yi already had a plan in mind; he surveyed the surroundings, took in everyone, and said in a deep voice: "Since you have all arrived here, it is fate—new grudges and old grudges can be settled together."

As soon as he spoke, Nimoxing and the others certainly readied themselves, while Xiao Xiangzi lifted his robe and took out a mourning staff.

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The National Teacher suddenly burst into a loud laugh and said: "Hero Feng, before we fight, may I say a word?"

This sound was strong and powerful, like a great bell and lute, shaking everyone's ears with a hum.

Feng Yi coldly said: "What other nonsense do you have?"

The National Teacher laughed and said: "Although we have grudges, they stem from national hatred, not personal grievances, is that not so?"

Feng Yi nodded.

The National Teacher said: "You may not know, but the Mongols have undergone a great change!"

"Oh?" Feng Yi smiled: "Could it be that Kublai Khan has died?"

The National Teacher shook his head and said: "After Empress Niemacha assumed regency, she trusted the minister Wodu'erhama'er, and repeatedly belittled the veteran minister Yelu Chucai; a few days ago she had him poisoned to death, then ordered the slaughter of his family. Yelu Zhu was killed by you, but his siblings fled to the Southern Dynasty, prompting the prince to capture and execute them to eliminate future trouble."

Feng Yi rolled his eyes, gave a snort, and said: "What does that have to do with now?"

Yet the National Teacher put on an act, sighed, then laughed: "People act with purpose. To stop the Mongol invasion of the Song, you spared no effort in using poison as a threat, striving to create a plague among the Mongols."

The prince also believed the emperor trusted treacherous villains, that Minister Yelu had served the state with loyalty, integrity, and great merit, deserving protection of his descendants. His family having fled to the Southern Dynasty, he thus temporarily ignored them, and further instructed us to be cautious in everything, lest we be harmed by the empress!

Therefore this southern campaign is the empress's edict, not the prince's intention; if you fight us to the death, it will not benefit the overall situation but will instead play right into the empress's hands!

The four princes also said, "Our Mongol cavalry in field battles is naturally invincible, but our siege techniques are lacking; it would be better to divert the Yellow River for governance. Let Hebei belong to the Mongols and Henan to your Song state, facing each other across north and south—how delightful that would be!"

Feng Yi burst out laughing and said: "National Teacher, you're treating me like a three-year-old!"

Kublai Khan is talented and ambitious, with the aspirations of an emperor—how could he be so short‑sighted?

Since Qin Shi Huang unified the six realms, which founding emperor did not take ruling all under heaven as his life's goal, yet still govern across a river?

You're merely afraid that I will join forces with the Old Mischief, preventing you from escaping, so you deliberately point the spear at your empress; if I were to go kill her, wouldn't that do a favor for Mongke, Kublai Khan and their ilk!

The National Teacher thought: "I know this person appears mild on the outside but is deceitful within; I didn't expect him to have such insight!" He still smiled and said: "Hero Feng, thinking that way is certainly understandable! But Prince Kublai Khan longs for Han culture, craves talent, and is quite different from ordinary Mongols…"

Feng Yi shook his long sword and shouted: "Enough talk, let's fight!"

The National Preceptor, acting on Kublai Khan's orders, sought to win over Zhou Botong, but upon meeting Feng Yi, besides giving it his all, there really was no other recourse. He also said: "Feng Yi, the great hero, you can make Guo the great hero admit defeat; you are already the world's foremost master. If you win this time, all well and good, but if you lose, a lifetime of renown—would it not just go down the drain?"

Feng Yi smiled faintly and said: "The so-called world's foremost is merely Hero Guo's fond praise, just offhand talk."

Besides, I'm not some hero; I've done my share of petty villainy in the jianghu—what fame could I have?

I, Feng Yi, merely do what I should and refrain from what I shouldn't!

I can tolerate your high-handedness in the jianghu, but I will absolutely not tolerate you aiding the Mongols. So whether you flatter me or curse me, it won't change my resolve to kill you!

Xiao Xiang Zi said coldly: "Fine words, but you're merely relying on others' strength; if Zhou Botong weren't here, would you dare be so arrogant?"

The Golden Wheel National Master and Ni Mo Xing had never heard of the Old Urchin's name, but Xiao Xiang Zi and Yin Ke Xi had long known his prowess; his fame may not match the Five Greats, yet his true ability is not inferior to theirs. If he joined forces with Feng Yi, how could a few of us be a match?

Yin Ke Xi heartily agreed, saying: "Hero Feng, this Elder Zhou is the junior brother of the former world's foremost expert, the True Man of Chongyang; if you were to join forces with him..."

Before he finished speaking, Feng Yi waved a hand and said: "No need to use reverse psychology on me here; if you don't flee, others will naturally not intervene."

Zhou Botong chuckled: "Yeah, yeah, no running—I'll stay right here to act as your witness!"

Seeing that several experts were present, he thought a fight would be splendid to watch, his legs kicking with delight.

Feng Yi said: "Are you coming all at once, or one by one?"

The National Master laughed: "Hero Feng, being the world's foremost, it would be remiss to face you alone; we have no choice but to come together."

Having said that, he shook the silver and copper wheels, which smashed toward Feng Yi's ribs; the constant ding-ding-dang sounded like a chorus of silver bells.

Before the wheels could reach, a dark flash pierced the air.

Feng Yi's sword thrust straight and true, its force unmatched; before the blade arrived, its aura enveloped the National Master's entire body.

The National Master seemed somewhat surprised, uttering a soft "yi"; he blocked with the silver wheel—clang, wheel and sword collided, shaking the soul—then swung the copper wheel to sweep his legs.

Feng Yi tapped his toes, his body light as a dragon soaring and a snake dancing, retreating several feet, breaking free of the encirclement, his sword naturally pointing at Xiao Xiang Zi.

Everyone knew Feng Yi's prowess in fists, feet, and saber, but the Golden Wheel National Master and company never imagined his swordsmanship could be this exquisite—truly a heavenly talent!

The Golden Wheel followed like a shadow, both wheels smashing out, and Xiao Xiang Zi also exclaimed: "Excellent swordsmanship!"

He was extremely agile; as his voice rang out, his staff appeared, the white rope flying, the staff tip dragging a hemp rope; amidst the sword light and wheel shadows, he suddenly lunged in, the staff tip striking Feng Yi's "Qi Men" point, the hemp rope coiling around his legs.

Ni Mo Xing moved to Feng Yi's left flank, his staff whistling toward Feng Yi's waist eye—a deadly point on the human body.

Feng Yi pivoted, dodging the Golden Wheel's smash; his sword flowed in a continuous series of deflections, lifting away the mourning staff and then bracing against Ni Mo Xing's steel staff.

Meanwhile Yin Ke Xi raised his wide sleeve, a long golden whip lashing forth like a venomous snake from its den, unfurling in midair, extraordinarily graceful, directly winding toward Feng Yi's sword in hand.

Although each had launched only a single move, they all displayed extraordinary skill, making Zhou Botong beam with delight, sincerely admiring, and he praised: "Splendid kung fu!"

Seeing the others' formidable martial arts, none inferior to her own, Li Mochou was about to lend Feng Yi a hand.

But hearing Feng Yi utter a "hei", he suddenly shifted his stance, his sword askew, and swept it along.

Yin Ke Xi's tiger mouth grew hot, his whip nearly slipping from his grasp, while Feng Yi's sword, like a startling gust, had its tip already aimed at Ni Mo Xing's throat.

Feng Yi's martial arts were sublime, his experience rich, adept at assessing opponents; knowing Ni Mo Xing had lost both legs and was now his weakest, he chose to strike the weak point first.

【150】 These two changes came about abruptly; Ni Mo Xing gave a hey, leaning back to dodge the sword while bracing his crutch, intending to leap rearward—the National Master's visage shifted slightly as he cried, "Don't—!" before he could finish, Feng Yi lowered his body, his right leg sweeping out like autumn wind clearing leaves.

【151】 This move is Huang Yaoshi's secret art; for Ni Mo Xing it is especially crafty and vicious, since his legs are broken off at the knees, unlike others who rely on nimble crutches for mutual support.

【152】 Feng Yi swept out; the Golden Wheel National Master and others leapt aside, yet they landed squarely on the crutch Ni Mo Xing had braced against the ground.

【153】 With Ni Mo Xing's skill, an ordinary kick would be useless, but Feng Yi's inner force was such that this kick was like molten bronze and forged iron—he heard a puff, as if piercing rotten leather, Ni Mo Xing's right-hand tiger mouth burst open, a black shadow flying sideways—it was the iron staff shooting away.

【154】 That iron staff, weighing over ten catties, smashed straight into the stone house's wall, sending sparks flying.

【155】 Ni Mo Xing lost his support, his torso pitching forward; Feng Yi's right leg kicked the staff, circling around, as he turned his body he pressed his palm to the ground and thrust his left leg forward.

【156】 This kick was incomparably swift; Ni Mo Xing's martial arts were superb, his nature bold and brave, though he sensed danger he still reached out to seize Feng Yi's ankle at the "Three Yin Junction".

【157】 The "Three Yin Junction" is where the body's three yin meridians converge; sealing one point damages all three.

【158】 One would think Feng Yi would dodge, yet he still kicked forward.

【159】 Knowing that fighting these allies jointly would be extremely difficult, Feng Yi realized he must seize the moment to fell one or two, otherwise under siege he would fare poorly; now that he had the initiative, he could not let it pass, merely using inner force to seal the point while keeping his technique unchanged.

【160】 Thus this move also surprised Ni Mo Xing; although he managed to seal Feng Yi's point, he still felt a stab of pain in his lower abdomen as Feng Yi's kick landed.

【161】 With a "wu" sound, his body flew backward, slamming straight into the stone house's wall.

【162】 Though Ni Mo Xing's hide was tougher than a pig's and his sinews and bones as strong as an ox's, Feng Yi's kick struck his vital lower abdomen; his blackened face swelled blue‑red, he let out a wah and spat a mouthful of fresh blood.

【163】 He knew deep down that Feng Yi's kick had already ruptured his five viscera.

【164】 He never imagined that, in an instant, life and death would be decided.

【165】 Actually, given Ni Mo Xing's peerless martial arts in Tianzhu, Feng Yi's kick ought not to have killed him; it was only that he had erred in his earlier move.

【166】 Feng Yi's kick arrived, yet he still tried to seal Feng Yi's "Three Yin Junction" point. He also knew that when internal cultivation reaches the highest level, upon an enemy's attack one may temporarily close one's own meridians, but cannot maintain such closure for long.

【167】 Because the opponent's inner force was immeasurably deep, merely sealing his meridians would mostly be ineffective; one needed to be able to seal the point, so he channeled all his inner force into his hands, leaving his chest and abdomen comparatively empty.

【168】 Who would have thought Feng Yi had already anticipated his countermove; with his superior internal energy he could temporarily seal points, and Feng Yi had taken precautions—Ni Mo Xing ultimately failed to seal Feng Yi's point, this kick landed, and though his external skill was strong, it could not match the Divine Illumination Art that specializes in destroying internal organs.

【169】 How could this not send him to the Western Paradise?

【170】 Zhou Botong clapped and shouted: "What a Whirlwind Sweeping Leg!" He had crossed palms with Huang Yao Shi many times, naturally recognizing his martial art.

【171】 Feng Yi, amidst the siege of the four masters, felled Ni Mo Xing with a single move; the disciples of Jueqing Gu were shocked and speechless, while the National Master and company wore grim faces, both worried for Ni Mo Xing and feeling the sorrow of rabbit‑dead‑fox‑sorrow‑type empathy, yet their hands did not slow.

【172】 The Golden Wheel National Master and Xiao Xiang Zi attacked again; to speak at length would be unnecessary, for all this transpired in the blink of an eye.

【173】 Feng Yi tapped his feet alternately on the ground, his body like a wandering dragon; the two weapons brushed past him as he closed on Yin Ke Xi, his right hand yanking hard while his left finger flicked toward Yin Ke Xi's "Chest Center" point. (End of chapter)

These two changes came about abruptly; Ni Mo Xing gave a hey, leaning back to dodge the sword while bracing his crutch, intending to leap rearward—the National Master's visage shifted slightly as he cried, "Don't—!" before he could finish, Feng Yi lowered his body, his right leg sweeping out like autumn wind clearing leaves.

This move is Huang Yaoshi's secret art; for Ni Mo Xing it is especially crafty and vicious, since his legs are broken off at the knees, unlike others who rely on nimble crutches for mutual support.

Feng Yi swept out; the Golden Wheel National Master and others leapt aside, yet they landed squarely on the crutch Ni Mo Xing had braced against the ground.

With Ni Mo Xing's skill, an ordinary kick would be useless, but Feng Yi's inner force was such that this kick was like molten bronze and forged iron—he heard a puff, as if piercing rotten leather, Ni Mo Xing's right-hand tiger mouth burst open, a black shadow flying sideways—it was the iron staff shooting away.

That iron staff, weighing over ten catties, smashed straight into the stone house's wall, sending sparks flying.

Ni Mo Xing lost his support, his torso pitching forward; Feng Yi's right leg kicked the staff, circling around, as he turned his body he pressed his palm to the ground and thrust his left leg forward.

This kick was incomparably swift; Ni Mo Xing's martial arts were superb, his nature bold and brave, though he sensed danger he still reached out to seize Feng Yi's ankle at the "Three Yin Junction".

The "Three Yin Junction" is where the body's three yin meridians converge; sealing one point damages all three.

One would think Feng Yi would dodge, yet he still kicked forward.

Knowing that fighting these allies jointly would be extremely difficult, Feng Yi realized he must seize the moment to fell one or two, otherwise under siege he would fare poorly; now that he had the initiative, he could not let it pass, merely using inner force to seal the point while keeping his technique unchanged.

Thus this move also surprised Ni Mo Xing; although he managed to seal Feng Yi's point, he still felt a stab of pain in his lower abdomen as Feng Yi's kick landed.

With a "wu" sound, his body flew backward, slamming straight into the stone house's wall.

Though Ni Mo Xing's hide was tougher than a pig's and his sinews and bones as strong as an ox's, Feng Yi's kick struck his vital lower abdomen; his blackened face swelled blue‑red, he let out a wah and spat a mouthful of fresh blood.

He knew deep down that Feng Yi's kick had already ruptured his five viscera.

He never imagined that, in an instant, life and death would be decided.

Actually, given Ni Mo Xing's peerless martial arts in Tianzhu, Feng Yi's kick ought not to have killed him; it was only that he had erred in his earlier move.

Feng Yi's kick arrived, yet he still tried to seal Feng Yi's "Three Yin Junction" point. He also knew that when internal cultivation reaches the highest level, upon an enemy's attack one may temporarily close one's own meridians, but cannot maintain such closure for long.

Because the opponent's inner force was immeasurably deep, merely sealing his meridians would mostly be ineffective; one needed to be able to seal the point, so he channeled all his inner force into his hands, leaving his chest and abdomen comparatively empty.

Who would have thought Feng Yi had already anticipated his countermove; with his superior internal energy he could temporarily seal points, and Feng Yi had taken precautions—Ni Mo Xing ultimately failed to seal Feng Yi's point, this kick landed, and though his external skill was strong, it could not match the Divine Illumination Art that specializes in destroying internal organs.

How could this not send him to the Western Paradise?

Zhou Botong clapped and shouted: "What a Whirlwind Sweeping Leg!" He had crossed palms with Huang Yao Shi many times, naturally recognizing his martial art.

Feng Yi, amidst the siege of the four masters, felled Ni Mo Xing with a single move; the disciples of Jueqing Gu were shocked and speechless, while the National Master and company wore grim faces, both worried for Ni Mo Xing and feeling the sorrow of rabbit‑dead‑fox‑sorrow‑type empathy, yet their hands did not slow.

The Golden Wheel National Master and Xiao Xiang Zi attacked again; to speak at length would be unnecessary, for all this transpired in the blink of an eye.

Feng Yi tapped his feet alternately on the ground, his body like a wandering dragon; the two weapons brushed past him as he closed on Yin Ke Xi, his right hand yanking hard while his left finger flicked toward Yin Ke Xi's "Chest Center" point. (End of chapter)

We need to ensure each line is a single output line, with 【N】 prefix.

Let's produce final answer【121】 The National Master, acting on Kublai's command, wanted to win over Zhou Botong, but upon encountering Feng Yi, aside from giving it his all, he really had no other option. He also said: "Hero Feng, you have earned Hero Guo's admission of inferiority, making you the world's foremost expert; if you win this time, all well, but if you lose, your lifelong fame would surely come to naught."

(End of chapter)