Chapter 160

Originally Hong Qigong even thought of ignoring worldly affairs and living a leisurely life of idle clouds and wild cranes, but the Mongol invasion of the Song concerned the fate of all under heaven, Han or Hu, so he could not just stand by idly. Thus, though it seemed he had left the Hero Gathering, he had not actually gone far; instead, he secretly followed Feng Yi to see his next move.

Feng Yi's battle with Guo Jing spread throughout the jianghu, and Huang Yaoshi naturally heard of it; after their previous meeting, he had many reflections on some of Feng Yi's ideas.

Since Huang Rong married Guo Jing, Huang Yaoshi had wandered the jianghu with Sha Gu for many years, growing older, and his stubborn temperament had gradually softened; he now felt his lifelong willfulness had earned him only an empty reputation in the martial world, and though he still revered predecessors like Yue Wumu and Fan Zhongyan, he found worldly affairs utterly useless to him.

Even Feng Yi, a junior, actually held no admiration for him, so when he convened the Hero Gathering, he was also at Dalong Pass, merely not going to Lu Family Manor.

Later, upon meeting Cheng Ying, who was searching for Lu Wushuang, he went to see Guo Jing and Huang Rong, learned that Lu Youjiao intended to meet Feng Yi and also consult with the Quanzhen Sect on strategies to repel the enemy, so he left Sha Gu in Lu Guanying's care, took Cheng Ying, and hurried up, just in time to see Hong Qigong following Feng Yi.

The two old friends reunited, exchanged pleasantries, and then resolved to follow Feng Yi to see what he intended to do.

Lu Wushuang and Yang Guo had passed through Jueqing Gu, seeing others' loving affection, also found it meaningless, and left Jueqing Gu overnight, coincidentally meeting her cousin.

Feng Yi lingered in Jueqing Gu for a month; Hong Qigong and Huang Yaoshi, two old men, had two little maids attending them, which was quite pleasant.

After Feng Yi emerged, several people immediately followed him, so regarding Feng Yi's affairs with Yelu Qi and others, they observed from afar and even inquired of Li Zhichang and other Quanzhen disciples who had gone to Xiangyang to send news.

Later, seeing Wanyan Ping abandon Yelu Yan to assassinate Feng Yi, Cheng Ying, acting on orders from Huang Yaoshi and Hong Qigong, persuaded her not to throw away her life in vain.

Both were seasoned jianghu veterans, their discernment sharp as torches, and they knew Feng Yi spared his opponent because she was a woman, not eradicating the root—this was mere arrogance!

He had no fear of your revenge!

But he would absolutely not spare a woman who would stop at nothing to kill him.

Because Feng Yi seemed to like beauty, but in fact judged things only by their worth, and moreover had no patience.

Huang Yaoshi inferred from Feng Yi's treatment of Cheng Ying, and Hong Qigong from his protection of himself, that although Feng Yi said three days, he had already gone to look for food after two and a half days.

Furthermore, even if Feng Yi had Zhuge Liang's capacity, Wanyan Ping lacked Meng Huo's value; assassinating him, aside from offering herself, had only a slim chance, while other similar means like poisoning were simply suicide.

Because with their internal strength, they could completely contain the poison, preventing immediate onset—how could it succeed?

Yet Wanyan Ping still died.

She died too quickly; Feng Yi didn't even get a word in!

This outcome—whether it was that kind words could not persuade the damned ghost, or that Feng Yi was ruthless—ultimately made Huang Yaoshi and Hong Qigong lose face; feeling ashamed, they avoided Cheng Ying and Lu Wushuang and left on their own.

Anyway, they knew Feng Yi's destination, so they all went up Zhongnan Mountain together.

Huang Yaoshi, long absent from this place, could not help feeling nostalgic; he and Hong Qigong came to the mountain peak, walked to a large stone, and saw the inscribed verses, their traces as clear as if newly written; recalling the past, he felt deep sorrow.

Hong Qigong then saw the poem inscribed: "Zifang's ambition to destroy Qin, once he advanced beneath the bridge to try his shoes. Assisting Han in opening grand undertakings, standing firm as a heavenly pillar, wishing to wander with Chisongzi, after success brushing off his clothes. Strange persons and strange writings, Heaven does not lightly bestow."

"Wang Zhongyang rose to establish Quanzhen, still gazing ahead with broad strides, heroic bearing bold and proud, seizing the moment or carving out a domain. False traces eventually know wrong, returning the heart to the Dead Tomb. When people first enter the Dao, two immortals meet here. Now, descending Zhongnan, palace towers mist and smoke."

Hong Qigong traced the strokes in the stone with his finger, suddenly realizing those strokes matched his finger perfectly, as if he had written them with his finger on the stone.

Hong Qigong's external martial arts had reached the peak of perfection; relying on finger strength, he could pinch steel into a ball, lightly and casually, even pierce gold and penetrate stone—but to write this poem evenly on stone with his finger, as if carving, even if he devoted his whole life, he could never achieve it.

Yet seeing it with his own eyes, that someone actually possessed such finger strength, he could not help but feel dazed.

Huang Yaoshi, seeing Hong Qigong's posture, felt a great sense of satisfaction in his heart, and thus smiled as he recounted what Wang Zhongyang had once said to him.

Lin Chaoying had inscribed the poem up to "Strange persons and strange writings, Heaven does not lightly bestow," meaning she wanted Wang Zhongyang to emulate Zhang Liang, retreat from the world, and become a monk.

Wang Zhongyang lacked the ability to carve characters into stone, so he kept his promise, left home for the Dao, yet could not fully understand it.

When he told the visiting Huang Yaoshi, he said he had used Fossil Pill to soften the stone surface, so that within the time of one incense stick, the surface would not harden again, and then on the stone, from "Wang Zhongyang rose to establish Quanzhen" to "palace towers mist and smoke," he wrote it, praising Wang Zhongyang.

Recalling that day, after inscribing the poem, Wang Zhongyang too was shocked like Hong Qigong; though already aged, indifferent to victory or defeat, he suddenly felt refreshed.

Hong Qigong thought of how time flies like a shuttle; as they aged, their martial arts advanced, ever more refined to Luhuo Chunjing, yet they had also reached old age, making one feel deep sorrow.

The two old men sat down, recalling the tumultuous years of the past, speaking of how, if Wang Zhongyang were alive today, they did not know whose martial arts would be higher.

But after all that talk, there was still no answer.

Because comparing the living is like comparing the dead—how?

They have made progress; if one is alive, how could one merely stand still?

Moreover, thinking of ancient times to now, how many martial arts masters have arisen, only to end up reporting to King Yama, not to mention the tragedy of national ruin and family destruction; these two reclusive martial artists, like idle clouds and wild cranes, though somewhat desolate, had also made a certain resolve.

After all, Feng Yi, a young man in his prime, had given up fame, life, and companion to act—what did they have that they could not bear to lose?

Before even meeting Feng Yi, they heard Xiao Longnv whistle, Ouyang Feng respond, and the two old men, seeing that Quanzhen disciples had not yet arrived, sat in the woods to watch the show.

Seeing Xiao Longnv's swordsmanship exquisite, already at the pinnacle of the martial way, yet her internal strength insufficient to resist Ouyang Feng, she would soon be defeated; unable to bear it, they spoke and stepped forward.

Huang Yaoshi and Hong Qigong also understood Feng Yi's intention in sending Yang Guo to Mongolia: to lure Ouyang Feng into Mongolia.

Feng Yi indeed thought exactly that.

Although Li Mochou had him kill Ouyang Feng, and the Quanzhen Sect also wanted Ouyang Feng dead,

Ouyang Feng's death would benefit anyone. But in his view, even if Ouyang Feng died, he must die with value.

Ouyang Feng's mind was not clear enough, yet he had also made a deep impression on Feng Yi; scratching his head, he said: "Where is Mongolia?"

Feng Yi said: "Where Mongolia is, I cannot say clearly, but if you follow me, not let the Mongols kill you, when we return, I guarantee you will see your son!"

Feng Yi mused about leading him to Mongolia; if obedient, it would be his own aid; if disobedient, he would run off—also fine!

Ask whoever's son is where—any will do!

Better to beat and kill people as he wishes, even if finally surrounded and killed by the Mongol Army, it is absolutely better than dying here!

"Kill me?" Ouyang Feng raised his brows, coldly laughing: "No one capable of killing me has even been born yet!"

"Overbearing!" Feng Yi raised his thumb: "The Mongols dare to lay hands on your son—if you don't raise heaven and earth, where is your prestige?"

Ouyang Feng crossed his arms on his waist, laughing heartily: "Not bad, dare to bully my son, kill him and overturn heaven and earth—let's go!!"

Suddenly, a figure somersaulted through the crowd, landing in the open, laughing: "Feng brother, with such a great reputation, you actually deceive a mad old man—truly not afraid of ridicule?"

The comer was swift and agile, handsome and unrestrained—indeed Yang Guo.

Feng Yi frowned slightly, glanced at Xiao Longnv.

In his view, Xiao Longnv could handle Ouyang Feng, so how could Yang Guo also be settled? How did this brat come charging out mid-way?

Ouyang Feng turned back, suddenly leapt out, embraced Yang Guo, and laughed loudly: "Haha, son, my good son, Dad has searched hard for you!"

Yang Guo also tightly embraced Ouyang Feng, calling: "Dad, Dad!"

Everyone had long been used to this, but here they were, father and son deeply affectionate; the Quanzhen disciples watching felt only anger.

Feng Yi suddenly said: "Yang Guo, since you've come, then bring your father, let's go to Mongolia, how about that?"

Yang Guo was slightly startled, a flash of confusion crossed his eyes, he bitterly smiled and said: "Brother Feng, I, Yang Guo, have been despised and bullied since childhood, who has ever cared for me?

Fortunately, there are still people in this world who treat me sincerely, like my aunt, foster father, and Sun Popo.

But they are either depressed or have died gone mad!

Haha, as for others, to me they are merely passing clouds; whether this land belongs to the Mongols or the Han, it makes no difference to me. Please excuse me for not obeying your command!"

Yang Guo's encounters have been extraordinary; the people he has met include Guo Jing, Huang Rong, Da Xiaowu, Xiao Wu, Guo Fu, Ouyang Feng, Sun Popo, Zhao Zhijing, Lu Qingdu, and so on.

Either they treated him extremely well or extremely badly, he began to wonder if it was due to his extremely peculiar birth time and eight characters.

But he never expected it was his own extreme nature that caused it; those whose dispositions matched his he treated with sincerity, but if words did not agree, he regarded them as enemies; he treated others thus, and others naturally repaid him in kind.

And Yang Guo and Xiao Longnv grew up in the Ancient Tomb; Xiao Longnv never left the Ancient Tomb, so in her heart she had no likes or dislikes toward the Mongols; Yang Guo, influenced by her, also fundamentally had no notion of patriotism or national righteousness in his heart.

In the original plot, when he saw the Mongols attacking Xiangyang, Guo Jing told him about Zhuge Liang's deeds and the true meaning of a great hero—serving the country and the people—he gave verbal assent quite well.

But in his heart he was thinking how to kill Guo Jing and Huang Rong; as for Guo Jing's death, the fall of Xiangyang, and how many commoners would die, he cared not at all!

Because when he was bullied, no one loved him, so why should he love others?

As long as I go with my aunt to Jueqing Gu to take half a pill of elixir, and live in seclusion in the Ancient Tomb with her, enjoying all the pure blessings of the human world, I care not whether this world belongs to the Song or to Mongolia!

Later, the reason he developed a sense of patriotism was because Guo Jing was seriously wounded in the Mongolian Military Camp, and Jinlun Guoshi and others took advantage to attack.

Guo Jing wanted to shield Huang Rong behind him, but Huang Rong softly said: "Brother Jing, is Xiangyang more important, or is our love? Is your body more important, or is mine?"

Guo Jing let go of Huang Rong's hand and said: "Yes, state affairs come first!" Huang Rong took out a bamboo staff and blocked the doorway.

It was this very scene, this brief exchange of two sentences, that made Yang Guo realize how deeply the couple loved each other, yet when danger struck, they put the state first everywhere, while he himself constantly dwelled on his father's enmity and private grudges, and constantly dwelled on his love for Xiao Longnv; when did he ever spare a thought for national affairs? When did he ever spare a thought for the suffering of the common people? Compared to them, he was truly base to the extreme.

It was precisely through Guo Jing and Huang Rong's personal example that Yang Guo underwent a complete transformation, laying the foundation for him to later become the Great Hero Condor, praised by all the people.

However, as Feng Yi barged in, he unconsciously dispelled the external obstacles and hardships that Guo Jing, Yang Guo, and these others were supposed to face; certainly it spared them tribulations, but it also deprived Yang Guo of growth.

Although at this time Hong Qigong and Feng Yi had mentioned it to him, and Guo Jing had also told him at Dalong Pass that a real man should serve the country and the people, mere verbal instruction—how could it compare to personal example?

Therefore, when Yang Guo saw Feng Yi propose that he bring Ouyang Feng to Mongolia, he felt it was purely an act of exploitation, and moreover would require separation from Xiao Longnv, so he naturally refused outright.

Feng Yi fixed his gaze on Yang Guo, then suddenly shook his head and said: "Yang brother, I know that in your heart, love is most important.

But spilled water cannot be gathered back; you say this, but don't regret it later."

"Regret what?" Yang Guo gave a slight smile, spoke loudly: "I, Yang Guo, am merely a lowly wretch, not a loyal minister or filial son! Father, let's go!" He grabbed Ouyang Feng and walked away.

Everyone present changed color; the Quanzhen Taoist drew his sword, made a move to advance, today he would absolutely not allow Ouyang Feng to escape.

But then they heard an extremely cold voice say: "Guo'er, where are you taking him?"

In an instant, Xiao Longnv stood before Yang Guo.

Everyone also froze in place; Yang Guo was even more stunned, his lips trembling, unable to speak for a moment; Ouyang Feng raised his eyebrows and shouted: "Get out of the way!" He was about to strike.

Yang Guo hastily embraced Ouyang Feng and said: "Father, she is my wife, you cannot hit her."

Ouyang Feng, upon hearing this, his expression softened, he laughed: "Good, good, this wife's cultivation is quite good!"

Xiao Longnv's face was full of bewilderment; she softly said: "Guo'er, you should not have come."

Yang Guo felt a sudden pain in his chest, then in the blink of an eye he saw that everyone around was arranged in groups of seven forming a sword array; in that instant he rather dejectedly said: "Aunt, you know how to seal acupoints but you bear not to strike me hard, yet how could I not know? Knowing why you have come, how could I not come?"

Seeing his strange demeanor, everyone present harbored doubts.

What does this mean?

Originally, Xiao Longnv and Yang Guo had returned to the Ancient Tomb, intending to forget everything, but they could not bear Ouyang Feng's coming to disturb them.

Ouyang Feng had come many times to Zhongnan Mountain; the Ancient Tomb was no exception; he first sneaked about searching, several times injured people, all because he had found the Ancient Tomb, yet there was no response, and he could not enter.

Thus he went to ask the Quanzhen Taoists; unable to explain clearly, if there was resistance, he would strike out.

He shouted loudly around the Ancient Tomb; the Dragon-Breaking Stone could seal the tomb gate, but it could not block the shouts containing Ouyang Feng's profound internal energy; this certainly made Xiao Longnv, inside the tomb, anxious and distracted, not knowing how to deal with it properly.

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Moreover, it made Yang Guo unable to resist wanting to go find his foster father, yet he also had to consider Xiao Longnv's feelings; thus both of them felt somewhat stifled and unhappy.

When Xiao Longnv encounters major events, she fundamentally has no opinion; she needs something to happen to trigger her into action.

In the original plot, when she encountered Zhen Zhibing, who violated her, she followed him from Xiangyang all the way to Zhongnan Mountain over a thousand li, yet did not lift a hand!

Those who did not know thought she had a special fetish, deeply loving Zhen Zhibing!

But as the Quanzhen disciples made a move, she then began to act.

Likewise, if Ouyang Feng had not come to Zhongnan Mountain, she would not have gone to seek him out; but since he came, she then aroused killing intent.

That night, Xiao Longnv took advantage of Yang Guo's sleep, sealed his acupoints, dove out from the water pool, and whistled to go find Ouyang Feng.

In her view, as long as she killed Ouyang Feng, her master's grudge would be avenged, and no one could disturb her and Yang Guo's world of two.

As for whether she could actually kill him, or what Yang Guo would think after she killed him, she had not yet considered it clearly.

Just as she pondered whether her master's grudge was more important, or her love for Yang Guo more important—such a troublesome matter, why bother thinking about it!

But Yang Guo had been dodged by Xiao Longnv several times already; he had long sensed something amiss; although he pretended to be sealed by acupoints, since Xiao Longnv did not dare to use force, he quickly unsealed his acupoints using the method from the Nine Yin Manual, and also escaped.

Seeing Feng Yi use himself to deceive his foster father, he could not help but feel indignant, and stepped forward.

In front of Ouyang Feng and others, Yang Guo would naturally choose Ouyang Feng; but in front of Xiao Longnv and Ouyang Feng, he was instead torn.

His love for Xiao Longnv is beyond doubt, yet his foster father's mind is disordered, yet he uniquely remembers himself.

Now, because of himself, his foster father has fallen into difficulty; he therefore feels wholly responsible for him, and must get him out of trouble.

But seeing Xiao Longnv's beautiful eyes glistening with tears, his heart again felt a pang; he immediately extended his other hand to stroke her hair, comforting: "Aunt, I know you lost both parents in childhood, raised by your grandmaster; I am the same. I understand your feelings, but we are jianghu youths, righteousness comes first. I have called him foster father, so I must look after him. At worst, I will use my own life to compensate the grandmaster!"

Saying this, he lunged forward, fell before Xiao Longnv, lay motionless on the ground, and began to weep.

Xiao Longnv was forced to seek out Ouyang Feng; her heart was originally helpless, but upon suddenly seeing this scene, and recalling her feelings when they lived together in the Ancient Tomb and he taught her skills, her emotions surged to her heart; she extended her palm and struck his buttocks once, unable to help but laugh and scold: "Do you think I dare not kill you?"

Yang Guo's sole aim was to make Xiao Longnv recall the warmth of the Ancient Tomb, to let her feelings for him outweigh her grudge against her foster father; seeing Xiao Longnv break into laughter, he immediately leapt up, his eyes actually holding not a single tear, and made a funny face at Xiao Longnv.

Xiao Longnv originally rarely showed joy or anger; then she could not help but break into laughter, saying: "Shame, shame, shame! Both crying and laughing!"

Yang Guo laughed and said: "Aunt, I don't cry, can you laugh? Aunt, let's go first!" He has always been broad-minded; at this moment he suddenly became playful again, took Ouyang Feng's hand and walked away.

"Just left like that?" Feng Yi's voice was clear and cold like moonlight.

"You want to treat me to a meal?" Yang Guo said with a harsh tone.

He grinned at Xiao Longnv, but to others he was haughty and tense.

"Do as you please!" Feng Yi chuckled, then paused: "But your foster father must stay!"

Ouyang Feng trembled at the sound, his eyebrows slightly raised.

Yang Guo said: "Feng Yi, what right do you have to keep my foster father?"

Feng Yi sneered: "Just because I want to keep him—is that enough?"

Yang Guo let out a cold snort.

Sun Bu'er shouted: "Yang Guo, Ouyang Feng killed my martial brother Tan; last time you pleaded for him, saying you would care for him well and not let him harm the innocent, so we withdrew the Beidou Array. Now Ouyang Feng has come again to Zhongnan Mountain seeking you, yet he has beaten and wounded many disciples of our sect—should this debt not be settled?"

"Today we absolutely cannot let this thief escape!" the Quanzhen disciples shouted in agreement.

Liu Chuxuan, Qiu Chuji, Wang Chuyi, Hao Datong, Zhen Zhibing, Yin Zhiping, Zhao Zhijing and other Quanzhen experts drew their swords and stood in a line.

They deeply hated Western Venom, their desire for revenge never forgotten; these past few days they had been made to look miserable, but now with Hong Qigong, Feng Yi, Huang Yaoshi and other experts present, they naturally waited for a chance to take revenge.

Yang Guo looked around and saw sword light flashing everywhere; every seven Daoists formed a team, layer upon layer surrounding himself, Ouyang Feng, and Xiao Longnv at the center.

Seven Daoists of upper-middle cultivation joining swords could match a first-rate expert; from front, back, left, and right, it was as if dozens of experts stood with swords encircling them, and with Feng Yi and others added, the three of them trying to leave would find it absolutely impossible!

Qiu Chuji said loudly: "Yang Guo, Ouyang Feng's cultivation and your master's cultivation—we are far inferior.

But the Beggar Clan Chief, the Island Master, Feng Xia, and our sect's hundreds here—do you think you can break through this encirclement?"

Yang Guo hesitated, then said: "You say this, so it is my foster father's fault—I should give you an explanation.

Then we shall only follow the rules of the jianghu—I overestimate myself, but I have long heard that Quanzhen Sect is the orthodox of martial arts under heaven; whoever wishes to instruct me, please make a move—if I lose, I will submit to your judgment!

After a brief pause, he wore a mocking expression: "But if you must rely on outsiders to seek justice, that is also the style of your Quanzhen Sect—then let outsiders step forward!

If bullying a madman is what even a peerless senior can do, and even willing to serve as Quanzhen Sect's enforcers, then I and my father will stretch our necks to the blade—there is nothing unacceptable about that!"

Hong Qigong and Huang Yaoshi exchanged a glance, their faces showing bitter smiles—given their reputation and status, how could they possibly join others in bullying a junior of the martial world?

Though Western Venom is their equal in fame, he has already gone mad; at the Second Mount Hua Sword Debate, one fought with hands, the other with words—both felt it was two against one, regardless of win or loss, already the Eastern Heretic and Northern Beggar are inferior to Western Venom—how then could they, under everyone's eyes, besiege Western Venom? Would they not truly become Quanzhen Sect's enforcers? And yet, does this all need Yang Guo to point out? It shows how deeply this young man cares for his foster father Ouyang Feng!

And the Quanzhen Sect's third-generation disciples are no match for Yang Guo; seeing Xiao Longnv's swordsmanship, they only sigh in inadequacy. Though it would be beneath their status for them to act against Yang Guo, they likely could not win either. Thus, pressed by Yang Guo's words, they actually did not know what to say.

Suddenly Feng Yi let out a long sigh and said slowly: "Gentlemen, whether in the jianghu or on the battlefield, when a gentleman contends with a petty man, the gentleman loses his whole life.

When a benevolent person contends with a violent person, it is the same principle!

Only pitiful—Western Venom Ouyang Feng roamed the world his whole life, yet in the end he depends entirely on a young guardian, and it would be better if he were dead!"

Yang Guo sneered: "Feng Yi, what right do you have to say this?

I speak up for my foster father because I am his son—what about you, is Quanzhen Sect also your father? Hah, despite your peerless cultivation, you truly shame people!"

Feng Yi's eyes began to show expression—a hint of suppressed anger mixed with some dislike; he flicked his wide sleeve, his two eyes gazing: "Feng Yi's humble skill—how dare I bear the title of peerless cultivation?

Moreover, I have long heard that the Toad Technique is the supreme marvel under heaven; I wish to ask Mr. Ouyang for advice, to test our inner strength.

The victor departs, the vanquished also departs!

Nothing could be more wonderful—how is this for Quanzhen Sect's sake?"

Everyone was startled; they understood: the victor leaves the field, the vanquished loses his life.

For comparing inner strength inevitably means the stronger wins, the weaker loses. The victor may certainly be injured, but the vanquished will even more likely lose his life! Or both could perish together—also possible!

Hong Qigong said: "Feng Xiazi, you..."

Feng Yi flicked his sleeve, stopping Hong Qigong from speaking, and said coldly: "Ouyang Feng, Xiao Longnv—if your minds are still unclear, you should understand my meaning—do you dare accept my request?!"

"What a noble-sounding excuse!" Yang Guo said with a grin: "Too bad your fame is too great, and Quanzhen Sect only bullies the lonely, widowed, old, and young, preys on the weak and fears the strong—no matter what you say, later people will still say Quanzhen Sect relies on Feng Yi..."

Before he finished speaking, suddenly a figure flashed before his eyes—Xiao Longnv stepped in front of him, gazing at him with tears in her eyes.

"Guo'er..." Xiao Longnv had just uttered a word when Feng Yi, like the wind, brushed past her.

As Ouyang Feng saw Feng Yi lunging, killing intent flashed on his face, and he let out a fierce laugh: "Good that you've come!"

Already crouched, his hands bent level with his shoulders, he made a gek-gek sound in his throat, his true qi circulating, storing energy, ready to unleash—this was his lifelong supreme art, the "Toad Technique."

Feng Yi protected his chest with his left fist, his right fist lashed out like lightning; Ouyang Feng's palm force also met it head-on, momentum like a rushing thunder.

With a soft "pū" sound, their fists and palms met—without the earlier heavenly force of Ouyang and Long contending,

yet both bodies actually made a "pī-pā" sound, then suddenly separated—Feng Yi retreated three steps, while Ouyang Feng only swayed slightly.

Everyone exclaimed in surprise.

It turned out Ouyang Feng's Toad Technique is a stored-power skill; inner strength surpassing his, cultivation higher than his, still cannot hard-block it. Feng Yi used the Shadowless Divine Fist to match strength, but could not equal Ouyang Feng, so he retreated several more steps.

Moreover, Huang Yaoshi and Hong Qigong both understood that just now, both men's strength had condensed in their fists and palms; the great force caused tendons and bones to shift—if one were to hard-block Ouyang Feng's palm as oneself, the result would be the same.

Feng Yi laughed openly: "Please, everyone, watch well—be sure to have someone observe the jianghu rules!"

Ouyang Feng laughed loudly: "Son, Huang Laoxie, Old Beggar, you also watch well—watch me send this brat to the Western Heaven!" He thrust both palms forward, wind rose and dust flew, the momentum terrifying.

Feng Yi saw this palm coming with ferocious force, like a raging tide surging, like an invisible wall pressing hard upon him—he also thrust out both palms.

"Bo," the four palms met!

Feng Yi planted his feet firmly on the ground, gathered the Divine Illumination Art, and countered with a force like waves—against the Toad Technique.

Ouyang Feng seemed to struggle in wind and waves, his upper body swaying unstably, his robe corners also fluttering up.

(End of Chapter)