Chapter 166

When speaking of today's martial arts masters, the jianghu says, "Southern Murong, Northern Qiao Feng," and they are renowned as the Twin Peaks of the martial world.

We translate: "Speaking of today's martial arts masters, the jianghu rumors speak of 'Southern Murong, Northern Qiao Feng,' earning them the title of the Twin Peaks of the martial world."

Chinese: same as 【2】 (since commentary refers to source). So translation same.

We need to keep the quotes around the names? The source has Chinese quotes 「」. We can replace with English quotes. We'll keep double quotes.

Thus: 【1】 Speaking of today's martial arts masters, the jianghu rumors speak of "Southern Murong, Northern Qiao Feng," and they are renowned as the Twin Peaks of the martial world.

and they are renowned as the Twin Peaks of the martial world.

What is a peak?

Translation: "What is a peak?" (or "What does 'peak' mean?") We'll keep simple: "What is a peak?"

This is the pinnacle of achievement; nothing can surpass it.

Chinese: same as 【16】 (since commentary refers to same). Translation same.

The Murong family's martial arts are deeply mysterious, summed up by the saying "to use the opponent's own methods against them." Lately, the martial world has been plagued by frequent murders, and every victim is a celebrated fighter—each slain by their own signature move—spreading terror across the jianghu.

Translation: "The Murong family's martial arts are most mysterious, with the saying 'to repay someone with their own method.' Recently, frequent bloodshed in the martial world has seen famous figures die by their own signature techniques, striking fear across the jianghu."

moreover, they strike terror across the jianghu.

Thus: 【4】 The Murong family's martial arts are most mysterious, with the saying "to repay someone with their own method." Recently, frequent bloodshed in the martial world has seen famous figures die by their own signature techniques, striking fear across the jianghu.

The most severe case was the Shaolin Grand Master Xuánbēi dying at the hands of his own mastered Shaolin secret technique, the Weituo Pestle, in the Dali Shenjie Temple.

Translation: "The worst of these was the Shaolin Grand Master Xuánbēi dying at the hands of his own mastered Shaolin secret technique, the Weituo Pestle, in the Shenjie Temple of Dali."

The worst of these was the Shaolin Grand Master Xuánbēi dying at the hands of his own mastered Shaolin secret technique, the Weituo Pestle, in the Dali Shenjie Temple.

The Beggars' Sect deputy chief, Ma Dayuan, also fell to his own signature move, the Locking Throat Seizing Hand; rumors claimed he was slain by Murong Fu, prompting the sect's heroes to rush to the South of the River in search of Murong Fu, but they came up empty, only to learn that the sect's leader, Qiao Feng, is actually a Khitan—a great thunder.

Translation: "The Beggars' Gang Deputy Chief Ma Dayuan also fell to his own signature move, the Lock-Throat Seizing Hand; rumors said he was killed by Murong Fu, prompting the Beggars' Gang heroes to rush to Jiangnan to seek Murong Fu, only to find that Murong Fu was nowhere to be seen, and instead it was revealed that the gang chief Qiao Feng was a Khitan—a great thunder."

rush to the South of the River.

Thus: 【6】 The Beggars' Gang Deputy Chief Ma Dayuan also fell to his own signature move, the Lock-Throat Seizing Hand; rumors said he was killed by Murong Fu, prompting the Beggars' Gang heroes to rush to the South of the River to seek Murong Fu, only to find that Murong Fu was nowhere to be seen, and instead it was revealed that the gang chief Qiao Feng was a Khitan—a great thunder.

Qiao Feng's rise to fame was fraught with hardship; before he could take over as chief of the Beggars' Sect, the former chief, Wang Jian Tong, instituted the "Three Great Difficulties" and "Seven Great Merits" trials in his name to test him.

Translation: "As for Qiao Feng, his path to fame was extremely arduous; before taking over as Beggars' Gang chief, the former chief Wang Jiantong, in the name of 'Ten Perfections,' set up the 'Three Great Difficulties' and 'Seven Great Merits' as trials for him."

in the name of Ten Perfections.

Thus: 【7】 As for Qiao Feng, his path to fame was extremely arduous; before taking over as Beggars' Gang chief, the former chief Wang Jiantong, in the name of Ten Perfections, set up the Three Great Difficulties and Seven Great Merits as trials for him.

Later, at the Mount Tai Grand Assembly, he defeated nine powerful opponents in a single battle, establishing his might across the land; his fame spread far and wide, and the jianghu began to call him "Northern Qiao Feng".

Translation: "Later, at the Mount Tai Grand Assembly, he defeated nine formidable foes in a single battle, spreading his fame under heaven, and the jianghu came to call him 'Northern Qiao Feng'."

Mount Tai Grand Assembly.

Thus: 【8】 Later, at the Mount Tai Grand Assembly, he defeated nine formidable foes in a single battle, spreading his fame under heaven, and the jianghu came to call him "Northern Qiao Feng".

But once Qiao Feng's Khitan identity was exposed at Wuxi's Apricot Grove, and after the deaths of Qiao Sanhuai and his wife, along with the Shaolin Grand Master Xuánkǔ, everyone came to see him as a ruthless killer, a cruel and vicious beast.

Translation: "But with Qiao Feng's Khitan identity exposed in the Wuxi Apricot Grove, and the deaths of Qiao Sanhuai and his wife and the Shaolin Grand Master Xuánkǔ, everyone came to see Qiao Feng as a heartless killer, a cruel and vicious beast."

Wuxi Apricot Grove, Shaolin Grand Master Xuánkǔ.

Thus: 【9】 But with Qiao Feng's Khitan identity exposed in the Wuxi Apricot Grove, and the deaths of Qiao Sanhuai and his wife and the Shaolin Grand Master Xuánkǔ, everyone came to see Qiao Feng as a heartless killer, a cruel and vicious beast.

Just recalling his former prestige, the fact that merely hearing his name could strike fear and cause immediate flight is already remarkable.

Translation: "Just thinking of his past prestige, the fact that one could not hear his name without fear and flee without delay is already remarkable."

Just thinking of his past prestige, the fact that one could not hear his name without fear and flee without delay is already remarkable.

Thus: 【10】 Just thinking of his past prestige, the fact that one could not hear his name without fear and flee without delay is already remarkable.

Suddenly a vigorous voice called out, "Brother Bao, how did you know Qiao Feng was coming?"

Translation: "Suddenly, a vigorous voice asked, 'Brother Bao, how did you learn that Qiao Feng is coming?'"

vigorous Brother Bao Qiao Feng.

Thus: 【11】 Suddenly, a vigorous voice asked, "Brother Bao, how did you learn that Qiao Feng is coming?"

The speaker was none other than the Enemy of the King of Hell, the Divine Physician Xue—gaunt and tall, with a beard half black and half white, quite striking.

Translation: "The speaker was none other than Yan Wangdi Xue Shenyi, gaunt and tall, with a beard half black and half white, quite striking."

Yan Wangdi Xue Shenyi gaunt and tall a beard half black and half white quite striking.

Thus: 【12】 The speaker was none other than Yan Wangdi Xue Shenyi, gaunt and tall, with a beard half black and half white, quite striking.

He was also the true initiator of this Heroes' Assembly.

Translation: "He was also the actual initiator of this Heroes' Assembly."

Heroes' Assembly.

Thus: 【13】 He was also the actual initiator of this Heroes' Assembly.

Although he and the Yu clan's twin heroes, owners of the Manor of Gathered Virtue, jointly sent out invitations, the brothers Yu Ji and Yu Ju were wealthy, well-connected, highly skilled, and renowned, yet they commanded no notable force in the martial world and lacked great moral standing; they knew that relying on their own prestige to invite all heroes to their manor was as hard as climbing to heaven.

Translation: "Although he sent the invitation jointly with the lord of the Manor of Gathered Virtue and the Yu clan's twin heroes, the Yu brothers Ji and Ju were rich and well-connected, their martial prowess superb and their reputation great, yet in the martial world they commanded no notable force nor great moral standing; they knew that relying on their own prestige to invite all heroes to the manor was as hard as climbing to heaven."

Manor of Gathered Virtue Yu clan's twin heroes Yu Ji and Yu Ju rich well-connected martial prowess superb reputation great commanded no notable force nor great moral standing they knew that relying on their own prestige to invite all heroes to the manor was as hard as climbing to heaven.

Thus: 【14】 Although he sent the invitation jointly with the lord of the Manor of Gathered Virtue and the Yu clan's twin heroes, the Yu brothers Ji and Ju were rich and well-connected, their martial prowess superb and their reputation great, yet in the martial world they commanded no notable force nor great moral standing; they knew that relying on their own prestige to invite all heroes to the manor was as hard as climbing to heaven.

The Divine Physician Xue is the foremost healer of the age, vengeful toward evil, with a reputation that truly reaches far; even those who have never met him hear of him and admire him from afar, and countless people wish to curry favor with him but cannot.

Translation: "Xue Shenyi was the foremost healer of the age, vengeful toward evil, his reputation truly far-reaching; even strangers who had never met him admired him from afar, and countless people wished to curry favor with him but could not."

foremost healer vengeful toward evil his reputation truly far-reaching admired him from afar wished to curry favor with him but could not.

Thus: 【15】 Xue Shenyi was the foremost healer of the age, vengeful toward evil, his reputation truly far-reaching; even strangers who had never met him admired him from afar, and countless people wished to curry favor with him but could not.

Martial artists may all be confident in their abilities, yet few truly believe they could defeat every opponent under heaven; even if one truly considered himself the greatest martial artist of the age, he could not guarantee he would avoid illness or injury.

Translation: "Martial artists may all be confident in their abilities, yet few truly believe they could defeat every opponent under heaven; even if one truly considered himself the greatest martial artist of the age, he could not guarantee he would avoid illness or injury."

Martial artists may all be confident in their abilities yet few truly believe they could defeat every opponent under heaven even if one truly considered himself the greatest martial artist of the age, he could not guarantee he would avoid illness or injury.

Thus: 【16】 Martial artists may all be confident in their abilities, yet few truly believe they could defeat every opponent under heaven; even if one truly considered himself the greatest martial artist of the age, he could not guarantee he would avoid illness or injury.

If one could befriend the Divine Physician Xue, it would be like gaining an extra life; as long as one did not die on the spot, Xue would extend his hand to heal, and one would escape death.

Translation: "If one could befriend Xue Shenyi, it would be like gaining an extra life; as long as one did not die on the spot, Xue Shenyi would extend his hand to heal, and one would escape death."

If one could befriend Xue Shenyi, it would be like gaining an extra life as long as one did not die on the spot, Xue Shenyi would extend his hand to heal, and one would escape death.

Thus: 【17】 If one could befriend Xue Shenyi, it would be like gaining an extra life; as long as one did not die on the spot, Xue Shenyi would extend his hand to heal, and one would escape death.

Thus the Yu clan's twin heroes issued the invitation, listing the names "Xue Muhua, Yu Ji, and Yu Ju"; most recipients merely smiled and dismissed it, but upon seeing the attached note—"Yu Ji and Yu Ju add: Mr. Xue Muhua is known as the Divine Physician"—they realized the truth.

Translation: "Thus the Yu clan's twin heroes issued the invitation, with the names 'Xue Muhua, Yu Ji, Yu Ju' on the post. Those who received it would usually smile at the name and dismiss it, but upon seeing the added line—'Yu Ji and Yu Ju note: Mr. Xue Muhua is known as Xue Shenyi'—they would take notice."

issued the invitation with the names... on the post smile at dismiss it note.

Thus: 【18】 Thus the Yu clan's twin heroes issued the invitation, with the names "Xue Muhua, Yu Ji, Yu Ju" on the post. Those who received it would usually smile at the name and dismiss it, but upon seeing the added line—"Yu Ji and Yu Ju note: Mr. Xue Muhua is known as Xue Shenyi"—they would take notice.

Everyone hurriedly packed and set out for the Manor of Gathered Virtue, some even entrusting their final affairs before departure, as if they were entering the formidable Qin kingdom never to return.

Translation: "Everyone hurriedly prepared and set off for the Manor of Gathered Virtue, some even entrusting their affairs before departure, as if they were entering the formidable Qin kingdom never to return."

Manor of Gathered Virtue as if they were entering the formidable Qin kingdom never to return.

Thus: 【19】 Everyone hurriedly prepared and set off for the Manor of Gathered Virtue, some even entrusting their affairs before departure, as if they were entering the formidable Qin kingdom never to return.

Because of this invitation from the Divine Physician Xue, it is nothing less than a life-saving talisman.

Translation: "Because of Xue Shenyi's invitation, it was nothing less than a lifesaving talisman."

talisman.

Thus: 【20】 Because of Xue Shenyi's invitation, it was nothing less than a lifesaving talisman.

The title "Divine Physician" is so renowned that even his real name is unknown; legends have grown even more exaggerated, claiming he can revive the dead, and that for the living, no matter how severe the injury or illness, he always has a cure—so much so that the King of Hell himself is troubled, sending minor ghosts of impermanence to seize people, only for the Divine Physician to often thwart them, snatching victims away; hence he earned the title "Enemy of the King of Hell".

Translation: "The title 'Divine Doctor' was so famous that few knew his real name; jianghu legends grew even more extravagant, claiming he could revive the dead, and that for the living, no matter how grave the injury or illness, he always had a cure—so much so that the King of Hell himself was vexed, sending his minor ghosts of impermanence to seize people, only for Xue Shenyi to often thwart them and snatch the victims away, earning him the epithet 'Enemy of the King of Hell'."

King of Hell minor ghosts of impermanence Enemy of the King of Hell.

Thus: 【21】 The title "Divine Doctor" was so famous that few knew his real name; jianghu legends grew even more extravagant, claiming he could revive the dead, and that for the living, no matter how grave the injury or illness, he always had a cure—so much so that the King of Hell himself was vexed, sending his minor ghosts of impermanence to seize people, only for Xue Shenyi to often thwart them and snatch the victims away, earning him the epithet "Enemy of the King of Hell".

Everyone thinks that if they today gain the friendship of the Divine Physician, then should any misfortune befall them in the future, he would not stand idly by; and for those who make a living by the blade, who can guarantee they will avoid sudden disaster?

Translation: "Everyone thought that if they could befriend Xue Shenyi today, then should any misfortune befall them tomorrow, he would not stand idly by; and for those who make a living on the blade, who could guarantee they would avoid sudden disaster?"

misfortune those who make a living on the blade sudden disaster.

Thus: 【22】 Everyone thought that if they could befriend Xue Shenyi today, then should any misfortune befall them tomorrow, he would not stand idly by; and for those who make a living on the blade, who could guarantee they would avoid sudden disaster?

If it were not made clear that Xue Muhua is the Divine Physician, more than half of those who received the invitation would not know he is a master of note, and likely fewer than three in ten would come to the Manor of Gathered Virtue.

Translation: "If it were not noted that Xue Muhua was Xue Shenyi, most who received the invitation would not know he was a master of note, and likely fewer than three in ten would have come to the Manor of Gathered Virtue."

a master of note fewer than three in ten.

Thus: 【23】 If it were not noted that Xue Muhua was Xue Shenyi, most who received the invitation would not know he was a master of note, and likely fewer than three in ten would have come to the Manor of Gathered Virtue.

Only heard the man surnamed Bao say: "It was I who personally heard it together with Brother Qi and Brother Xiang. Speaking of it is embarrassing; we three took a great tumble last night." He then, without regard for his friends' looks, slowly untied the soft whip from his waist, on which was attached a small slip of paper bearing the four characters "Qiao Feng pays his respects".

As it turned out, the man surnamed Bao was named Bao Qianling, nicknamed Mei Ben Qian. He robbed the rich to help the poor and had quite a reputation as a hero. When Qiao Feng became chief of the Beggars' Sect, he also participated in the ceremony and had a fairly close relationship with Qiao Feng.

Bao Qianling handed the soft whip over with both hands to Xue Shenyi, saying: "Qiao Feng ordered us three to deliver a message, saying he would come to Zhu Xian Manor today." He then proceeded to recount in detail how they had met Qiao Feng.

Bao Qianling, together with the famed hero of Guanzhong, Kuai Dao Qi Liu, and the wealthy, highly skilled Xiang Dong warrior Xiang Wanghai, all rushed to attend the heroes' gathering.

Who would have thought that last night Qiao Feng sneaked into the rooms of those few people and slipped a small slip bearing the words "Qiao Feng pays his respects" onto their weapons. Only the next morning, when Qiao Feng called for the door and they went to fetch their weapons, did they discover all this.

They were all renowned fighters of the jianghu, and they all knew that in their sleep last night Qiao Feng had tampered with things; to take their lives would truly be as easy as turning over one's hand.

Xiang Wanghai felt deeply embarrassed by this, thinking it too disgraceful before the heroes of the world, and gave Bao Qianling a look, signalling him not to speak.

But Bao Qianling knew that while Xue Shenyi and the You brothers were certainly capable, there were plenty of wise ones at the heroes' gathering, and any slight concealment on his part would surely arouse suspicion.

Now Qiao Feng is a Khitan barbarian, and moreover a beast who has slain brothers, parents, and master; this is no small matter, and I have already been drawn into the vortex—one misstep and my reputation and person will be ruined. Therefore I have laid out everything in full detail.

Xiang Wanghai stamped his feet repeatedly, his face flushed crimson with shame.

Having finished his account, Bao Qianling finally said: "This Qiao Feng is a Khitan dog-breed; even if he were benevolent and righteous, we ought to eliminate him, let alone now that his wicked nature has shown and his havoc grows day by day."

If he were to flee far away, he would not be easy to catch. Yet it seems fate itself has willed it, for he has actually come of his own accord to walk into the net.

You Ju pondered and said: "I have heard that Qiao Feng possesses both wisdom and courage; his talent is more than enough to do evil, so he is hardly a reckless brute. Could he really dare to come to this grand heroes' feast?"

Bao Qianling said: "I fear he may have some other scheme, but we cannot neglect to guard against it. With many people, there are many strategies; let us all put our heads together!"

As they spoke, yet more heroes came from outside, including Iron-Faced Judge Shan Zheng and his five sons, Tan Gong and his wife Tan Po, and Zhao Qian Sun and company.

These people had all been invited by Elder Xu of the Beggars' Sect that day, and in the apricot grove they revealed Qiao Feng's origins, confirming the truth of the Battle of Yanmen Gate thirty years prior, as well as the status and position of the chief elder brother.

Later, the Beggars' Sect members were overcome by the Western Xia's 'Grieving Fat Clear Wind' poison; afterwards, the sect's people were rescued by the impostor Qiao Feng—actually Duan Yu and Ah Zhu—and by Murong Fu.

Having been saved by the Beggars' Sect, they then heard that Qiao Feng had sent the antidote to rescue people, and they all thought Qiao Feng would certainly not turn against them to help; most likely the sect's members were deliberately crediting the former chief to save face for the Beggars' Sect. Later, upon learning that the You brothers and Xue Shenyi had widely circulated the heroes' invitations, they too came to take part.

Not long after, the two eminent monks Xuannan and Xuangi of the Shaolin Sect also arrived. They had a deep acquaintance with Xue Shenyi.

Xue Shenyi and the You brothers each welcomed the guests warmly. When they spoke of Qiao Feng's wickedness, everyone was filled with indignation.

Not long ago, in the apricot grove of Wuxi, Qiao Feng's Khitan identity was exposed; furthermore, the wife of the Beggars' Sect's deputy chief Ma Dayuan produced the birthday gift that Wang Jian Tong had given Qiao Feng, proving his intentions were not upright.

Qiao Feng himself did not know whether it was true or false, but being proud and unwilling to bear the accusation, he immediately decided to go investigate the truth; as a result, his parents Qiao Sanhuai and his wife were killed, and, coincidentally, the Shaolin monks who had rushed to render aid saw Qiao Feng present and took him to have slain his foster parents.

Qiao Feng repelled those few, and that same night he sneaked into the Shaolin Temple, where the eminent monk Xuanku was struck in the chest by a heavy palm, leading to his demise.

Moreover, the young novice who attended Xuanku this time saw even more clearly, saying that the one who struck Xuanku's chest with a palm was none other than Qiao Feng, who had furtively sneaked into the Shaolin Temple.

Qiao Feng, unable to defend himself against a hundred accusations, fled at once; later, in the Bodhi Courtyard, he clashed with the Shaolin abbot Xuanci, as well as Xuangi and Xuannan, and, taking Ah Zhu—who had stolen the Yi Jin Jing from the Shaolin Temple for Murong Fu—he left the temple.

Qiao Feng came from the Shaolin Sect, and his teacher was the eminent monk Xuanku; this was originally extremely secret, with hardly anyone in the Shaolin Sect knowing it. But since Qiao Feng had killed his teacher and caused a great disturbance in the Shaolin Temple, the news spread without hindrance.

Xue Shenyi, who hates evil as an enemy, is the reason this heroes' gathering came about; although the invitations were anonymous, those who received them spent the night sending fast horses to invite like-minded souls, one passing to another, and within a day and night the notices had spread far and wide.

Because time was pressing, most of those who arrived at Zhu Xian Manor were people from within a few hundred li of the Shaolin Temple.

However, Henan lies in the central region, a transportation hub; besides the local martial artists, renowned warriors from north and south who got the news all came to the gathering, and their numbers were truly not few.

After all, even nobodies like Feng Yi could slip in to eat and drink without anyone stopping them, showing how many people had come.

In the midst of the discussion, the steward of the reception quarters came forward to report: "Elder Xu of the Beggars' Sect, together with the Elders of Transmission and Law, as well as the Elders Xi, Song, Chen, and Wu, have all come to pay respects at the manor."

Everyone felt a jolt. The Beggars' Sect is the greatest gang in the jianghu, no small matter.

Xiang Wanghai wavered between surprise and doubt, saying: "The Beggars' Sect has come in full force; indeed they have come to support Qiao Feng."

Shan Zheng said: "Qiao Feng has broken away from the sect; he is no longer chief of the Beggars' Sect, and I have personally seen them turn face and become enemies."

Xiang Wanghai replied: "The old bonds of incense and affection are not necessarily forgotten just like that."

You Ji said: "The elders of the Beggars' Sect are all stalwart heroes; how could they not distinguish right from wrong? If they still aided Qiao Feng, would they not become traitors to the Han and sellouts to the country?" The crowd nodded in agreement, saying: "The leaders of the Beggars' Sect are all heroic men; they could never become Han traitors or national sellouts."

Just as they were speaking, however, Xue Shenyi and the You brothers led the Beggars' Sect members into the main hall, the newcomers numbering only about a dozen or so.

The heroes felt relieved, each thinking: 'Even if these beggar heads won't shelter Qiao Feng, and even if they harbor ill intent, what kind of situation could these dozen or so people create?'

Everyone rose; acquaintances stepped forward to greet with clasped hands and exchange pleasantries, but seeing the beggars' sect members all wore worried looks, clearly burdened with heavy thoughts, everyone took their seats as host and guest.

Feng Yi, however, only paid attention to one person.

It was a woman.

She was dressed in plain white, her head lowered so her face couldn't be seen, yet her figure was graceful and swaying.

Feng Yi needed no thought to know. She was the mastermind behind everything, the Black Wood Ear: Madam Ma.

Then Elder Xu said: 'Brother Xue, two younger brothers of the You family, you've gathered all the heroes here today—is it because of this newly emerged scourge in the martial world, Qiao Feng?'

Upon hearing him call Qiao Feng a newly emerged scourge of the martial world, the heroes exchanged glances and all let out a sigh.

Feng Yi suddenly heard: 【Ding, help Qiao Feng kill the Central Plains heroes, reward martial arts restored to peak, achievement value 1000 points】

Feng Yi gave a cold laugh and silently cursed: 'Nonsense!'

book bar.

Never mind that; he simply didn't want to do that.

Even if the system's task matched his own thoughts, he wouldn't do it—after all, the floating pavilion had already collapsed once.

But he inexplicably felt a wave of sorrow.

Everything he had came from the system; having to be controlled by it was already bad enough.

Yet Qiao Feng's formidable reputation and strength were won by his own grit, and he could not escape the machinations of the God of Fate.

Qiao Feng once snapped his sword in the Apricot Forest, swearing never to kill a Han in his life, or else die young.

Yet when his temper flared, it caused a massive bloodbath here; Qiao Feng's final death, though a choice of despair, was no less than fulfilling his oath.

Ordinary people's vows may mean nothing, but great figures throughout history are often shrouded in myth; whoever swears an oath will inevitably die by it.

Feng Yi understood even more clearly: though it seemed everything was stirred up by Madam Ma, Qiao Feng's father also contributed greatly.

Because Qiao Feng's life has been so tumultuous—from hunter yesterday to prey today, seemingly in an instant—yet a heart bearing thirty years of grudge, Xiao Yuanshan, lurks behind as the driving force.

If it weren't for his deliberate killing to frame his son,

How could Qiao Feng have come to this?

Moreover, in Feng Yi's eyes, the so-called Battle of Gathered Virtues Villa, while appearing to be Qiao Feng's glorious display of martial prowess in the jianghu, was also the spark that set him on the road to ruin, the condition for his oath-bound death, and moreover the sorrow of those who uphold righteousness.

For besides the killer himself, who could know that the so-called 'beast who killed his parents and master' is actually innocent?

What the Shaolin disciple saw with his own eyes was indeed the handsome, stalwart 'Qiao Feng' committing murder.

Who would have thought his father looked exactly like him?

Even seeing the palm force in the victim's body, Qiao Feng himself felt a moment's bewilderment—such power is hard to find under heaven, his martial arts surely not inferior; who else in the world could match him? He thought so, let alone others.

Feng Yi knew well that among those gathered at Gathered Virtues Villa, there were certainly those seeking to curry favor with Divine Doctor Xue, those seeking fame in the jianghu, but also those who wished to eradicate evil and uphold the martial world's righteousness.

Yet their fervent passion, due to the manipulation of those with ulterior motives, all became sacrifices in a conspiracy—this is what Feng Yi regrets most.

After all, if Feng Yi lacked his foreknowledge advantage, knowing Qiao Feng was a Khitan who had killed his master and parents, being able to exterminate this beast that destroys human relations would also be a righteous duty.

You Ji then said: 'Elder Xu and all the honored elders of your sect have graced us with their presence—truly a great fortune for the martial world. To exterminate Qiao Feng this time, we must obtain the nod of your sect's elders; otherwise, if we cause any misunderstanding and harm harmony, everyone will regret it.'

Elder Xu let out a long sigh and said, "This man is heartless and ruthless, his conduct erratic. Originally, he had rendered great service to our clan; recently, when we fell into a villain's treachery, it was he who came to our rescue. Yet a true man, in establishing himself in the world, must weigh the greater principles above all; minor favors and grudges can only be set aside."

He is a mortal enemy of our Great Song; although all the elders of our clan have benefited from his kindness, we cannot let private gratitude override public justice.

As the saying goes, justice outweighs kinship; moreover, he is no longer any relative of our clan at present.

After Elder Xu finished speaking, clap clap clap, the heroes broke into applause, and praises rose from all sides.

Amid the praises for Elder Xu, suddenly someone let out a puchi laugh.

That laugh rang clear and bright, sounding very youthful, yet it felt to everyone's ears as if pricked by a sharp needle; the hundreds in the hall each heard it distinctly, and at once they were all startled.

One seated beside Feng Yi, intending to pat the Beggars' Gang's horse, immediately rose and angrily demanded, "Sir, why are you laughing?"

Feng Yi sat upright at the table, glanced at him, and said lightly, "What? Just because you heard something amusing, you can't laugh?"

He laughed without any restraint, yet spoke as if it were perfectly reasonable.

Following the sound, the crowd saw a young man sitting in the corner, strikingly conspicuous.

He had sword-like brows and bright eyes, a broad forehead and a high nose, thin lips and a chiseled face, his features sharply defined, clean-shaven except for a single white strand of hair tied down at his neck.

He sat upright in the chair, his stature indiscernible; his white robe had yellowed from the wind, and no one knew how long he had worn it.

Yet the hall was filled with martial arts elites, and though his visage was refined and handsome, his whole body seemed to brim with a power ready to erupt at any moment, like a leopard, and with that white strand upon his head his aura was overwhelmingly intimidating.

The connoisseurs among the fighters drew a sharp breath in secret, their hearts startled: they had not expected the martial world to harbor such a youthful figure.

No one knew Feng Yi's background, yet the martial world hides dragons and crouching tigers, and extraordinary recluses are many. Even someone as renowned as Qiao Feng, most have only heard his name and rarely seen his face, so no one bothered to ponder Feng Yi's origins.

Divine Physician Xue drew a deep breath, rose to his feet, clasped his fists, and asked, "May I know how to address this great hero?"

Seeing that Feng Yi was young but had white in his hair, his bearing solemn and majestic, and that he wore a sword, he addressed him as a great hero.

Without waiting for Feng Yi's reply, he went on, "I wonder what amusing thing you heard; perhaps you could share it so we can all laugh?"

Feng Yi laughed and said, "I dare not; I am merely a good-for-nothing layabout, how could I deserve the title of great hero?"

The reason I laughed is merely because, before long, many people will be buried right here at this grand Villa of Gathered Virtue.

When that time comes, some will weep and some will laugh; I neither wish to weep nor to laugh together with those of ulterior motives.

Thus I might as well laugh first, to add a festive atmosphere, and also regard it as repaying the hospitality of the two villa masters.

These words caused an uproar; the entire assembly was shocked and solemn.

Although killing Qiao Feng is everyone's wish, all know that should they join the bloody siege against Qiao Feng, their chances of survival would be slim, and the estate of the Villa of Gathered Virtue might well be destroyed in an instant.

You Ju suppressed his anger and said coldly, "No need for your reminder; we have devoted our lives to martial practice—for what purpose?"

Even if Qiao Feng, this beast, is formidable, we who defend the Way in battle would not regret dying; if we all feared death like you, we would be unworthy of men and waste our fine abilities.

(End of chapter)