Chapter 17

-> "After Feng Yi's deliberate embellishment, everyone now knows all the details between Ding Dian and Ling Shuanghua. Although they cannot empathize, they cannot help but feel a hint of sorrow for the two's tumultuous fate."

-> "After Feng Yi's deliberate portrayal," (or "After Feng Yi's deliberate embellishment," but we need natural English. Since it's a fragment, we can translate as "After Feng Yi's deliberate portrayal," but maybe better: "After Feng Yi's deliberate depiction," but we need to keep meaning. I'll choose "After Feng Yi's deliberate portrayal,".

-> "Everyone now knows all the details between Ding Dian and Ling Shuanghua."

-> "Although they cannot empathize, they cannot help but feel a hint of sorrow for the two's tumultuous fate."

-> same as 【10】.

Let's produce: "【1】 After Feng Yi's deliberate portrayal, everyone now knows all the details between Ding Dian and Ling Shuanghua. Although they cannot empathize, they cannot help but feel a hint of sorrow for the two's tumultuous fate."

-> "At this moment, seeing the two embracing, no one knew, nor did anyone bother to calculate how much time had passed. Suddenly, Ling Tuisi coughed, his eyes shooting out sharp glints like needles, and he said in a deep voice: 'Shuanghua, have you forgotten the oath you made back then?'"

-> same as 【6】.

Translate: "At this moment, seeing the two embracing, no one knew, nor did anyone bother to calculate time; unaware how long had passed, suddenly Ling Tui Si coughed once, his eyes shooting out sharp glints like needles, and he said in a deep voice: 'Shuanghua, have you forgotten your original oath?'"

We need to keep quotes and punctuation.

We'll produce: "【2】 At this moment, seeing the two embracing, no one knew, nor did anyone bother to calculate time; unaware how long had passed, suddenly Ling Tui Si coughed once, his eyes shooting out sharp glints like needles, and he said in a deep voice: 'Shuanghua, have you forgotten your original oath?'"

-> same as 【8】.

-> same as 【10】.

Translate: "Ling Tui Si's heart is cold and hard, surpassing that of a starving hawk and tiger; now seeing his plans come to naught, Ling Shuanghua and Ding Dian are deeply affectionate, and his daughter has not even asked him a single word about what's going on, clearly his heart is occupied solely by Ding Dian; without him as a father, he cannot help but arouse the malice in his heart."

-> same as 【16】.

Thus: "【3】 Ling Tui Si's heart is cold and hard, surpassing that of a starving hawk and tiger; now seeing his plans come to naught, Ling Shuanghua and Ding Dian are deeply affectionate, and his daughter has not even asked him a single word about what's going on, clearly his heart is occupied solely by Ding Dian; without him as a father, he cannot help but arouse the malice in his heart."

【39】

At this moment seeing the two embracing, no one knew, nor did anyone bother to calculate time, not knowing how long had passed, when suddenly Ling Tui Si coughed, his eyes shooting out needle‑sharp light, and he said in a deep voice: "Shuanghua, have you forgotten your original vow?"

Ling Tui Si's heart is cold and hard, surpassing that of a starving hawk and tiger; now seeing his schemes come to nothing, Ling Shuanghua and Ding Dian are deeply affectionate, his daughter even to this day has not asked him a single word, what's going on, it's clear his heart holds only Ding Dian, without this father he cannot help but arouse the malice in his heart.

"..."

Translate: "Meanwhile, when Feng Yi and Ding Dian stepped in to rescue the person, his subordinates had already protected him, gaining extra courage, and he naturally regained the bearing of the prefect of Jing Prefecture and the gang leader."

【46】

Thus: "【4】 Meanwhile, when Feng Yi and Ding Dian stepped in to rescue the person, his subordinates had already protected him, gaining extra courage, and he naturally regained the bearing of the prefect of Jing Prefecture and the gang leader."

"..."

Translate: "For Ling Shuanghua, Ling Tui Si's words were like a morning bell and evening drum, finally awakening her from the sweetness of love."

Thus: "【5】 For Ling Shuanghua, Ling Tui Si's words were like a morning bell and evening drum, finally awakening her from the sweetness of love."

【55】

Translate: "She hurriedly broke free from Ding Dian's embrace, feeling as if scorched by fire; thinking of being embraced by a man under everyone's gaze, she couldn't help but blush, and she stammered: 'Brother Ding, I can't see you again! I can't!'"

"..."

Thus: "【6】 She hurriedly broke free from Ding Dian's embrace, feeling as if scorched by fire; thinking of being embraced by a man under everyone's gaze, she couldn't help but blush, and she stammered: 'Brother Ding, I can't see you again! I can't!'"

【62】

Translate: "Ding Dian also knew about Ling Tui Si forcing her to swear an oath; his heart pounded wildly, and for a moment he didn't know what to do, his breathing gradually grew heavy, he stared at Ling Tui Si and said in a hoarse voice: 'Ling Tui Si, over this damned manual, you've come to this point—ask yourself honestly, is it really worth it?'"

"..."

Thus: "【7】 Ding Dian also knew about Ling Tui Si forcing her to swear an oath; his heart pounded wildly, and for a moment he didn't know what to do, his breathing gradually grew heavy, he stared at Ling Tui Si and said in a hoarse voice: 'Ling Tui Si, over this damned manual, you've come to this point—ask yourself honestly, is it really worth it?'"

【69】

Translate: "Ling Tui Si sneered: 'You, Great Hero Ding, possess the Divine Illumination Classic and the Linked City Secret, so you naturally don't regard it highly.'"

"..."

Thus: "【8】 Ling Tui Si sneered: 'You, Great Hero Ding, possess the \"Divine Illumination Classic\" and the \"Linked City Secret\", so you naturally don't regard it highly.'"

But we need to keep the Chinese quotes? We'll just use English quotes.

【79】

Translate: "This means he's talking without feeling any back pain."

Thus: "【9】 This means he's talking without feeling any back pain."

"..."

Translate: "Ding Dian angrily said: 'Even if I were in your position, I would not, like you, exploit and coerce my own biological daughter...'"

We need to keep the ellipsis.

Thus: "【10】 Ding Dian angrily said: 'Even if I were in your position, I would not, like you, exploit and coerce my own biological daughter...'"

【93】

Translate: "Only hearing Ling Shuanghua let out a faint sigh: 'Brother Ding, don't argue with my father; I swore to keep him from killing you, and that oath was sincere—now you're safe, and my father finally hasn't deceived me! I am content.'"

We need to keep the exclamation? The source has "！". We'll keep.

Thus: "【11】 Only hearing Ling Shuanghua let out a faint sigh: 'Brother Ding, don't argue with my father; I swore to keep him from killing you, and that oath was sincere—now you're safe, and my father finally hasn't deceived me! I am content.'"

"..."

Translate: "We, we are ultimately... ultimately fated to be without destiny."

Better: "We, we are ultimately... ultimately destined not to be together."

Thus: "【12】 We, we are ultimately... ultimately destined not to be together."

【105】

Translate: "Her face drained of color, her left hand tightly gripping the hem of her clothes, her slender fingers turning pallid—clearly these words were against her heart. She simply did not want her parents and lover to be at odds."

Thus: "【13】 Her face drained of color, her left hand tightly gripping the hem of her clothes, her slender fingers turning pallid—clearly these words were against her heart. She simply did not want her parents and lover to be at odds."

"..."

Translate: "'I am not satisfied!'"

Thus: "【14】 'I am not satisfied!'"

【115】

Translate: "A resolute fierceness flashed in Ding Dian's eyes, the long-suppressed resentment finally bursting forth: 'What fate without destiny? We truly love each other—how could we let a ridiculous oath destroy us?'"

Thus: "【15】 A resolute fierceness flashed in Ding Dian's eyes, the long-suppressed resentment finally bursting forth: 'What fate without destiny? We truly love each other—how could we let a ridiculous oath destroy us?'"

"..."

Translate: "Feng Yi saw this ill-fated lovebird pair and also felt a headache."

Thus: "【16】 Feng Yi saw this ill-fated lovebird pair and also felt a headache."

【125】

Translate: "Their obstacles are not only due to Ling Tui Si as an external factor!"

Thus: "【17】 Their obstacles are not only due to Ling Tui Si as an external factor!"

"..."

Translate: "Of course, besides ritual law, it's also their personalities."

Thus: "【18】 Of course, besides ritual law, it's also their personalities."

【134】

Translate: "They're both stubborn as hell! An oath is worth nothing!"

"..."

Thus: "【19】 They're both stubborn as hell! An oath is worthless!"

【142】

Translate: "In his era, not to mention swearing on one's mother, even swearing on eighteen generations of ancestors, few people took it seriously."

Thus: "【20】 In his era, not to mention swearing on one's mother, even swearing on eighteen generations of ancestors, few people took it seriously."

"..."

Translate: "But he also knew he could not demand that of Ling Shuanghua."

Thus: "【21】 But he also knew he could not demand that of Ling Shuanghua."

【152】

Translate: "That's unfair, and shameless!"

Thus: "【22】 That's unfair, and shameless!"

"..."

Translate: "He may not approve, but he has no right to point fingers at such behavior."

Thus: "【23】 He may not approve, but he has no right to point fingers at such behavior."

【162】

Translate: "Because in ancient times, making an oath was the utmost solemn resolve."

Thus: "【24】 Because in ancient times, making an oath was the utmost solemn resolve."

"..."

Translate: "Feng Yi immediately stepped forward, staring at Ling Tui Si, his eyes flashing with an astonishing light, and he sighed slowly: 'Life is indeed precious, but love is even more precious! Gang leader, please give it more thought.'"

【169】

Thus: "【25】 Feng Yi immediately stepped forward, staring at Ling Tui Si, his eyes flashing with an astonishing light, and he sighed slowly: 'Life is indeed precious, but love is even more precious! Gang leader, please give it more thought.'"

"..."

Translate: "Ling Tui Si's face darkened, knowing Feng Yi was openly threatening him."

Thus: "【26】 Ling Tui Si's face darkened, knowing Feng Yi was openly threatening him."

【178】

Translate: "Feng Yi then turned to Ling Shuanghua and suddenly said: 'Miss Ling, as the saying goes, good and evil will eventually be rewarded—do you believe that?'"

"..."

Thus: "【27】 Feng Yi then turned to Ling Shuanghua and suddenly said: 'Miss Ling, as the saying goes, good and evil will eventually be rewarded—do you believe that?'"

【186】

Translate: "Ling Shuanghua turned her head to look at Feng Yi and said softly: 'Just now, in my panic, I haven't yet thanked you for saving my life!'"

Thus: "【28】 Ling Shuanghua turned her head to look at Feng Yi and said softly: 'Just now, in my panic, I haven't yet thanked you for saving my life!'"

"..."

Translate: "Saying this, she performed a bow salute."

【193】

Thus: "【29】 Saying this, she performed a bow salute."

"..."

Translate: "Feng Yi returned the salute with clasped hands and said: 'Miss, perhaps you don't remember me—we've met before, I'm Feng Yi!'"

【200】

Thus: "【30】 Feng Yi returned the salute with clasped hands and said: 'Miss, perhaps you don't remember me—we've met before, I'm Feng Yi!'"

"..."

Translate: "Ling Shuanghua stared at Feng Yi for a moment, seeing his disheveled hair and indistinct features, she lightly nodded: 'Hmm, Feng Yi, I know that, but how...'"

【207】

Thus: "【31】 Ling Shuanghua stared at Feng Yi for a moment, seeing his disheveled hair and indistinct features, she lightly nodded: 'Hmm, Feng Yi, I know that, but how...'"

"..."

Translate: "Feng Yi and Ling Shuanghua are roughly the same age, and both are second-generation core members of the Dragon Sand Gang; she naturally knows this."

【214】

Thus: "【32】 Feng Yi and Ling Shuanghua are roughly the same age, and both are second-generation core members of the Dragon Sand Gang; she naturally knows this."

"..."

Translate: "But for a moment she couldn't understand how her father's trusted aide had allied with Ding Dian, leaving her puzzled."

Thus: "【33】 But for a moment she couldn't understand how her father's trusted aide had allied with Ding Dian, leaving her puzzled."

【223】

Translate: "Feng Yi understood the meaning from his words and naturally would not explain, laughing heartily: 'The gang leader initially forced you to swear a poisonous oath, saying that if you ever see Brother Ding again in this life, your mother would be tormented by evil spirits in the netherworld—we all know that.'"

"..."

Thus: "【34】 Feng Yi understood the meaning from his words and naturally would not explain, laughing heartily: 'The gang leader initially forced you to swear a poisonous oath, saying that if you ever see Brother Ding again in this life, your mother would be tormented by evil spirits in the netherworld—we all know that.'"

【231】

Translate: "But your late mother had always been kind and accumulated virtue, which is how she could raise you so well—how could someone like her possibly descend to the netherworld? Or do you believe your mother is destined to fall into the netherworld hell, so that she would be tormented by evil spirits?"

Thus: "【35】 But your late mother had always been kind and accumulated virtue, which is how she could raise you so well—how could someone like her possibly descend to the netherworld? Or do you believe your mother is destined to fall into the netherworld hell, so that she would be tormented by evil spirits?"

"..."

Translate: "Ling Shuanghua already somewhat understood Feng Yi's meaning, hesitated a moment, and said: 'You mean that due to the ten non-virtuous actions, one falls into the three evil paths of hell, hungry ghosts, and animals; whereas due to the ten virtuous actions, one is reborn in the heavenly and human realms.'"

【238】

Thus: "【36】 Ling Shuanghua already somewhat understood Feng Yi's meaning, hesitated a moment, and said: 'You mean that due to the ten non-virtuous actions, one falls into the three evil paths of hell, hungry ghosts, and animals; whereas due to the ten virtuous actions, one is reborn in the heavenly and human realms.'"

"..."

Translate: "After being placed under house arrest, Ling Shuanghua daily prayed to the gods and recited Buddha, hoping to bless Ding Dian's safety; naturally she had studied the Buddhist scriptures thoroughly. A single sentence from Feng Yi, and she could cite scriptures at will."

Thus: "【37】 After being placed under house arrest, Ling Shuanghua daily prayed to the gods and recited Buddha, hoping to bless Ding Dian's safety; naturally she had studied the Buddhist scriptures thoroughly. A single sentence from Feng Yi, and she could cite scriptures at will."

【247】

Translate: "'Exactly!' Feng Yi clapped his hands and said: 'This is what the Buddha said; with his boundless divine power, how could he deceive? Therefore your mother is already enjoying blessings in the heavenly realm, she will never go to the netherworld, so how could evil spirits torment her? This oath need not be heeded, unless you believe your mother is destined for hell.'"

"..."

Thus: "【38】 'Exactly!' Feng Yi clapped his hands and said: 'This is what the Buddha said; with his boundless divine power, how could he deceive? Therefore your mother is already enjoying blessings in the heavenly realm, she will never go to the netherworld, so how could evil spirits torment her? This oath need not be heeded, unless you believe your mother is destined for hell.'"

【255】

Translate: "'No, no...' Ling Shuanghua shook her head repeatedly."

Thus: "【39】 'No, no...' Ling Shuanghua shook her head repeatedly."

"..."

Translate: "Feng Yi's eyes blazed like torches as he stared at Ling Shuanghua and said loudly: 'If so, are you willing to follow Brother Ding, relying solely on your own heart? Then the talk of swearing on your deceased mother ceases to exist.'"

【262】

Thus: "【40】 Feng Yi's eyes blazed like torches as he stared at Ling Shuanghua and said loudly: 'If so, are you willing to follow Brother Ding, relying solely on your own heart? Then the talk of swearing on your deceased mother ceases to exist.'"

"..."

Translate: "Seeing Feng Yi getting worked up over Ling Shuanghua, Ding Dian hurriedly stopped him: 'Feng brother...'"

【269】

Thus: "【41】 Seeing Feng Yi getting worked up over Ling Shuanghua, Ding Dian hurriedly stopped him: 'Feng brother...'"

"..."

Translate: "Feng Yi waved his hand and said: 'The reason Elder Brother Ding was captured by your father is entirely because of you.'"

【276】

Thus: "【42】 Feng Yi waved his hand and said: 'The reason Elder Brother Ding was captured by your father is entirely because of you.'"

"..."

Although he knew the gang leader was the prefect, and as a jianghu ruffian he might not acknowledge him, he still listened to your words and went to see the gang leader.

We will translate 'jianghu ruffian' as 'jianghu ruffian', keep 'gang leader' as 'gang leader', and keep 'prefect' as 'prefect'.

Thus: "【43】 Although he knew the gang leader was the prefect, and as a jianghu ruffian he might not acknowledge him, he still listened to your words and went to see the gang leader."

【288】

Translate: "But what was the result? How do you think he spent these three years?"

Thus: "【44】 But what was the result? How do you think he spent these three years?"

"..."

Translate: "Your father said he wouldn't kill him, yet he pierced his pipa bone and severed his tendons; if not for heaven's eyes, you would never have reunited. Now you still trap yourself in an oath born of lies, while Brother Ding, a fine young man, actually fell for such a foolish woman like you—I truly feel it's a waste for him."

【295】

Thus: "【45】 Your father said he wouldn't kill him, yet he pierced his pipa bone and severed his tendons; if not for heaven's eyes, you would never have reunited. Now you still trap yourself in an oath born of lies, while Brother Ding, a fine young man, actually fell for such a foolish woman like you—I truly feel it's a waste for him."

"..."

Translate: "Ling Shuanghua's face turned deathly pale, she stepped back two steps, suddenly turned to face Ding Dian and cried: 'He pierced your bone and severed your tendons?!'"

Thus: "【46】 Ling Shuanghua's face turned deathly pale, she stepped back two steps, suddenly turned to face Ding Dian and cried: 'He pierced your bone and severed your tendons?!'"

【305】

Translate: "Ding Dian said: 'I could escape only thanks to Feng brother.'"

Thus: "【47】 Ding Dian said: 'I could escape only thanks to Feng brother.'"

"..."

Translate: "But he is still young, and tonight so agitated, it's inevitable that he speaks rashly like an arrow to the heart; you shouldn't take it too much to heart."

Thus: "【48】 But he is still young, and tonight so agitated, it's inevitable that he speaks rashly like an arrow to the heart; you shouldn't take it too much to heart."

【315】

Translate: "Upon hearing Ding Dian say that, Ling Shuanghua's face flushed red, she turned to her father, raised her eyebrows askance, and angrily said: 'Father, is that how you promised me?'"

Thus: "【49】 Upon hearing Ding Dian say that, Ling Shuanghua's face flushed red, she turned to her father, raised her eyebrows askance, and angrily said: 'Father, is that how you promised me?'"

"..."

Translate: "Ling Tui Si sneered: 'I promised not to kill him—did I actually kill him?'"

Thus: "【50】 Ling Tui Si sneered: 'I promised not to kill him—did I actually kill him?'"

【325】

Translate: "Ling Shuanghua was so angry she nearly lost her mind, unable to think of what to say."

Thus: "【51】 Ling Shuanghua was so angry she nearly lost her mind, unable to think of what to say."

"..."

Translate: "Feng Yi had already turned, his eyes gleaming, and walked slowly toward Ling Tui Si; Ling Tui Si's heart sank slightly, he retreated half a step, and asked: 'What are you doing?'"

Thus: "【52】 Feng Yi had already turned, his eyes gleaming, and walked slowly toward Ling Tui Si; Ling Tui Si's heart sank slightly, he retreated half a step, and asked: 'What are you doing?'"

Feng Yi smiled faintly and said: "I've done what I should do, said what I should say; I'm really getting annoyed! Chief, a true man can pick up and let go. To keep on endlessly, dead‑locked fighting, would lose one's bearing—we can't let the brothers only see your joke tonight, can we?"

Finally I ask one more thing: Elder Brother Ding and Miss Ling are deeply in love; this marriage, should you agree or not?

Ling Shuanghua daily chants Buddha and prays for Ding Dian's blessing, only feeling that what Feng Yi said is quite reasonable, thinking: "Feng Yi is my father's trusted aide; being able to help Elder Brother Ding must be the Buddha's manifestation. Then Mother surely won't suffer in the netherworld; now only Father remains!" Thinking thus, she widened her lovely eyes, unblinking, gazing fixedly at the slanting Ling Tui Si.

Not to mention Ling Tui Si's injuries are severe now; even with people around protecting him, he still fears Feng Yi, and besides he has taken the Bone‑Breaking, Tendon‑Rotting Pill—just regaining a bit of face is enough; he said with a bitter smile: "Enough, enough, a grown daughter cannot be kept! If I persist in my obstinacy, that would be somewhat inhumane. I, old man, will consent to this marriage!"

Feng Yi gave a slight nod and praised: "Good! Magistrate, you are indeed a talented person. The medicinal effect of the Bone‑Breaking, Tendon‑Rotting Pill only manifests after a year; give me some of the antidote from the Golden Wave September Flower, and stop pursuing us! I will, in half a year at the earliest, a year at the latest, not only send you the antidote but also present a thousand taels of gold as a betrothal gift for Elder Brother Ding—what do you think?"

Ling Tui Si seemed to have expected this, his expression calm, he countered: "What does the betrothal gift matter? But what if you never return?"

Feng Yi knowing he is suspicious and unwilling to trust easily, smiled: "You don't trust me, so how dare I trust you? Now if I were to give you the antidote, heh, and besides, when I came I didn't bring any antidote at all.

But Heaven is fair; wrongdoing inevitably brings consequences. Today you have lost, so you have no other choice.

Moreover, you don't believe me, but you must have faith in your own son-in-law!

Ding Dian drew a deep breath, looking at Feng Yi with full gratitude and said: "The deep affection and sincere loyalty of my worthy younger brother Feng, even if Ding Dian were smashed to bits, would not be enough to repay! Since he put it that way, I am willing to wager my dignity!"

Ling Tui Si knew Ding Dian's nature was resolute, his word was bond, and moreover, as Feng Yi said, today he had suffered a utter defeat, and being able to escape from Feng Yi's hands was entirely thanks to his own daughter.

If we continue to cling on, it will certainly make our subordinates look like a laughingstock, and also chill their hearts; then the people's hearts will surely scatter, and this foundation will be hard to manage.

Thinking of this, he felt all his hopes fade away, and sighed: "Alright, I believe you!"

Speaking, he felt in his bosom, took out a porcelain bottle, and threw it to Feng Yi: "This is the antidote for the Golden Wave Ten-Day Flower!"

"Refreshing!" Feng Yi flicked his sleeve to wrap around and caught the bottle.

Ding Dian said: "Let me have a look."

Feng Yi handed it to Ding Dian; after all, he had been poisoned before, so by smelling the taste he was more discerning than himself.

He added: "The exit order still requires your trouble, sir!"

Ling Tui Si snorted, took out a token from his bosom, and threw it over.

Feng Yi turned his head to Ding Dian and Ling Shuanghua and said: "Let's go then."

Ding Dian nodded, looking toward Ling Shuanghua.

Ling Shuanghua looked at Ling Tui Si and whispered softly: "Father, I…" but trailed off.

Ling Tui Si waved his hand, not saying a word.

Ling Shuanghua glanced at Ling Tui Si a few times, knelt on the ground and kowtowed several times, then in a trembling voice said: "Father, please forgive your daughter's unfilial conduct."

Ding Dian clasped his hands toward Ling Tui Si and said: "You have tormented me for these three years; today we settle the score. Brother Feng, let's go."

Ling Tui Si snorted coldly: "Today's humiliation, I will remember it."

Feng Yi and Ding Dian both knew that he was just letting out a few harsh words, looking for an excuse to save face, which was normal, and they didn't mind.

Feng Yi smiled and cupped his hands: "Thanks for your care, brothers; Feng takes his leave."

After a few leisurely moves, Ding Dian embraced Ling Shuanghua and leapt a few times, already soaring over the wall. A group of Dragon Sand Gang disciples and imperial soldiers did not block them, merely watching Ling Tui Si.

Ling Tui Si watched their retreating backs, truly wanting to order a pursuit, but thinking that if he went back on his word before everyone, his reputation would truly be ruined, so he just stood there blankly.

After a moment, a person lightly walked up to Ling Tui Si's front, bowed and performed a salute, saying: "This humble one deserves death, unable to stop the bandits; I hope you, sir, will pardon my crime!"

Ling Tui Si revealed a faint bitter smile and said softly: "Tonight's defeat is not due to battle! Now disperse!"

Having said that, he turned his head and said: "Lai Fu!"

"Master!"

A household servant responded and stepped forward.

"Bury the dead with proper rites, give each injured person fifty taels of silver as consolation."

"Yes!" that person responded and left.

Ling Tui Si slowly turned his head and gazed vacantly into the quiet night.

……

The three of them, upon leaving the county office, showed Ling Tui Si's token, demanded two sturdy horses from the soldiers; Feng Yi and Ding Dian were familiar with the routes of Jiangling, and headed toward the West Gate at a gallop.

At this moment, it was already near midnight, the crescent moon like a hook, the empty streets had not a single shadow, a faint light sprinkled upon the street; Ding Dian and Ling Shuanghua, having obtained Ling Tui Si's verbal promise of marriage before everyone, felt their wishes fulfilled, and each mounted their own horse.

Feng Yi, alone with his horse, seemed rather lonely, especially contrasted with the two of them, giving off a faint sense of desolation.

However, he didn't mind; he now wholeheartedly wanted to build his career, and in the future would reap the martial world, so as to make himself stronger.

During this period, he absolutely cannot have a woman.

This is a soft spot!

No matter how mighty an expert, once he has a woman, he also has a tether, and thus is not so fearsome.

His deterrent power in the martial world will plummet in a straight line!

Feng Yi drew this conclusion from countless individuals.

As the three approached the West Gate, they suddenly saw a point of orange light flickering faintly on the street; Feng Yi and Ding Dian exchanged a glance, eased their horse's pace, and proceeded leisurely.

The two were highly skilled and bold; unless faced with a large-scale encirclement, they were not really panicked. As they drew near, they saw a man in fine clothing, holding a gauze lantern, standing in the street.

He appeared to be about twenty-three or twenty-four years old, his attire extremely exquisite; at a glance one could tell he was wealthy.

Seeing Feng Yi and Ding Dian approach, that person immediately stepped forward a few paces, keeping a distance of two zhang, clasped his fists, and from afar offered a salute: "Please, gentlemen, pause your steps. I am Bu Yuan, acting upon my master's orders, respectfully inviting the three of you to come to my manor for a chat."

Ding Dian glanced at him, about to speak, but Feng Yi said in a soft, leisurely tone: "We're busy, not interested."

Bu Yuan couldn't help but stare, his face flushing red, and he slowly said: "You don't even ask who my master is?"

Feng Yi shrugged his shoulders, very nonchalant, and said: "We have no intention of going, so why bother asking who your master is?"

Feng Yi's conduct has never followed convention; now he is eager to leave Jingzhou, complete the system task, then obtain the remainder of the Divine Illumination Classic from Ding Dian to achieve a qualitative leap—where would he find the time to see anyone?

Bu Yuan fixed his gaze on Feng Yi and said, word by word: "Aren't you being a bit too full of yourself?"

Feng Yi chuckled: "Not going to keep the appointment with Wan Zhen Shan, and that's being full of yourself?"

Bu Yuan was both startled and angry: "You know full well that my master feels affection, yet how dare you act so arrogantly?"

Feng Yi narrowed his eyes slightly and said lightly: "I am indeed big; what are you going to do about it?"

Bu Yuan, his face red and neck thick with anger, Ding Dian asked with a faint smile: "I have had no prior dealings with Old Man Wan; what brings you here?"

Bu Yuan did not answer but turned the question back: "Could it be that you are Ding Dian, the great hero?"

Ding Dian gave a slight smile: "I dare not accept the title of great hero, but I am indeed Ding Dian."

Bu Yuan said: "Since you are Ding Dian himself, and setting aside other matters, just concerning my second senior brother's life, shouldn't my master demand an explanation from you?"

(End of chapter)