Chapter 171: with translation of chapter title

When Feng Yi said this, the heroes were shocked and doubtful; Xue Shenyi's shock surpassed everyone's, as if punched in the chest, his face turned ashen.

Because the name "Carefree Sect" cannot be heard by outsiders unless they are members; anyone who hears it, intentionally or not, must be killed on the spot, no pardon, even if pursued to the ends of the earth, to silence them. Thus anyone who has heard the name "Carefree Sect" is already dead.

Well, of course there are exceptions.

That is, they cannot be beaten or killed.

The Shaolin Temple's sweeping old man can.

Feng Yi felt that his little flaw was utterly unreasonable.

Therefore, although the Carefree Sect's inherited martial arts are profound and it has many disciples, the heroes present know nothing of its sect name.

Xue Shenyi, who calls himself a divine doctor, originally thought no one could treat the "Great Vajra Fist", but unexpectedly Feng Yi's wild and bold nature, high skill and great courage, led him to mention not only the Shaolin Sect but also the "Carefree Sect", which was utterly beyond his expectations.

First, fearing he might be a sect member; second, hundreds of heroes present have all heard the name "Carefree Sect" today—according to the rule, could he possibly kill them all?

Xue Shenyi secretly annoyed, his eyes shifted, and he suddenly laughed aloud: "Feng Yi, cut the idle talk. Since you dare to boast, go ahead and heal her!"

Feng Yi smiled faintly: "Why should I heal her here?"

Xue Shenyi sneered: "Are you unable or unwilling to do it? And how do you know the name of the Carefree Sect?"

Feng Yi laughed: "I not only know the Carefree Sect, but also know your origins; do you want to hear it?"

Xue Shenyi exclaimed: "Speak!"

Feng Yi sighed: "Divine Doctor Xue, your master Su Xinghe's medical skill and martial arts surpass yours by far, yet against some powerful foes and difficult ailments, he is helpless..."

Su Xinghe inherited the mantle of the Carefree Sect's leader Wu Yazi, versed in the three teachings and nine streams, especially accomplished in medicine, which is why Xue Muhua earned the reputation of a divine doctor.

On that day, Ding Chunqiu rebelled against the master; Su Xinghe, despite being versed in the three teachings and nine streams, lost to Ding Chunqiu, who focused solely on martial arts. To protect his disciples, he expelled his eight disciples from the sect.

Consequently, upon hearing this, Xue Shenyi felt a ringing in his ears and did not hear a single word of Feng Yi's following remarks.

"... Although Feng Yi is a nobody, he has grasped the qi of heaven and earth, probed the mysteries of the profound; regarding this young lady's injury, without taking her pulse I know her meridians have been shaken, leaving her half-dead."

Whether she relies on her own strength to heal or is aided entirely by external forces, I, Feng, can certainly save her!

But with so many heroes present, whether Qiao Feng feeds her his true qi or I treat her injury, we are putting our lives at risk. Though one should not harbor harmful intent, one must also not lack caution!

Although Xue Shenyi's fame resounds, his master's identity remains a great secret in the martial world; coupled with his godlike medical skill, over time he has become seen as mysterious and elusive, like a mirage.

But at this moment the heroes saw Xue Shenyi's eyes stare blankly, dazed, and they all knew Feng Yi's words were correct. They also understood that Qiao Feng had just transferred his true qi to Ah Zhu, which was the best time to kill him. Yet with Feng Yi watching nearby, Xue Shenyi gave no order to attack, otherwise the situation would not have remained so calm.

After all, Feng Yi's deterrent power is too strong.

He himself not only has high martial arts, but he also mentioned that he has a master surnamed Jin.

Surely that is not false.

If the disciple is already like this, one can imagine how formidable the master must be.

He is not like Qiao Feng, whose identity has been exposed and who is denounced by all as a Khitan barbarian; dealing with him, ignoring the martial world's rules simply won't work—everyone is quite wary.

A curious bystander asked: "Master Feng, could this Su Xinghe perhaps be the Wise Sir of the Deaf-Mute Valley?"

Those well-informed naturally know who Su Xinghe is. Those acquainted with Xue Shenyi know he avoids mentioning his master like a taboo, and only today did they learn he is actually Su Xinghe's disciple.

Feng Yi smiled and did not answer.

In Feng Yi's view, the so-called Carefree Sect is merely broader in its studies, but in martial arts it is no different from other sects—nothing special.

In a previous life, some said they were a cultivation sect; Feng Yi scoffed at that.

Because in Jin Yong's world, there are no immortals.

Whether it's Wang Zhongyang, Qiu Chuji, Zhang Sanfeng, or other Daoist masters historically dubbed immortals, they are ordinary people with joys and sorrows.

They also experience birth, aging, sickness, death, and injury, without exception.

Setting aside other matters, just say the Carefree Sect's leader Wu Yazi has been disabled for over thirty years; know that his body is intact, his inner force undiminished, and he can grasp Xu Zhu's hands to transmit energy.

Not mentioning resurrection, the Divine Illumination Skill can heal severed leg tendons—a problem modern medicine cannot solve; if one possesses seventy years of Divine Illumination true qi, Feng Yi would not believe a crippled pair of legs could not be healed!

Thus, the world's foremost martial arts marvel, the Divine Illumination Classic, has utterly outclassed the Carefree Sect in terms of wonder.

Moreover, the Heavenly Mountain Old Lady's practice actually requires drinking blood; without blood, her qi and blood surge, leading to deviation and death—what kind of proper skill is that?

Li Qiu Shui, a woman who sells her body, is hardly worth mentioning; if she were Feng Yi's enemy, he has plenty of ways to deal with her.

Even the master of those few, Xiao Yao Zi, is merely a crow occupying a magpie's nest, a charlatan pretending to be divine; perhaps he has long since turned into a pile of bones.

After all, in the metal-bound world, human power is limited, there are no immortals—this is fundamental.

Thus, the Carefree Sect that many admire and fear, Feng Yi feels not a shred of reverence.

Qiao Feng glanced at Xue Shenyi, saw his face extremely grim, secretly delighted, knowing Feng Yi's words were correct, he stepped forward quickly and said urgently: "Brother Feng, please heal Ah Zhu."

Seeing Qiao Feng's words full of joy, Feng Yi said: "Brother Qiao, I speak plainly, no hidden meanings—if I heal Ah Zhu, there is something on her person I must take!"

Ah Zhu's delicate brows furrowed slightly, Qiao Feng's thick brows shot up, the two locked eyes, startled as if by clashing thunder and lightning; the atmosphere instantly turned cold.

The heroes secretly rejoiced—if those two were to fight, it would be a sight to behold,

Feng Yi unconsciously circulated his qi throughout his body and said: "Brother Qiao, though your martial arts are high, holding this girl makes you inevitably hesitant; fighting me offers no chance of victory, and besides, you have more enemies than just me."

Unexpectedly, Qiao Feng frowned and sighed: "Brother Feng, if you want to take that girl's belongings, why do you also speak for me? If you stay out of it, once the heroes clash with me and they abduct her, I will be unable to look after her."

Feng Yi smiled faintly: "Are you, Qiao Feng, a hero, while I, Feng Yi, am a petty villain who takes advantage of danger?"

Qiao Feng stared at him for a moment, then burst out laughing: "If it weren't for Qiao Mou being in a suspicious situation, I would gladly make friends with someone as upright and bright as Brother Feng!"

Feng Yi sighed deeply: "Thank you, Brother Qiao, for your kindness, but in the martial world one cannot follow one's own will—we cannot be friends."

This is not a matter of your identity or conduct. For once we become friends, there are things I clearly know, but they involve secrets that cannot be explained in a few words, nor can I tell outsiders, which would be unfair to you.

Moreover, how could I feel justified in taking Ah Zhu's belongings? That would be an insult to the word "friend".

Although Qiao Feng did not fully grasp the secrecy Feng Yi referred to, he sensed his words were sincere and came to a deeper understanding of the meaning of "in the martial world, one cannot follow one's own will."

Ah Zhu involuntarily sighed: "Master Feng, what do you want from me?"

Feng Yi said softly: "Let me be clear—I don't want anything from you; I want the item you have prepared for someone else."

Ah Zhu grew more startled the more she listened, staring at Feng Yi, unable to speak.

Know that she stole the Shaolin Muscle-Tendon Changing Classic, intending to present it to Murong Fu; even Qiao Feng did not know what she had stolen, so Feng Yi's words truly startled Ah Zhu.

Because she felt that Feng Yi seemed to be talking about this. After all, Feng Yi's martial arts were so superb that the only thing worth his affection was this.

But if she didn't agree, she neither wanted to die nor let Qiao Feng risk his life for her; she immediately whispered, "I agree to you."

Feng Yi laughed heartily: "Refreshing!"

He turned, smiling: "Brother Qiao, it's time to go!"

Qiao Feng reached out to rescue A Zhu, but only out of momentary anger; he didn't really take this little girl to heart.

He was broad-minded; hearing A Zhu's own agreement, he didn't mind, and immediately said, "Fine, let's go!"

The heroes were still in shock; Lady Ma watched, her jealousy blazing. She admired Qiao Feng, yet Qiao Feng utterly disregarded everyone, today recklessly risking great danger for an ugly girl,

At this point, seeing this, it was clear the girl also had feelings for Qiao Feng—did she even deserve him?

If not for the public eye, she would have loved to tear A Zhu to shreds.

Seeing Qiao Feng about to lift A Zhu again, Lady Ma's face turned ashen, and she shouted, "Hold on, Divine Doctor Xue—did you call this Heroes' Assembly just to let Qiao Feng come and go as he pleases?"

She said, glancing unintentionally at Elder Xu.

Divine Doctor Xue suddenly realized: "Indeed, I made a grand show, yet I let them leave like this—what kind of person am I, Xue Muhua?"

Only Elder Xu said: "Brother Xue, Qiao Feng, that vicious Khitan barbarian, if we let this tiger return to the mountains, who knows how many will die without a burial place!"

Qiao Feng suppressed his anger and said: "Elder Xu, you all say I am a Khitan and must be eliminated as a grave threat. Heh, whether I am Khitan or Han, even I myself am not clear right now."

Elder Xu slowly said: "It's not that you don't understand; you simply refuse to admit it. For if you are Khitan, then the Khitan you have slain over the years are all your own kin, aren't they?"

But if you are Han, why didn't the chief elder let Chief Wang pass the leadership to you, and why would Chief Wang leave you room to commit pro-Liao, anti-Han acts, even to poison and assassinate without restriction, right?

Qiao Feng let out a long sigh; Elder Xu's words were exactly Qiao Feng's confusion, and also a fact he refused to believe.

Like other Song people, he believed Khitans were cruel and barbaric and deserved to be killed, never imagining that one day he himself would be called worse than a beast, a Khitan.

It's just that Qiao Feng never gave Lady Ma a proper look, so she harbored resentment; her creed is to destroy what she cannot have. Elder Xu and Quan Guanqing were both won over by her, which is why they spare no effort to expose Qiao Feng's origins.

Qiao Feng was still oblivious to this, still thinking these people were merely investigating the great conspiracy behind Ma Dayuan's death, so until now he harbored no hatred toward them.

But hearing Feng Yi coldly sneer: "Others may be ignorant of the situation, but you, a retired old fogey of the martial world, dare to play tricks in front of me—truly intolerable!"

As his words fell, Elder Xu saw a blur before him; before he could strike, Feng Yi, like lightning, seized his chest. Elders Chen and Xi had just been wounded by Feng Yi, Elders Song and Wu were tending to their injuries, and the Elders of Transmission and Law were about to render aid.

Feng Yi flicked his sleeve; the two felt a gust hit their faces, they lurched backward, yet even so the blast grazed their chins, causing a burning pain.

Elder Xu, moreover, was seized by Feng Yi on a vital point of his chest, his body instantly numbed; Feng Yi laughed loudly, hoisted him overhead, unfurled the Heavenly Net and Earthly Web lightness skill, and spun around the hall amidst hundreds of heroes.

His movement was so swift, like shooting stars and flashing lightning; the heroes saw only afterimages, unable to tell how many Feng Yis were threading through the gaps, all were horrified.

Feng Yi seemed like a flowing light phantom, turning a few circles, then rushed to Divine Doctor Xue's side, where the Mysterious Silence, Mysterious Difficulty, and the Yu twins guarded him together.

Feng Yi's body jerked to a halt with a "thud," and he flung Elder Xu before Divine Doctor Xue and the others.

Divine Doctor Xue, though nearly fainting from anger, still kept his composure and said calmly, "Excellent lightness skill!"

Qiao Feng gazed at Feng Yi, wondering inwardly: "He looks several years younger than me, about the same age as my brother Duan Yu—how could he have cultivated such martial arts?"

He knew well that although Duan Yu's internal energy was high, he lacked martial arts; against a true master he would be utterly helpless, so his strength and Feng Yi's are incomparable.

Feng Yi said coldly: "I have no grudge or enmity with any of you, neither kin nor acquaintance; seeing that a bloodbath is imminent, I merely wish to prevent it."

But if you truly refuse to listen and wish to attack Qiao Feng, then do as you please.

But since I have promised to rescue this maiden, whoever obstructs me becomes my enemy; please consider carefully, everyone.

All present drew a sharp breath of cold air,

The martial arts Feng Yi had just displayed were already peerless in the world, yet seeing this lightness skill, he had not even exerted his full strength.

The crowd instantly understood that a single strike from Feng Yi was like thunderous force, unstoppable; his martial prowess was unprecedented, his lightness skill unmatched. Even if the heroes turned against him, Feng Yi and Qiao Feng together could not withstand so many masters, and relying on those present, they might not even be able to detain them—only then would true endless turmoil arise.

How could these martial world masters, scattered in different places, possibly be together at all times?

Divine Doctor Xue frowned even more, unsure what to do. He thought: "This person's depths are unfathomable; yet since he knows of the Xiao Yao Sect and still lives, he is not of our school but must have an extraordinary lineage. If I provoke him today, I fear I cannot bear it. But if I simply let Qiao Feng go, would not my Heroes' Assembly become, as the Crane in the Clouds said, a mere assembly of bears?"

Not to mention my own loss of face, what dignity would my master have left?"

Although he had acquaintances all over the world and his sect was extraordinary, facing someone like Feng Yi he could not help but feel hesitant.

Suddenly one person stepped out of the crowd—it was Xiang Wanghai.

He saw him chuckle: "Divine Doctor Xue, Hero Feng, I happen to have an idea!"

Divine Doctor Xue gave an "oh," furrowed his brows slightly, and asked, "What idea?"

Xiang Wanghai said: "Divine Doctor Xue called this Heroes' Assembly to deal with Qiao Feng, to petition on behalf of the martial world."

Hero Feng claims Qiao Feng is wronged but offers no evidence—just one-sided testimony—and says he is not friends with him, merely trying to avoid bloodshed.

Leaving aside whether Qiao Feng's case is true or false, since you two are both great benevolent and righteous heroes of the martial world, let us, according to martial custom, earnestly request that Hero Feng and Qiao Feng compare martial skills.

Thus, it would give everyone an explanation, preserve Divine Doctor Xue's dignity, and prevent us from suffering casualties—surely that aligns with Hero Feng's original intention?

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Upon hearing this, the crowd showed keen interest, all echoing in agreement.

Simply because everyone knows Qiao Feng's martial arts are astonishing, yet Feng Yi is no ordinary fighter; a bout between him and Qiao Feng, win or lose, would be a splendid spectacle in the martial world, not a wasted trip.

Those who wished to kill Qiao Feng thought they could wear down a bit of his internal energy first, then fight him, gaining a greater chance of victory.

Moreover, some even hoped that Feng Yi and Qiao Feng would die together.

Although the hundreds present held different views, everyone was happy to go along.

Feng Yi burst into laughter: "Splendid, splendid! As a martial practitioner, not to cross hands with Qiao Feng would be a lifelong regret; to receive Brother Qiao's expert moves, I would gladly accept victory or delight in defeat!"

Upon hearing this, the crowd instantly became interested.

Qiao Feng sighed: "Brother Feng, you are my greatest confidant; your martial prowess is unparalleled in my life—only fate toys with us; please, let us begin!"

A Zhu's heart dimmed; she glanced at Feng Yi and thought silently: "This person's talk of benevolence and righteousness will ultimately make things difficult for Great Master Qiao—what a scoundrel! Just wait; I still hope the young master will cause you trouble and plead for me..."

Her thought hadn't ceased when she heard Feng Yi lightly chuckle: "Alas, my master told me that in the martial world, comparing skills is not like battlefield contention; the most important thing is to prioritize fairness."

The so-called 'you may lose a formation, but never lose a person!'

Today, Brother Qiao, for this girl, is already expending his true qi, and being deep in a heavy siege, he is bound to be distracted; although I dare not call myself a hero, such despicable acts of using power to oppress, of the many bullying the few, I would scorn to do."

The heroes heard this, and many felt indignant; isn't this just pointing at their noses and scolding them for being shameless?

Some sensible people could also understand; someone like Feng Yi, a master of his caliber, probably has no one under heaven who dares claim they could steadily defeat him in even a move or half‑move, so why would he take advantage of others' peril and throw away his reputation?

Qiao Feng laughed and said, "Feng brother, your martial arts are strong and you are heroic; if I, Qiao Feng, could avoid death, I would truly want to drink with you until we are satisfied!"

Feng Yi also laughed and said, "Qiao brother, that statement is wrong; we can call each other whatever we like here, but if we talk about the order of drinking by age, we need to clarify it clearly—I am thirty‑three this year; how old are you, that you call me brother?"

Qiao Feng stared and said, "Feng brother, you are thirty‑three?"

Feng Yi smiled and spoke loudly, "Your hair is all black, while I have a streak of white; do you still think you are older than me? I merely have a technique to keep my youthful appearance, making my face look young."

The crowd immediately exclaimed, "No wonder Feng Yi is so formidable; it turns out he is already over thirty."

Feng Yi has lived two lifetimes; his combined age is naturally greater than Qiao Feng's. Yet Qiao Feng still calls him brother—how can that be acceptable?

He is not accustomed to calling others elder brother.

Even when together with Ding Dian, knowing his own background, he never called him elder brother a few times, more often addressing him as great hero.

Moreover, now that his martial arts are accomplished, no one dares to call him elder brother.

Xiang Wanghai stared and said, "Feng Yi the great hero, are you not going to act against Qiao Feng?"

Feng Yi felt some dislike for this person who butted in, and said in a lazy tone, "If you are dissatisfied, may I ask you for a few pointers?"

Upon hearing this, Xiang Wanghai felt greatly astonished; he had thought that Feng Yi, newly entered the jianghu with high martial prowess, would naturally be full of vigor, and using Qiao Feng to gain fame would be most suitable.

Of course he also had ulterior motives. He felt humiliated when Qiao Feng pasted paper on his weapon, and wanted a fight between Feng Yi and Qiao Feng to vent his anger, but he ended up gaining nothing but boredom from his pleas.

Seeing Feng Yi's impatient look, he realized this person acted strangely and unpredictably; if he were to treat himself like Quan Guanqing and Xu Chongxiao, he would be made a plaything.

That would be even more embarrassing than Qiao Feng having paper pasted on his weapon.

Seeing that he did not immediately turn hostile, he withdrew sheepishly, still unaware how he had offended this reclusive martial arts expert.

Feng Yi said, "Divine Doctor Xue, you may refuse to give me face, but the lives of all the heroes on the field hang on your single thought; how will you decide? Give me a straight answer!"

Divine Doctor Xue shook his head and sighed, "Qiao Feng has repeatedly caused bloodshed; our ability to hold this calm discussion now is entirely out of respect for you. Given the circumstances, we cannot back down."

Feng Yi understood the implication from the string's song; he knew Divine Doctor Xue had no intention to fight further, but as the host of the Heroes' Assembly, using the pretext of dealing with Qiao Feng, he let him come and go as he pleased, leaving himself unable to save face.

Feng Yi's eyes flashed as he laughed loudly to the heavens: "Very well, since you have become renowned as a Divine Doctor, why did you study medicine?"

At such a critical moment, he suddenly asked this unrelated question, and everyone was astonished.

Divine Doctor Xue drew a long breath, then said coldly: "That is naturally to save those who ought to be saved!"

Feng Yi smiled faintly: "Divine Doctor Xue, your talent is superb, your medical skill exalted, and all in the jianghu hold you in high esteem—is it not simply that you can save lives?"

But if today you cause a bloodbath and still fail to detain Qiao Feng, even under the pretense of carrying out Heaven's justice, your reputation will surely be ruined!

Even if you could kill Qiao Feng and enjoy boundless glory, you might never be able to settle your own sect's affairs for the rest of your life.

These words left the crowd half‑understanding, but Divine Doctor Xue felt a secret alarm. The reason he practices martial arts while healing people is...

And the reason he convened this heroes' gathering today, intending to slay Qiao Feng, is both to establish prestige and to verify something. The purpose is that one day he will deal with his sect's traitor, the "Old Monster Xingxu" Ding Chunqiu.

Who would have thought he would meet Feng Yi here, and moreover have his intentions laid bare by a single sentence from him, his heart pounding, his face instantly changing color as he said: "I have never feared... feared anything concerning my sect's affairs!"

Although he said he was not afraid, in truth facing the Old Monster Xingxu he could not help but fear; his voice trembled, betraying his inner panic.

Feng Yi laughed: "Human strength has its limits; to seek mastery of every heterodox path and still aspire to attain supreme martial arts—such a person is rare even in several centuries."

You might be better off making a friend of me, Feng Yi; if he ever shows up in the Central Plains, I, Feng Mou, will relieve your worries and solve your troubles—why not?

Feng Yi knew from the original storyline that after this elder attended the Gathering of Heroes Manor once, he hid in the jianghu; when Ding Chunqiu came to the Central Plains, he was so frightened he pretended to be dead at home.

Why?

It is precisely because of the battle at Gathering of Heroes Manor: the network of contacts he had painstakingly built over the years was all severed by Qiao Feng's single‑handed feat of slaying dozens of experts!

Not only did his friends die, but how could the relatives and friends of those friends not hate him?

He no longer had the capacity to deal with Ding Chunqiu.

Although the heroes were unaware of the details and felt bewildered, since the matter involved Divine Doctor Xue's sect's enemy, mutual aid in times of trouble is customary in the jianghu. Having Feng Yi as such a strong ally is likewise like gaining an extra trump card.

To provoke him, one must first consider whether one can afford to offend such an inscrutable master as Feng Yi—this must be thought through carefully.

Divine Doctor Xue stroked his beard, looked at Feng Yi and then at Qiao Feng, and suddenly smiled: "Since Great Hero Feng is so kind‑hearted, I humbly accept!"

"Good!" Feng Yi smiled, then cupped his fists to the Twin Heroes of the Yu Clan: "Masters Yu, thank you for your hospitality; I take my leave."

Just as he was about to step forward, Divine Doctor Xue added: "Great Hero Feng, I still have a request; I wonder if you might grant it?"

Feng Yi said: "Speak, I'll listen."

Divine Doctor Xue said: "The Yu Clan Twin Heroes and I convened this heroes' gathering to seek justice for the jianghu brethren; I wonder if Brother Feng could persuade Qiao Feng to let go of past grudges—I would be deeply grateful."

Feng Yi smiled inwardly, knowing he feared that after the assembly dispersed Qiao Feng would take revenge, so he turned his gaze to Qiao Feng.

Qiao Feng laughed: "Divine Doctor Xue, rest assured; though I bear a notorious name, having finally cleared myself, I am also fiercely resentful of the arch‑villain who murdered my parents and master. The Yu Clan Twin Heroes stepping forward are true heroes; I will certainly not seek revenge afterward."

Upon hearing this, Divine Doctor Xue regained his composure and laughed heartily: "Good, even if I do not believe you, I must believe Great Hero Feng!"

Qiao Feng lifted A Zhu and walked out of the hall; Feng Yi took a few steps, his eyes suddenly brightening, a faint chill at the corners of his mouth, he flipped his wrist, drew a single blade from the waist of someone nearby, and hurled it toward the roof.

"Boom!"—the hall's tiles shook and dust flew.

As Feng Yi released the throwing knife, his body shot like an arrow; he leapt from the window, kicked off a hall pillar, used the rebound to flip upward—but suddenly a strong gust swept down from the roof.

The fierceness of the palm wind startled even Feng Yi; he thrust out a palm to block—"Boom!"—though he managed to parry the strike while airborne, the force knocked him down.

Hearing the commotion, Qiao Feng hastily set A Zhu down, tapped his feet, and unleashed the move "Proud Dragon Regrets" in midair.

He had been seething with repressed anger, never having seen his foe; upon seeing Feng Yi strike, he naturally followed close behind.

But suddenly, with a "whoosh", a figure plummeted from midair with tremendous momentum, slamming straight into Qiao Feng's palm strike; with a series of "cracks", the man's tendons and bones shattered instantly, yet he uttered no sound, and Qiao Feng too was flung down by that tremendous force.

Amid the heroes' united cries of alarm, another figure swooped down from midair, this time aiming at Feng Yi as he leapt up again.

Qiao Feng shouted: "How dare you, villain!" His foot touched the ground, and he sprang up once more.

Feng Yi cried: "Well scolded!" He shifted his body, pressed his hand on that person's shoulder, and was already on the roof.

Only then did the heroes see clearly: the two figures that had successively fallen were originally stationed on the roof to block Qiao Feng's escape, but they had been seized and thrown down like hidden weapons.

When Feng Yi and Qiao Feng mounted the roof, they saw a burly black‑clad man who had already looped a ten‑zhang‑long rope around the tall flagpole outside the gate and was swinging toward the flag holder.

The two men's faces darkened involuntarily; they launched a flying kick, and the roof tiles shot out swiftly.

The heroes also rushed out of the hall, shouting loudly; in an instant, steel darts, sleeve arrows, flying knives, iron awls, flying locust stones, and thrown arrows—all kinds of hidden weapons—flew over.

But the black-clothed person heard the sound of something breaking the air behind him, his body shrank, and he darted into the flagpole; only hearing a loud thumping, a long rope was flung from the flagpole, winding around a large tree eight or nine zhang away.

That big man swung out from the flagpole, and in a moment he had passed that tree, landing on the ground more than ten zhang from the flagpole.

He then swung the long rope again, looping it around a distant tree, and vanished without a trace.

But hearing the sound of hooves, Feng Yi, Qiao Feng, and the others realized they could not catch up, and they all stopped.

Feng Yi narrowed his eyes slightly and praised, 'What superb skill!' as if talking to himself.

Qiao Feng's eyes blazed with anger as he coldly said, 'Such a master must be the great villain who framed me.'

Feng Yi couldn't help but be startled, then laughed and said, 'How can you be so certain?'

Qiao Feng snorted, 'My every move has been tailed; thus his killing of my parents and master was so conveniently timed to let me bear the blame, and whoever could follow me without being detected must at least be a first-rate expert! This person skulks about—what is he doing here?'

The heroes also discussed heatedly; to be able to escape while Feng Yi and Qiao Feng attacked simultaneously, this black-clothed person's martial arts are extraordinarily high, rarely seen in the present age—who exactly could he be?

For a moment, the discussion never ceased!

(End of chapter)