Chapter 172: Turning Clouds and Rain Hand

Everyone was speculating about the identity of the black-clothed mysterious person, and Feng Yi's mood was also filled with astonishment and doubt.

In the original plot, Xiao Yuanshan reached out to save Qiao Feng, and Qiao Feng never considered him as someone who framed him; but now, after I stirred things up, the situation has completely changed, and Qiao Feng immediately guessed the mastermind.

Because Qiao Feng still had great confidence in his master Grand Master Xuanku's martial arts; if he truly went around challenging people in the jianghu, those who could defeat him would be few and far between.

But Qiao Feng had just unleashed the Dragon Subduing Twenty-Eight Palms, and in his frustration he exerted all his strength—yet the opponent blocked it with a single person and even sent Qiao Feng flying down from midair.

This person had the ability to kill his master, and combined with the fortuitous timing of his parents' deaths, it was enough to prove that the opponent knew his movements like the back of their hand. Therefore, this person's martial arts and conduct matched the standard of someone who framed him, and he immediately guessed correctly.

Feng Yi thought that perhaps only someone whose wife and son had been harmed could have the right to speak like Xiao Yuanshan, and he sighed softly: "Just wait and see who wields the Turning Clouds and Rain Hand!"

Qiao Feng suddenly let out a long whistle, leapt down from the roof, and upon reaching this thought, he immediately decided to go after that person.

Feng Yi also leapt down after him and called out: "Qiao brother, aren't you going to look after A Zhu?"

Qiao Feng said: "I'll leave her to you, Brother Feng."

Qiao Feng and A Zhu had not yet plighted their troth; seeing that his own affairs were beginning to clarify, he had no time for her, so he let out a long whistle and rushed out of the manor like a gust of wind.

Although the heroes were eager for Qiao Feng's life, Divine Doctor Xue had gained an advantage; since this initiator gave no order, others naturally did not stop him, and of course no one wanted to be the one to stick his neck out.

After all, Qiao Feng had rushed out like a madman; if anyone tried to stop him, they'd end up like the person he mistakenly killed—how could that be acceptable?

Only Lady Ma, Xu Chongxiao, and the others were greatly disappointed; they all wanted Qiao Feng killed, or else for him to create a bloodbath here, so that their own shameful and immoral deeds would never be exposed—all they would gain is Qiao Feng, that Khitan barbarian, heartless and cruel, breaking his oath and opening a slaughter.

But now that things have come to this, they are powerless; if they were to kidnap and pressure Divine Doctor Xue repeatedly, it would not only harm the reputation of the Beggar Sect, but also make it obvious that there is no silver here—three hundred taels nowhere to be found.

Feng Yi waited to see Qiao Feng rush out, then grabbed A Zhu by the back of her collar and gave chase, calling out: "Qiao brother, wait for me!"

He only wanted to get his hands on the secret manual, find a place to study it carefully—who had the time to look after A Zhu, that burden?

She isn't even my woman!

Everyone saw Feng Yi leading a person away, fading like light smoke, as if drifting out of the gate of Gathered Virtues Manor.

Feng Yi!

Everyone knows that a nobody whose origins are unknown will, from today onward, be the talk of everywhere.

Qiao Feng ran all the way, whistling nonstop, challenging anyone to fight; but after running more than ten li, he was already far from Gathered Virtues Manor, and there was no response.

Feng Yi held onto A Zhu and closely followed Qiao Feng, saying: "Qiao brother, if the person is hiding in the shadows, how could they confront you head-on?"

Only then did Qiao Feng stop his steps; Feng Yi let go and set A Zhu down on a rock.

Qiao Feng frowned tightly and said: "This person's martial arts are not inferior to mine; if they want to harm me, why resort to such ruthless means?"

Feng Yi sighed and said: "In this world, who can clearly explain grudges and grievances, or see the human heart plainly?"

After a moment, Qiao Feng nodded, let out a long sigh, and said: "Today I owe it to Brother Feng; today I acted on a moment's hot-headedness, actually running to Gathered Virtues Manor, where everyone hates me so much—I, Qiao Feng, am not someone who just sticks out his head to be cut down; once a battle begins, who knows how many will die or be injured?

I fear that even whether I am a Khitan or not will make every step difficult."

Before his words had finished, a crisp voice exclaimed: "Ah!"

The two turned their heads and saw A Zhu anxiously saying: "Qiao sir, saying that like this is not good!"

A Zhu's eyes locked onto Qiao Feng's face, and without waiting for the two to ask, she continued: "Since this person killed your master and your parents in your likeness, timing it so that the Shaolin monks would bump into you, it's obvious they want to ruin your reputation and make you the public enemy of the martial world.

At today's gathering at Gathered Virtues Manor, even though you haven't killed anyone, if they again use your appearance to kill people, how could you possibly make it clear?

Upon hearing this, Feng Yi's heart also jumped.

Because he felt A Zhu was right, Xiao Yuanshan would certainly do such a thing.

He simply wants to have the Han people pressure his son, so that this supremely benevolent and righteous son will conceive a certain idea.

Here, no one treats you as a friend; everyone is your enemy!

Join me in taking revenge!

"Not bad!" Qiao Feng shouted: "This despicable villain just wants me, Qiao Feng, to have no face to stand in the jianghu; I must go tell them!"

"Impossible!" A Zhu said in a clear voice: "Who would believe you? In their eyes, you're just someone spouting nonsense; if you went, they'd surely say you were putting on a show.

If someone really got killed, they'd say your action was merely trying to cover up the truth—after all, your words are hardly believed by anyone.

Seeing anger flash in his eyes, A Zhu brushed aside the hair near her ears and said with a smile: "Qiao sir, these martial arts folks are utterly unreasonable; they ignore righteousness and try to besiege you—what do you care what they do? After all, the innocent are self‑clear.

Qiao Feng's eyes suddenly lit up, and he pondered: "A Zhu, turn around and let me have a look."

A Zhu didn't understand his intention, but obeyed and turned around. Qiao Feng took off his outer garment and draped it over her.

A Zhu gave him a gentle glance over her shoulder and said: "I'm not cold."

Suddenly Feng Yi laughed and said: "They say that once a woman falls in love, her IQ drops to zero—and I'm not lying!"

A Zhu gave him a white-eyed look and spat: "You're quite a character yourself—why do you love spouting nonsense so much!"

Feng Yi chuckled, then suddenly heard Qiao Feng let out a fierce shout: "It's you!"

That shout was like thunder; A Zhu, already gravely injured, nearly collapsed, and even Feng Yi was shaken.

Qiao Feng waved a big hand, seized A Zhu's wrist, lifted her up in front of him, and snapped angrily: "So it's you! Who sent you? Speak quickly!"

A Zhu startled, murmuring: "Qiao sir, what's the matter?"

Qiao Feng said: "You once impersonated me, didn't you?"

It turned out Qiao Feng had suddenly figured out the doubt in his heart.

That day he went to Tianning Temple to rescue the Beggar Sect brothers; on the way he had once seen a person's back view, but at the time he was preoccupied with the brothers and paid no attention—yet later, seeing his own reflection in the bronze mirror of the Bodhi courtyard at Shaolin Temple, he vaguely recalled that the person's back was exactly the same as his own.

Moreover, upon arriving at Tianning Temple, the Beggar Sect heroes had already escaped danger, and everyone said that not long before they had seen him together with Murong Fu. Although he denied it vehemently, nobody believed him.

Although he found it inexplicable, he also believed that aside from someone impersonating him, there could be no other reason.

But to impersonate him, even the heroes couldn't tell, and even those he saw daily—Bai Shijing, Elder Wu, and the like—couldn't recognize him; how could that be easy?

Besides, who else could impersonate a Shaolin monk, disguise themselves as an ugly woman, so that the heroes of the world couldn't see through, possessing such a miraculous art of disguise?

Previously A Zhu thought it was fun, but on Gathered Virtues Manor, everyone used this to accuse Qiao Feng, and she became extremely worried about it, stammering: "Well… I… admit… that… I impersonated you to save people."

She then explained how she and Duan Yu had disguised themselves as him and Murong Fu, and used the antidote to save the heroes of the Beggar Sect.

Qiao Feng released her wrist and shouted sternly: "You pretended to be me to save people—what was your purpose?"

A Zhu said: "You rescued me and A Bi from the hands of the Western Xia people, and we two are deeply grateful. Seeing those beggars treat you badly, I thought: if I impersonated you, I could dispel the poison on their bodies, making them feel ashamed—and that would also be good."

He spoke, sighed, and then said: "Who would have thought that at Gathering Virtues Manor they would completely forget the kindness of old times?"

Before his words had finished, Qiao Feng coldly said: "What you say sounds pleasant, but Ma Dayuan's brothers were already considered to have been harmed by Murong Fu; I not only cleared his name, but also said I don't know Murong Fu!"

Yet you pretended to travel together with Duan Yu; you clearly saw me, why didn't you stop me, causing me, in my confusion, to blurt out a denial—how will the heroes view me, Qiao Feng?

A Zhu felt disheartened, shook her head: "At that time I didn't know you would also go to save people; seeing you, I feared you would blame me, so I dared not reveal myself!"

Qiao Feng gave a cold snort, clenched his fists, and shouted angrily: "Let's not talk about that for now—why did you impersonate me to kill my parents? Why did you sneak into Shaolin Temple to kill my master?"

Seeing the veins bulging on his forehead, A Zhu exclaimed in panic: "I didn't! I didn't!"

Qiao Feng sternly said: "My master was injured by someone; as soon as he saw me, he said it was I who dealt the poisonous blow—could it not be you?"

Saying this, he slightly raised his right palm, his face filled with killing intent; if A Zhu's reply were even slightly unsatisfactory, this palm strike would kill ten A Zhu instantly.

Seeing Qiao Feng's face full of killing intent, his eyes blazing with anger, A Zhu was terrified to the extreme,

Feng Yi burst out laughing: "She still has this ability? I never expected that!"

A Zhu was so frightened her soul left her body; hearing Feng Yi speak, she blurted: "Shut up."

Feng Yi smiled: "It's not hard for me to stay quiet—hand over the scriptures you stole from Shaolin Temple, and I'll leave right away!"

A Zhu anxiously said: "No…"

Qiao Feng suddenly said: "Brother Feng, how do you know A Zhu stole the scriptures from Shaolin Temple?"

In his fury, Qiao Feng had been making assumptions, but a single sentence from Feng Yi made him realize he had been overestimating A Zhu.

His master, Monk Xuanku, was a fellow senior disciple of the venerable monks Xuan Ci, Xuan Ji, and Xuan Nan; his martial prowess had reached the highest level of the present age. His passing was not due to poison, nor from weapons or hidden projectiles, but from his viscera being shattered by a tremendously powerful palm strike.

Those capable of injuring Monk Xuanku with palm force are few in the present age, and half of them reside within Shaolin Temple; if A Zhu could have killed Monk Xuanku, then Monk Xuan Ci's Mighty Diamond Palm would certainly not have left her clinging to life by a thread.

But hearing Feng Yi directly demand the scriptures from A Zhu aroused his suspicion, for Feng Yi possessed the skill to kill a master.

Feng Yi's words made Qiao Feng doubtful; A Zhu was nearly frightened to death by him, she patted her chest and said in astonishment: "Indeed, how did you know I stole the scriptures? Were you also at Shaolin Temple at that time?"

She had already suspected Feng Yi's intentions, and now she voiced the question directly.

Feng Yi smiled: "Brother Qiao, you surely don't think I killed your master, do you?"

Qiao Feng startled; although he felt Feng Yi's martial arts could have killed his master, that person had been impersonating him to commit the deed—after all, even on his deathbed his master could not tell them apart, showing how superb the disguise was. He furrowed his brows, lowered his eyes, and fell silent in thought.

Unexpectedly, Feng Yi wanted to hear the full story, always grinning at him; seeing Qiao Feng silent, he pressed again: "Brother Qiao, are you unwilling to speak, or have you not yet decided?"

Qiao Feng glanced at Feng Yi, seeing his solemn expression devoid of his earlier levity, he could not help but sigh: "Brother Feng, these past days my mind has been unsettled, I have spoken rashly; please forgive me."

He also apologized sincerely to A Zhu: "Qiao Feng is a rough fellow; I just frightened you—don't hold it against me!"

A Zhu laughed: "Who would blame you? If I blamed you, I wouldn't speak to you." She then wiped off her smile and softly said: "Qiao Sir, no matter how you treat me, I will never blame you for the rest of my life." Saying this, she leaned lightly against him.

Qiao Feng shook his head, speaking calmly: "Even though I saved you, there's no need to keep it in mind." He furrowed his brows and stared blankly into space.

A Zhu suddenly felt that leaning continually in Qiao Feng's embrace was somewhat improper, so she gently moved away.

Feng Yi's face broke into a smile again as he said: "Brother Qiao, let me be frank—on that night you were at Shaolin Temple, and I was there too, so I witnessed everything between you and A Zhu."

He too is stubborn; if Qiao Feng does not apologize, he will have other things to say and do.

Qiao Feng shuddered in shock, then sighed: "So that's how it is."

Feng Yi's lightness skill is so high that I have never seen its like; carrying A Zhu, he can keep pace with me for twenty li without showing the slightest breathlessness, his inner energy and lightness surpassing mine—it's no wonder I failed to notice.

A Zhu asked: "Then why did you go to Shaolin Temple?"

Feng Yi said: "I heard Shaolin is the orthodox source of martial arts under heaven, and wanted to go exchange pointers; coincidentally I saw two masters sneaking into Shaolin, so I followed…"

"Two masters?" Qiao Feng exclaimed in surprise.

Feng Yi nodded: "They are masters whose martial arts are not inferior to yours or mine."

Qiao Feng's mind reeled, and he cried out: "Two? You mean one of them impersonated my appearance and beat my master to death?"

Feng Yi said: "Exactly so. But at that time I didn't know the circumstances, nor did I know who you were; in Shaolin Temple I dared not reveal my presence, so I just watched the excitement."

Qiao Feng suddenly asked: "A Zhu, who taught you your disguise and transformation techniques? Does your master have any other disciples?"

A Zhu shook her head: "No one taught me. Since childhood I've enjoyed pretending to be others for fun; the more I learn, the more convincing I become—what master is there? Does playing also require taking a master?"

Yet Feng Yi snorted coldly: "That may not be true; doesn't your young master Murong Fu know disguise techniques?"

Qiao Feng gave an incredulous 'eh' and said: "Brother Feng, what do you mean by that?" He held Murong Fu, his equal in fame, in high regard and did not wish to class him among despicable villains.

Feng Yi smiled: "You're probably wondering why A Zhu would say that."

Qiao Feng nodded.

Feng Yi said: "It's only because she is devoted to you, knows the Murong family is formidable, was raised by them, and since Murong Fu knows disguise, perhaps she herself is unaware."

If merely a suspicion were to drive you to cause trouble for the Murong family, how could she bear it, right, Miss A Zhu?

A Zhu gave him a sideways glance and remained silent.

Feng Yi added: "Brother Qiao should know this girl is exceedingly crafty, loving to deceive; if you do not disdain her as a maid and settle your life with her, she could use the scriptures in her bosom as her dowry, which is not impossible!"

If you, Qiao Feng, pride yourself on being a hero, look down on Murong Fu's maid, and refuse to marry her, she would hand herself over to Murong Fu—humph, that would not be wasted on a master‑servant relationship either!

"Nonsense!" A Zhu snorted coldly: "I stole the scriptures from Shaolin Temple only because those monks are unreasonable!"

"Unreasonable?" Feng Yi chuckled: "Do they not receive female guests?"

A Zhu was instantly speechless, her breathing suddenly becoming rapid.

Hearing these words, Qiao Feng's mind fell into a daze; although he still esteemed Murong Fu, he had never considered marrying his maid. Yet, knowing A Zhu had impersonated him, he found himself unable to feel even a shred of resentment toward her!

Moreover, just moments ago he had feared she might truly be his enemy; now seeing her inner energy exhausted, he hurriedly infused her with his own inner energy, saying: "Brother Feng, setting aside other matters, please first save her life!"

Feng Yi nodded: "I keep my word—give me the scriptures, and I will certainly return you a lively, jumping bride!"

Qiao Feng, not knowing whether it was guilt or something else, felt rather annoyed and said: "Brother Feng, saving lives is urgent—stop spouting nonsense…"

Unexpectedly, A Zhu said: "Qiao Sir, do you dislike A Zhu?" Qiao Feng gave no answer.

A Zhu softly said: "If you don't like me, why did you rush all the way to Gathering Virtues Manor just to treat my wounds?"

Now why bother with me at all? You might as well let me die!

Qiao Feng's face flushed red, he was momentarily lost for words; earlier, facing the heroes of the Central Plains, he had been like a raging dragon or vicious tiger, fearing nothing, but being toyed with at A Zhu's whim left him feeling somewhat at a loss.

Feng Yi watched, wishing he could turn away and burst out laughing, and said in a low voice: "Even the mighty Bei Qiao Feng has such a demeanor—truly rare!"

"What Bei Qiao Feng!" Qiao Feng shook his head: "Feng brother also saw it; facing that great villain, Qiao Feng was defeated like water, his mind in chaos, not understanding why—Qiao Feng, unworthy of the title hero!"

His words were utterly despondent.

A Zhu, seeing his misery, felt pity and comforted him: "Master Qiao, do not blame yourself. That person's martial arts are so high he can only resort to scheming and deceit, which shows he fears you greatly!"

Qiao Feng glanced at her, and Feng Yi laughed: "This emotional value is maxed out; Qiao brother, if you don't kiss her, you're not a man!"

Qiao Feng, moved by Feng Yi's heartfelt words, said: "A Zhu, I think I am eight or nine tenths a Khitan—do you know?"

He had asked A Zhu this before,

but A Zhu replied: "Don't indulge in wild thoughts; that will never happen. If the Khitan could produce a good person like you, we would not hate the Khitan at all."

Qiao Feng then realized: if I truly am Khitan, even a maid like A Zhu would not care for me, leaving him feeling that though heaven and earth are vast, there is no place for him to belong.

=9+book bar

At this moment A Zhu had already sensed the mystery, and knowing Qiao Feng knew Zhu Xian Manor was a dragon's pool and tiger's den yet still brought her there for treatment, she could not help but say: "Master Qiao, no matter who you are, I only want to know whether you like A Zhu or not."

A Zhu, like all Han people, originally hated the Khitan to the bone, but in her heart Qiao Feng is a heavenly being; even if he were merely Khitan, or a demonic beast, she would not leave him—this statement already abandoned a maiden's reserve.

Qiao Feng, however, coldly said: "A Zhu, I saved your life not from the heart, but merely a momentary show of strength."

So you look down on me in your heart; there's no need to hypocritically say nice things!"

A Zhu's heart panicked; unable to restrain herself, she stood and said: "Master Qiao, you are a hero, yet you despise this lowly servant girl; I would rather die myself than live like this. I, A Zhu, say what I mean and do what I say!"

Feng Yi chuckled: "Fine, if you don't want to marry Qiao brother, then hand over the scripture first!"

Qiao Feng had indeed heard A Zhu's sincere words and felt moved; seeing her eyes brimming with tears, he involuntarily reached out and took her hand, softly saying: "A Zhu, you are Murong's servant, not mine; I… I would not look down on you? Only I…"

A Zhu said: "I don't need your pity; if you look down on me in your heart, there's no need to hypocritically say nice things."

She mimicked Qiao Feng's words, tone and inflection exactly alike, yet her eyes sparkled with mischief.

Qiao Feng laughed heartily; in his moment of despair, having such a clever, lively girl to joke and comfort him dispelled his worries greatly, yet he also knew that after this, the fearless Qiao Feng would vanish as well.

Feng Yi, however, grew impatient: "You two, pledged for life—do you now think no one else exists?"

The two immediately blushed, hastily let go; A Zhu solemnly said: "Elder brother, I stole this scripture to give to the young master, hoping he would read it and then burn it at my father's grave to fulfill his wish."

As she spoke, she took out an oilcloth bundle from her bosom and placed it in Qiao Feng's hand, saying: "That day, Master Murong and the young master discussed martial arts, saying the Shaolin sect's fame comes from its seventy-two supreme arts, which cannot be denied as formidable, but to claim they alone make them leaders of all martial arts and the foremost under heaven is still questionable; it likely stems from the *Yi Jin Jing*."

Master Murong earnestly warned the young master: never rely on ancestral martial arts, look down on Shaolin disciples; since the temple possesses this scripture, perhaps a gifted monk could master it. This book is now in your hands—whether to give it to him is yours to decide.

Qiao Feng nodded, thinking: "The Gusu Murong clan is renowned worldwide yet not arrogant—truly rare."

Qiao Feng personally saw her disguise as Monk Xu Qing, steal the scripture from behind the bronze mirror in the Bodhi Courtyard, never expecting it to be the Shaolin internal secret *Yi Jin Jing*. The Shaolin elders Xu Ji and Xu Nan, dreaming in their sleep, never imagined the lost scripture was on her person.

Qiao Feng smiled: "You risked death nine times over to steal this from Shaolin, intending to give it to Murong's young master, but now your life matters most!"

Saying this, he handed the oilcloth bundle to Feng Yi: "Please, Brother Feng, display your great skill!"

Feng Yi smiled, opened the bundle, and saw a thin little book of yellow paper; the cover bore several twisted, strange characters, and he thought: "Indeed so!"

Turning to the first page, he saw it filled with characters, but they were slanted, circles, hooks—none recognizable; the back was the same.

Qiao Feng's keen eyes also saw it, and he asked: "What kind of script is this?"

Feng Yi said faintly: "Probably Sanskrit, I'd guess!"

A Zhu exclaimed "Ay!" and said: "So it's all Sanskrit—this is terrible.

I originally wanted to burn this book for my father; as a maid I shouldn't have read it first, so after obtaining it I dared not open it. Alas, no wonder the monks had their martial arts secrets stolen yet didn't care much—turns out it's a heavenly book no one can read!" As she spoke, her body trembled slightly, tears tracing down her cheeks.

Qiao Feng instantly understood, sighed, and looked pleadingly at Feng Yi, fearing he would obtain the heavenly book and refuse to help.

After all, translating a Sanskrit internal cultivation manual is not as simple as finding anyone who knows Sanskrit; a single misunderstood character in the internal mind method brings endless trouble.

Thus the Chinese version of the *Yi Jin Jing* transmitted in Shaolin was comprehended by Tang dynasty general Li Jing and a Buddhist elder.

The Sanskrit outline of the *Nine Yin True Classic* was successfully translated by Monk Yideng after days of effort, then passed to Guo Jing and Huang Rong—for this reason.

If one could just grab any Indian person to translate Sanskrit internal secrets, it would be far too easy.

Likewise, giving a Chinese internal secret to someone who knows Chinese does not guarantee they can grasp its meaning.

Therefore, writing internal cultivation in Sanskrit prevents transmission to unworthy persons, because only those who can accurately translate it are exceptional talents versed in both literature and martial arts.

Such people, after cultural refinement, even if they do evil, will still respect their station and not become uncontrollable.

Feng Yi laughed: "Heavenly book or divine skill, since you gave it to me, I must keep my promise and heal your wounds."

He rewrapped the oilcloth bundle and said: "Qiao brother, let's go!"

Qiao Feng carried A Zhu eastward for ten li, saw rolling hills and verdant shade, and in a mountain hollow spotted a dwelling; upon arrival, a farming couple was there, Qiao Feng gave them several taels of silver, and they stayed.

Qiao Feng laid A Zhu on the bed, thoughts surging like a tide, his chest boiling with hot blood; knowing he had repeatedly transferred his qi to A Zhu, depleting his internal force, he said: "Trouble Brother Feng." He sat cross-legged on a chair beside the bed to restore his internal power.

Feng Yi did not refuse; placing his hand on A Zhu's wrist, his internal power surged, and he instantly sensed her meridians intertwining like flowing water, while her pulse was faint, revealing tiny gaps—clearly shaken by fist force.

As Feng Yi touched her, A Zhu felt a hot current flow from his fingertips straight through, warming her heart like fire; the pain vanished instantly, and she could not help but smile at Feng Yi.

Seeing this, Feng Yi said: "Miss, do you know you look ugly now? Men love beauties; don't smile, lest I lose control and deviate my qi."

Although A Zhu is naturally fair-skinned and beautiful, she has been wearing a disguise all along; this smile, frankly, is not commendable.

Feng Yi had reason to suspect that just now Qiao Feng's reluctance to accept A Zhu stemmed from staring at that face and feeling no interest.

A Zhu snorted: "As the saying goes: 'An ugly wife is a treasure; a beautiful wife brings many worries'!"

Feng Yi laughed: "Qiao brother, you face that face every day—do you still want her as your wife?"

Upon hearing this, A Zhu nearly fainted from anger; were it not for her life in his hand, she would have to argue with him.

Qiao Feng was meditating with eyes closed; hearing this, he smiled faintly and said nothing.

Feng Yi said: "Qiao brother, A Zhu's injury I can heal alone, but men and women should not be intimate; please assist."

Upon hearing this, A Zhu's face flushed.

Qiao Feng nodded: "Good!"

He had once applied medicine to A Zhu and seen her body; now they were plighted troth, and he felt nothing awkward.

Feng Yi then said: "A Zhu's meridians were shaken; I will teach you a healing method: you two press palms together, A Zhu should circulate her internal breath in the small and large heavenly circuits, but her foundation is too shallow to do so, so I will wrap her internal power with my own and circulate the heavenly circuit."

Once she is familiar with the method and her injury begins to improve, Qiao Brother will pass his internal breath to her to help, and the two of you will together gently regulate her meridians, circulating the small and heavenly circuits forward and reverse for thirty-six cycles; within seven days she should recover.

He then explained the healing method from the Nine Yin True Classic.

You should know that Feng Yi has endured a calamity; although his internal energy has suffered great loss, in the application of his internal skill he has reached a higher level, having deeply grasped the essence of the Divine Illumination Classic and the Nine Yin True Classic. Now his Divine Illumination Skill lacks perfect merit—this is merely because his power has not yet reached that level.

Therefore he needs the method from the Muscle/Tendon Change Classic to see if it can fill the gaps and make up for shortcomings.

Qiao Feng is also a martial arts expert, and coming from the great Shaolin sect, upon hearing this healing method he gained great insight and praised: 'Brother Feng, you truly are versed in heaven and man; Qiao Feng admires you!'

A Zhu, seeing Qiao Feng say that, joyfully asked: 'Do I have a chance to be saved?'

Qiao Feng said: 'You will surely be fine.'

The healing method of the Nine Yin True Classic involves guiding one's internal energy to heal oneself, but A Zhu's skill is too shallow, so she cannot do it. If Feng Yi were to use his Divine Illumination Skill to heal her with external force, it would inevitably involve touching some of a woman's private parts. Therefore he passed the method to the two of them.

A Zhu asked: 'Then during these seven days and nights, the healer's and the patient's palms must not be separated; what if trouble arises?'

Feng Yi waved his hand and said: 'Only when the patient is circulating the small and heavenly circuits forward and reverse must the two palms not be apart; at other inconvenient times, there is no need for the palms to stick together.'

I will initially help you guide your internal energy onto the proper path, with Qiao Brother guarding from the side; once I help you smooth your true qi, he will join palms with you, and then I will guard you both—what else do you have to worry about?

A Zhu laughed: 'That sounds great!'

The farming couple had prepared the meal; after they ate, they studied the method for a while, and a crescent moon, white and thin, appeared in the eastern sky.

Feng Yi said: 'Miss A Zhu, remove your disguise; I have no objection, but if Brother Qiao had to face that face for seven days, he'd probably lose his appetite for drink.'

Qiao Feng shook his head: 'Brother Feng, you're teasing me.'

The two went out to look around, and A Zhu also removed her disguise.

When Feng Yi and Qiao Feng entered, they saw a lovely young woman, half-smiling.

Feng Yi saw she was about sixteen or seventeen, her waist slender like a willow, her features resembling Cheng Ying's, with an oval face,

whereas Cheng Ying gives an impression of purity and dignity, she has a mischievous look, lively eyes, and a wholly different temperament.

Feng Yi clapped and laughed: 'How nice—a round face, big eyes, arched brows!'

All women cherish their appearance and enjoy hearing praise of their beauty, especially before the man they love; hearing his compliments, A Zhu gave Qiao Feng a lingering, affectionate glance.

Feng Yi said: 'Let's begin the healing!'

He had A Zhu sit on the bed, Feng Yi placed his palm on her back, and A Zhu immediately felt her internal true qi full and surging, strength throughout her limbs, and Feng Yi's voice sounded in her ears: 'Focus on sensing the circulation route.'

As he spoke, A Zhu felt where the true qi passed, her meridians numb, tingling, sore, and itchy, a mixture of sensations, yet she could not move a muscle, only listening and submitting. When she heard Feng Yi say, 'Qiao Brother, extend your hand!'

Only then did A Zhu feel her back lighten, yet a warm, comfortable internal energy flowed into her hand; after several cycles of true qi, she sensed that her true qi had order, had taken shape, and was gradually entering the state of selflessness.

Not knowing how long had passed, she opened her eyes to see Qiao Feng withdraw his palm, sitting opposite her, looking absentminded, and she involuntarily asked: 'Big brother, what are you thinking about?'

Qiao Feng said: 'I have been thinking about one thing.'

A Zhu asked: 'What is it?'

She turned her head and saw that Feng Yi was gone from the room: 'Is it about the Muscle/Tendon Change Classic?'

She secretly thought that Qiao Feng, coming from Shaolin, had had its supreme treasure taken by Feng Yi, which weighed heavily on her mind.

Who would have expected Qiao Feng to shake his head and say: 'A Zhu, if a man has no reputation for lust, yet people say he slept with a beauty, what does that mean?'

A Zhu without hesitation replied: 'What need to ask? It certainly means he likes that woman.'

She misunderstood the meaning, saying as her jade cheeks flushed, like white jade smeared with two dabs of rouge, adding charm.

Qiao Feng slightly nodded, then suddenly rose.

A Zhu snapped: 'Big brother, why did you suddenly bring this up?'

'Because he heard my words!'

Then Feng Yi walked into the room.

Qiao Feng turned to face Feng Yi and said: 'Brother Feng, you said you have dealings with the Beggars' Sect; I don't know about that, though I can understand Quan Guanqing's desire to become chief, but why do you say he slept with a beauty? Do you know some inside information?'

A Zhu saw Qiao Feng's expression, unprecedentedly solemn, yet she did not understand why.

Feng Yi, however, knew that his quiet words to Quan Guanqing at the Gathering Heroes Manor had been overheard by Qiao Feng; although he had intended it, he also secretly admired the other's profound internal strength.

Feng Yi's mouth curled slightly, half-smiling, he said: 'Brother Qiao, I know you didn't kill Ma Dayuan, and I can help you clear your name, but you must agree to one condition!'

Qiao Feng and A Zhu were both stunned.

Another condition to agree to?

It seems everything he does requires bargaining!

A Zhu snorted: 'Everyone calls you Great Hero Feng; can't you live up to the name?'

Feng Yi laughed: 'Being a hero may earn respect, but it's a personal loss; I don't have such high moral standards!'

Qiao Feng nodded: 'What is the condition?'

Feng Yi said word by word: 'Help me kill someone!'

(End of chapter)