Chapter 173: with translation of chapter title

Qiao Feng had always lived freely with gratitude and grudges, yet he was repeatedly manipulated by others, not even knowing who was doing it; his heart was already filled with resentment. Upon hearing these words from Feng Yi, a sharp light flashed in his eyes, locking onto Feng Yi.

During this period, unsure whether he was Khitan or Han, he himself was uncertain, causing his mood to be gloomy and somewhat absent-minded. Yet given Qiao Feng's formidable reputation in the martial world, how could he possibly become an assassin?

A Zhu also angrily said: "Qiao Brother, you and he get along well; you know he is wronged, not defending him would already be bad enough—how could you let him become an assassin?"

Even if you are not a great hero, that would be one thing, but to so blatantly disregard righteousness—how could that be the conduct of a hero and good fellow?

Moreover, your martial skill is not inferior to Qiao Brother's; if you cannot kill someone, how could he?

Feng Yi glanced askance, coldly laughing: "Miss A Zhu, you are mistaken; I never considered myself a great hero, so how could I be considered a hero and good fellow?"

Could it be that, in your understanding, someone like those four villains who do not conceal their evil deeds is also considered a hero and good fellow?

If the words "hero and good fellow" are taken without regard for virtue, do you not think they are too cheap?

Moreover, to be a hero and good fellow like Qiao Brother, who is manipulated by others, ruined in reputation, and powerless to retaliate?

Qiao Feng and A Zhu were instantly speechless.

Feng Yi deeply knew that if Qiao Feng were not a hero and good fellow, his tragedy might not have occurred; one must ask, would Lady Ma and Quan Guanqing and their ilk dare to frame him? No, it's simply that gentlemen can be bullied with impunity!

If it were me, damn it, I'd have done it myself!

Since I've killed one, I can kill two!

Go on framing then!

A Zhu and Qiao Feng also understood Feng Yi's meaning, which is why they didn't know what to say.

Feng Yi continued: "Second, we are both youths of the martial world. What is the martial world? It is a place without law, only rules, righteousness, and grudges—basically the fundamental morality of being human, yet few people observe it."

Thus, each person's understanding of the martial world differs.

What I, Feng Yi, believe in is reciprocity: one part effort, one part reward!

If one speaks of mutual affinity and instant friendship, yet seeks to gain without effort, that is like building a tower on sand, a pavilion hanging in midair; once a conflict of interest arises, it becomes torment for anyone.

Speaking of cutting robes to sever righteousness, or drinking to break ties, is merely the most laughable kind of radical practice.

What use is it to have such easily severed affection and righteousness?

It would be better if, from the start, everyone were clear about owing nothing to each other; later, even if we turn against each other, it would be straightforward!

Third, the fact that I cannot kill someone does not mean Qiao Feng cannot; just as he cannot kill you, A Zhu, does that mean I, Feng Yi, cannot? How can this be judged solely by martial strength?

These words made Qiao Feng feel moved: he makes friends based solely on mutual affinity, but what is the final outcome?

Knowing his own Khitan identity, he still longs for old ties, yet everyone seems eager to kill him as soon as possible!

Indeed, learning martial arts is no different: at the outset one must solidify the foundation; otherwise, when facing a strong foe, one will inevitably suffer a great loss.

In an instant, Qiao Feng's mind flooded with thoughts, one scene after another, all of his parents, teachers, and their interactions with him, thinking: "Although everyone says I am Khitan, perhaps all this is the slander of a great villain."

Thus, it was those who knew the truth of my birth—my parents and teachers—who successively died miserably; I, Qiao Feng, a true man, have been manipulated into ruin and disgrace, beyond redemption, and now I am caught in the whirlpool of betraying my teacher and killing my parents. If I still care about my reputation, causing my grievances to remain unredressed, that would be one thing, but the grudges of my parents and teachers are hard to avenge—what face do I, Qiao Feng, have to stand between heaven and earth?

Qiao Feng gritted his teeth and slowly said: "Sir, whom do you wish to kill?"

Feng Yi said each word clearly: "Wanyan Aguda!"

Qiao Feng felt doubtful: "Wanyan Aguda?" He frowned and said: "I've never heard of this person!"

Feng Yi said: "Don't hide it from you, Qiao Brother—this person is the chieftain of the Jurchen tribe of Changbai Mountain. I once trained in Changbai Mountain beyond the pass for over twenty years. I had an elder brother who passed his martial arts to me; he fell in love with a woman. In order to obtain my elder brother's martial arts secret manual, the followers of Wanyan Aguda did not hesitate to use the daughter, breaking my elder brother's leg tendons; moreover, to harm him, they did not hesitate to kill the daughter, smearing deadly poison on her corpse, which caused my elder brother to die."

I avenged him, yet I discovered that their tribespeople were strong and brutal, committing rape, pillage, and every evil; their chieftain Wanyan Aguda was even more ambitious. I originally wanted to eliminate him, but they provoked the Khitan, were defeated, and fled into the White Mountains and Black Waters, making their whereabouts hard to trace, so I had to give up as well.

But I thought that perhaps Qiao Brother might one day live beyond the pass; if you encounter him, please eliminate him for me!

"You're talking nonsense!" A Zhu shouted: "Why would Qiao Brother go live beyond the pass?"

Feng Yi rolled his eyes and coldly said: "Well, if Qiao Brother grows weary of the martial world and no longer wishes to stay in the Central Plains, then miss, you need not follow him beyond the pass to herd sheep and graze horses."

A Zhu was momentarily speechless from anger.

Qiao Feng said: "If I am truly Khitan and my true nature is exposed, that is only fitting. But the grudge against my parents and teachers must be avenged! If I do not hack him into mincemeat, how could Qiao Feng willingly go beyond the pass to herd sheep and graze horses?"

As he spoke, his voice grew louder and more impassioned. Although his demeanor is no longer as gloomy as before, his hatred for this great villain will not diminish in the slightest.

A Zhu secretly felt afraid. She knew that Qiao Feng's words "this grudge must not go unavenged" inevitably entail countless fierce battles, blood, and lives; with tears in her eyes, she said: "Elder brother, this great villain has harmed you so treacherously; I only hope to first slash him a few times, to help you vent your anger."

After we capture him, we will also hold a great hero's feast, inviting heroes and outstanding figures from all under heaven, to publicly explain your grievances and restore your pure reputation.

Qiao Feng always felt that this great villain was always a step ahead; his martial skill is not inferior to mine, and his strategies are far superior. Before me, everything is always a haze, yet my every action is clear to him; in my whole life, I have never encountered such a formidable opponent.

Although the stronger the enemy, the more his spirit and fighting spirit rise, with no trace of fear, yet the enemy lurks in the dark while I stand in the light—I may not necessarily be able to win.

If I am truly forced to be unable to take a step in the Central Plains, then the only option is to seek refuge beyond the pass; wondering whether A Zhu would be willing to share such a life with me, my heart is filled with mixed joy and sorrow, indescribable.

A Zhu, observing his words and expression, said: "Qiao Brother, no matter who you are or what you do, whether you are a hero and good fellow or a bandit, herding sheep and grazing horses, there will always be someone who respects you, admires you, feels grateful to you, and is willing to stay by your side forever, generation after generation, to endure hardship, humiliation, peril, and suffering alongside you." She spoke with utmost sincerity.

Even though Qiao Feng possessed heroic vigor, hearing these words he could not help but be deeply moved, bursting into loud laughter; A Zhu's sentence: "Willing to stay by your side forever, generation after generation, to endure hardship, humiliation, peril, and suffering alongside you."

She knew the road ahead was full of thorns, yet she willingly accepted it without regret; feeling grateful, though her face was smiling, hot tears filled her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.

Feng Yi, seeing the two, couldn't help but think: "If it weren't for me, you would ultimately be just a dream! Alas, perhaps in another world you would still suffer separation and death."

He immediately clapped his hands and said: "The two of you—one lovely and charming, the other heroic and bold—truly a match made in heaven; may heaven bless you, so don't be so pessimistic."

As long as you follow my arrangements, not only can we achieve a pair of immortal lovers, but it will also be a deed of immeasurable merit for the world!

"Don't flatter yourself." A Zhu's face flushed, she spat and said: "Can killing still be considered immeasurable merit?"

Feng Yi coldly laughed: "Although you are smart, your vision is too narrow—killing one can save thousands, how is that not merit? Wanyan Aguda has the ability to let countless families be destroyed and ruined!" He thought: "The Khitan were destroyed, the Song suffered the Jingkang humiliation—was it not all due to the founding emperor of the Jin state?"

A Zhu's face suddenly flushed crimson, and she was momentarily unable to speak.

Feng Yi deeply knew that Wanyan Aguda was the founding emperor of the Jin state; he died early, and whether the Jin state could rise is unknown.

But if he were not dead, he would become a bloody fact; therefore he must die!

However, Feng Yi truly felt some fear in killing these founding emperors, for they might truly have heavenly protection; after all, in the Tianlong world, Wanyan Aguda, if not saved by the Khitan Xiao Feng, would have been destroyed by Yelu Hongji, and then there would be no founding emperor of the Jin state, Wanyan Aguda.

Perhaps the fact that the Liao state was destroyed would also not exist.

Qiao Feng said: "You mean that Wanyan Aguda will launch a war?"

Although Qiao Feng is by nature bold and unrestrained, having served as chief of the Beggars' Sect for many years and daily paying attention to state and military affairs, his concerns go beyond mere grudges and profit-seeking in the martial world.

Feng Yi praised: "Qiao Brother, you are indeed a hero and outstanding talent—your words hit the mark. The Jurchen tribe has sayings like 'Jurchen not exceeding ten thousand, if ten thousand they cannot be resisted'; what purpose do you serve by speaking such bold and grandiose words?"

Isn't it just to give the clansmen a shot of adrenaline, to stir up war, wipe out the Khitan and Han, and seize this flourishing world?

Between nations and ethnic groups, once hostilities break out, who knows how many will die because of it; his death—how is that not merit?

Qiao Feng then nodded and said: "Good! If it's truly as you say, and you can clear my name, then when I meet Wanyan Aguda, I will surely kill him!"

"Refreshing!" Feng Yi clapped and laughed loudly: "But I know Brother Qiao is a man of his word; however, you sometimes let your spirit get the better of you. Wanyan Aguda is a chieftain, naturally possessing extraordinary abilities—you absolutely must not, out of bravado, forget today's promise."

Otherwise, this sort of wicked schemer, once he gains power, will inevitably become uncontrollable in the future, the common folk will suffer slaughter, and you and I will no longer be able to remain friends as we are today.

Feng Yi knew that Qiao Feng was sometimes hard to judge.

He saw the Khitan kill the Jurchen, then helped the Jurchen kill the Khitan, and captured Yelü Hongji.

But seeing that Yelü Hongji feared no death, a true hero, he ostensibly took him away under the pretense of killing him, yet instead released him, swore brotherhood, and ultimately found himself torn between two sides, committing suicide at Yumen Pass.

If Yelü Hongji had been killed early in the Jurchen tribe, perhaps everything would have been different.

Qiao Feng didn't know Feng Yi's thoughts, but seeing his earnestness, he clasped his hands and said: "Thank you for your guidance."

Feng Yi waved his hand: "Don't mention it, don't mention it; I'm purely speaking from good intentions, Brother Qiao, please don't take offense."

A Zhu snorted coldly: "If you're well-meaning, are there any bad people left in the world?"

Seeing this scene, Qiao Feng somehow felt the two were natural-born adversaries, constantly sparring without yielding.

Feng Yi laughed heartily, clasped his hands, and said: "To earn the lady's praise, even being a scoundrel is a delight!"

A Zhu is quick-witted; meeting Feng Yi is meeting a match, so she never forgets to spar—it's her nature.

Thus, in male-female unions, complementary personalities are always emphasized.

If both are strong-willed, or both clever and wise, they think only of contesting, unwilling to yield to the other—take Wang Zhongyang and Lin Chaoying, for example; had either possessed a slightly weaker temperament, they would not have ended up regretting.

A Zhu half-smiled, half-chided: "Since Elder Brother Qiao has agreed, how do you plan to proceed?"

Feng Yi smiled: "Gentlemen, don't rush; first tend to your wounds. Later, ask less and observe more—just watch me monkey around." He laughed loudly and left the room nonchalantly.

Qiao Feng and A Zhu exchanged a glance, shook their heads with a wry smile, and resumed tending to their injuries.

Feng Yi endured two years of austere practice in the hidden valley; though he trained martial arts, it was also a joy of life, and he lost track of time. Yet, having grown restless from stillness, he finally left the mountains.

Therefore, whether it's going to the Manor of Heroes to stop the bloodshed and press A Zhu and Qiao Feng, or immediately targeting Lady Ma, Quan Guanqing and their ilk.

Nothing else!

It's merely a pastime to alleviate his lonely life.

Having come to this world, he has nothing he must necessarily do; even the Yi Jin Jing martial arts manual is held with a casual, indifferent attitude, lacking any urgent drive to obtain it—this amounts to losing his life's purpose, and if he doesn't find some amusement, he will grow bored to death.

In the blink of an eye, seven days passed, and A Zhu's injuries healed.

That morning, Feng Yi said: "Miss A Zhu, we need to find the whereabouts of the Beggars' Sect members; please give Brother Qiao a disguise."

A Zhu smiled: "That's easy enough. Only, the renowned Hero Qiao—would he be willing to disguise himself?"

Qiao Feng laughed: "A Zhu, since we're going to follow Brother Feng's lead, we must obey his orders—tell me what sort of person I should pose as."

Upon hearing him say "we," A Zhu's heart blossomed with joy—it meant he agreed to take her along. She beamed and said: "Your stature is tall and sturdy; standing out draws everyone's gaze. It's best to disguise yourself as an ordinary-looking jianghu hero with no distinctive features—such folk you could bump into hundreds of times a day on the road, so no one would give you a second look."

Qiao Feng said: "Fine! I'll follow your lead."

A Zhu immediately set to work.

Her disguise tools were always at hand—flour, paste, brown gum, ink; mixing various ingredients, she concealed Qiao Feng's many distinctive facial features one by one.

A Zhu then added a faint moustache to his upper lip; when Qiao Feng looked in the mirror, he didn't even recognize himself.

A Zhu, following her own disguise, made herself into a middle-aged man, then turned to Feng Yi and said: "Sir Feng, your fame surely shakes the world, and with that strand of white hair, do you need me to apply something for you?"

Feng Yi gave a slight smile, pulled a human-skin mask from his bosom, placed it on his face, and laughed loudly: "How about this?"

Seeing his zombie-like corpse face, A Zhu shivered involuntarily and laughed: "You'd better not laugh, lest I can't help but choke."

He had learned that sentence from Feng Yi's own words to her that day, even mimicking the tone exactly; had Feng Yi not heard and seen it himself, he could hardly believe that this woman's mouth could produce his voice, leaving him stunned.

Qiao Feng glanced at A Zhu, then at Feng Yi; their eyes met, and they burst into loud laughter, while A Zhu also giggled.

The three left the farmhouse and immediately set off to pursue the Beggars' Sect.

This is Henan territory; the Beggars' Sect headquarters lies in Luoyang, Henan. Qiao Feng knows the way like the back of his hand, but Feng Yi said: "We're going to find Lady Ma; Brother Qiao, you should know the place, right?"

Qiao Feng stared, startled, while A Zhu exclaimed: "You mean Quan Guanqing is having an affair with Lady Ma?"

Whether in the Apricot Forest or within the Manor of Heroes, Lady Ma's words and demeanor toward Qiao Feng were full of hostility, and she often slandered him.

Though Qiao Feng was greatly displeased, upon reflection he realized that, having lost her husband and believing him to be Qiao Feng's doing, her hatred was understandable; if she didn't hate him, it would be unreasonable.

Furthermore, considering she is a widow with no martial arts, threatening or intimidating her would greatly tarnish his heroic reputation, let alone using force to interrogate her. Hearing A Zhu say this, he grew even more astonished and said: "A Zhu, this is not something to speak rashly!" A Zhu replied: "Elder Brother, I also haven't sensed anything amiss, but since Brother Feng said Quan Guanqing slept with a beauty and is now heading to Lady Ma's residence, he must indeed be here."

Feng Yi glanced at A Zhu, his eyes showing approval, and said: "A Zhu is indeed clever."

Actually, you hadn't noticed before, and it's not your fault. Brother Qiao is generous and heroic, never glancing at other women, let alone a brother's wife. A Zhu is smart, but lacking experience in male-female affairs, she naturally wouldn't notice anything odd; however, I, Feng Yi, am a carefree rake for whom nothing under heaven compares to a beautiful woman, so at the Manor of Heroes I was constantly watching Lady Ma!

A Zhu spat: "Shameless!"

Qiao Feng hastily said: "Brother Feng, please continue."

Feng Yi gave a slight smile and said: "Moreover, the cultivation method I practice is rather special—it connects the heart meridian to the profound abyss, emphasizes the principle of retaining fullness, embraces heaven and earth with bright wisdom, conveys the primal spirits of all things, and reflects the myriad phenomena of the world; thus my perception is several times that of ordinary people."

Therefore, when I spied on Lady Ma, I noticed that her gaze when interacting with Xu Chongxiao, Quan Guanqing, Bai Shijing and the like was extremely abnormal!

Having heard the Murong father and son critique martial arts under heaven, A Zhu is fairly well-informed; hearing Feng Yi say her divine skill is so marvelous, she couldn't help but exclaim: "Is it really that powerful?"

Qiao Feng then asked: "What about them is wrong?"

Feng Yi murmured: "Lady Ma, whether intentionally or not, looks at these few individuals just as one would look at a sycophant."

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"A sycophant?" A Zhu remarked strangely.

Feng Yi gave a faint smile: "How to describe it? Basically, it means contempt."

Everyone thinks, what gives a widow the right to look down on the Beggars' Sect's person of real power?

And Xu Chongxiao and the others regard Lady Ma just like a lapdog sees its master!

Qiao Feng's face suddenly darkened, and he said coldly: "Brother Feng, do you know what this means?"

Feng Yi said lightly: "I naturally know; if this is true, what face do you Beggar Sect have left? That's why I held back my anger at the Heroes' Gathering!"

"But if this matter is true, Qiao Brother, you know best!" Saying that, he went ahead.

Qiao Feng was stunned.

Although he had already left the Beggar Sect, his benefactor Wang Jian Tong had passed the chief position to him, and Bai Shijing was on extremely good terms with him; if they were all colluding with Madam Ma to frame him merely because of a woman's beauty, the Beggar Sect's centuries-old reputation for righteousness would surely be wiped out.

A Zhu also realized this, reached out and gripped Qiao Feng's big hand, comforting: "He's only guessing; don't take it to heart."

Actually, he felt a sour sorrow he could not suppress: "Qiao Elder Brother, a generation of heroes, yet reduced to disgrace and ruin by a few shameless scoundrels!"

Thinking of this, his desire to clear his name grew ever more urgent.

Feng Yi walked a few steps, seeing Qiao Feng still dazed, he involuntarily said softly: "Qiao Brother, if you can't bear it, what's the point of clearing your grievances? Just find a mountain ditch and settle down!"

Qiao Feng's eyes seemed about to bleed; he suddenly exhaled deeply and said: "Forget it, whatever you say is best is true." Then he followed A Zhu.

Qiao Feng felt conflicted, because Xu Chongxiao had secluded himself from the jianghu for over ten years, yet suddenly emerged; Quan Guanqing is merely a rudder chief, though clever and resourceful, he is no fearless hero—how could he dare do this?

Yet Bai Shijing did not participate in the rebellion against him; if he too were part of Madam Ma's faction, why would he act this way?

Qiao Feng's mind felt like a paste of starch!

On the third night, the three arrived at Xinyang, reached an inn, had a meal; while eating, they heard someone in the corner whisper softly: "The deaths of the You Twin Heroes are truly tragic!"

Feng Yi and Qiao Feng both had profound inner energy, their hearing reaching far; although the person's voice was soft, they still heard it, and could not help but be startled: "Sure enough, A Zhu guessed correctly."

Then another voice said: "At Villa of Gathered Worthies, Qiao Feng this bastard was basically a turtle in a jar, with no escape whatsoever; yet Feng Yi insisted on protecting him, and Divine Doctor Xue and the You Twin Heroes let him go, only to bring harm upon themselves!"

Feng Yi couldn't help but realize: he had helped Qiao Feng, refrained from killing at Villa of Gathered Worthies, yet the You Twin Heroes still died; the perpetrator must undoubtedly be Xiao Yuanshan, or perhaps he suffered a lapse.

It's only one family dead; compared to ten families dead, we haven't lost out.

In a glance, Qiao Feng saw two Beggar Sect Seven-Bag disciples, their faces buried in a wall corner eating noodles.

That person snorted, 'Qiao Feng said he wouldn't cause trouble for the You brothers, yet he turned around and went back on his word, really losing face for our Beggar Sect!'

Another spoke hatefully, 'Elder Xu said the You brothers, his sons, disciples, and servants all were struck by a heavy palm strike; the manor's forty-eight people all had dark chests and broken bones, killed by our Sect's Subduing Dragon Twenty-Eight Palms.'

This thief first killed Deputy Chief Ma, then committed this bloody atrocity, and even dared to use our Sect's divine skill, bringing shame upon our Sect—truly intolerable by heaven!

They cursed a few sentences, then uttered a few Beggar Sect passwords, and left the inn.

The Beggar Sect passwords are complex; Feng Yi didn't understand, but Qiao Feng knew Elder Xu had summoned the crowd to gather at the 'Han Clan Ancestral Hall'.

The three hastily finished their meal, returned to the room, and Qiao Feng then related the password's content, and said: "This great villain is truly despicable; my deep grievance remains unavenged, yet I've dragged you into it as well."

Feng Yi laughed, 'It's normal; in the jianghu, helping one means offending another; a little fame— to me, it's like wind passing the ears, need not be taken to heart.'

Seeing him being insulted, Qiao Feng felt no anger, inwardly admiring the other's composure, and even more so his own.

A Zhu said crisply, 'Actually this is understandable; that villain framed Qiao Da-ge in order to make you a public enemy of the martial world; Feng Xiong said at Zhu Xian Zhuang that you were wronged, but there's no real evidence— it's merely using martial power to intimidate.'

Since Divine Doctor Xue demanded Feng Xiong's promise, you also said you wouldn't retaliate against the You brothers, yet he went ahead and retaliated!

From today onward, if Feng Xiong is not your enemy but still helps you, saying he's colluding with you is not enough; he's simply a petty person who doesn't keep his word, and thereafter no one will believe him no matter what.

But if Feng Xiong becomes your enemy, even the good friends who stand with you against the heroes will turn against you— wouldn't that make Qiao Da-ge even more despised by everyone?

And Qiao Da-ge, you yourself clearly know you're framed— how could you not hate them? Once someone attacks you, you'll surely vent; even if you just beat one person to death, all these charges would naturally follow!

Feng Yi nodded lightly.

Qiao Feng sighed, 'Feng Xiong, you say Madame Ma and they framed me— that's possible, but the You brothers are highly skilled, while Elder Xu and his lot lack that ability; to wipe out their entire clan to frame me— they wouldn't dare let sect members help with that.'

I think the most likely is the black-clothed person who appeared at Zhu Xian Zhuang. Upon reflection, he is stalwart, similar in build to me; if he knows disguise techniques, to outsiders he would look like me!

Feng Yi's eyes lit up; he thought, 'Qiao Feng is indeed no brute.' He stared at Qiao Feng for a moment, then his gaze shifted and he laughed, 'Perhaps those who wish to harm you are not just one faction.'

Before Qiao Feng could speak, A Zhu said, 'If I'm not mistaken, Qiao Da-ge might indeed be Khitan, and that villain is precisely the elder brother.'

Before Qiao Feng could speak, Feng Yi laughed heartily and said, 'Where does this come from?'

A Zhu said, 'He fears Qiao Da-ge will seek revenge, so he wants to make him a public enemy of the martial world!'

Qiao Feng interjected, 'Besides, Tan Gong and Tan Po have great reputations, Master Zhiguang is a virtuous monk, Iron-faced Judge Shan Zheng hates evil like an enemy; I have no grudge with them, they shouldn't conspire to harm me, so I'm ninety percent sure I'm Khitan.'

That villain fears I'll discover who he is, so he wants me to suffer endless calamities, unable to move, unable to take revenge!

Feng Yi rose, smiling calmly, 'Qiao Xiong, stop guessing; let's first go to the Han Clan Ancestral Hall!'

'Good!'

Qiao Feng knew the Han Clan Ancestral Hall was at the city gate; the three walked along the long street, Feng Yi looked up at the bright moon, and suddenly laughed out loud.

A Zhu wondered, 'What are you laughing at?'

Feng Yi laughed, 'This bright white moon, hehe, guess what I thought of?'

Qiao Feng raised his eyes and also curiously asked, 'What?'

Feng Yi looked at A Zhu, then at Qiao Feng, shook his head and said, 'Cannot say, cannot say!'

A Zhu snapped, 'Feigning mystery!'

Feng Yi laughed, 'No way! This is my life's pleasure! Besides, if I didn't play tricks and only looked at reality, I would have killed Quan Qing directly at the Heroes' Assembly—'

For example, how did your Qiao Da-ge's folding fan end up at the Ma household, etc.; in the end there'd be no proof, and he'd bear the infamy of killing brothers, master, and benefactor for life— would you accept that?

A Zhu snorted, 'You have a point!'

Qiao Feng gave a faint smile.

The three reached the northern city; near the Han Clan Ancestral Hall all was quiet, no lamps lit, rather dark, with no Beggar Sect members on guard.

Qiao Feng felt distressed and angry, thinking, 'Our sect has a major gathering, yet outside there's no one guarding— the sect's rules have fallen into utter decay!'

He saw that the Beggar Sect, famed as the greatest gang in the jianghu, no longer bore the stern, flourishing air it had when he led its affairs; before long it would be held in contempt by the world.

Although the Beggar Sect no longer concerns him, he still felt it a pity that his years of effort had come to naught.

Moreover, he felt deep affection for the Beggar Sect and could not bear to see these former brothers, once as close as kin, face external foes and suffer utter defeat.

Feng Yi whispered, 'I'll go ahead, you follow behind; once I act, I won't let any escape— I'll subdue them all.'

Qiao Feng gave a slight nod.

Before they had even approached, they suddenly saw faint firelight ahead; Feng Yi moved like a spirit cat to the base of the wall, making not a sound.

Qiao Feng seized A Zhu and walked on tiptoe toward the back door. Before he neared it, he suddenly heard faint voices; after taking a few more steps, he saw firelight and heard voices, all leaking out from the door crack.

After Qiao Feng and A Zhu went behind the main hall, they hid behind the board wall where the spirit tablets were placed in the ancestral hall, eavesdropping on several people speaking.

But he heard someone whisper: "... In the evening, news arrived that Qiao Feng, Feng Yi, and that girl were heading toward Xin Yang, though all three had disguised themselves..."

Qiao Feng's heart stirred; the speaker was none other than the Beggar's Sect Skill Transmission Elder, Lü Zhang.

After a moment of silence in the hall, another person sneered: "Qiao Feng killed the You twins to avenge the siege; upon reaching Xin Yang, he will surely seek Lady Ma to retaliate for exposing his identity!"

Feng Yi thought: "Elder Xu isn't dead yet—perfect!" He listened carefully; there were twelve or thirteen breathing sounds inside, each with considerable internal energy.

But another person muttered: "Judging by Elder Xu, the bloodbath at Zhu Xian Manor must have been the Twenty-Eight Dragon Subduing Palms. But I feel something's off. If Qiao Feng did that, wouldn't he be framing Feng Yi for wrongdoing?"

I think that brat, though weird, isn't a major villain; let him stew—Qiao Feng's high martial arts won't make him easy to handle.

If they were colluding, with their formidable skills, wouldn't we be sending ourselves to our deaths by going there?

Lü Zhang said: "Brother Wu, that's not how to put it."

Qiao Feng and Feng Yi possess formidable martial arts; even the many heroes at Zhu Xian Manor dare not provoke them, let alone us with merely a dozen or so people.

But Lady Ma is the widow of Deputy Chief Ma; she risked her life to expose Qiao Feng's plot, rendering this great service to our sect. Even if we lose our lives, we ought to uphold righteousness and protect her to the best of our ability.

Otherwise, we could simply ask Lady Ma to relocate elsewhere, making it impossible for Qiao Feng to find her—no need to resort to violence.

"Alas!" Elder Xu heaved a long sigh: "Qiao Feng has driven us to this point; the Beggar's Sect's centuries-old reputation..."

Chief Wang, why did you accept this beast as a disciple, granting him peerless martial arts? In the netherworld, do you regret it?

Unexpectedly, as Xu Chongxiao finished his sentence, a cold chuckle suddenly sounded from behind him.

Everyone started, grabbed their weapons, and shouted in unison: "Who goes there?"

Qiao Feng, hearing Xu Chongxiao slander him and even mention his benefactor Wang Jian Tong in a disrespectful way, couldn't help but let out a cold laugh, about to step out.

But then Feng Yi burst out laughing, saying: "You white-bearded old villain, gray-haired brute, what face do you have to talk about reputation!"

The ancestral hall's door flung open with a whoosh, swinging to both sides.

The Beggar's Sect members saw only a green-robed scholar appear at the doorway, hands clasped behind his back, his gaze calm, his face utterly expressionless, like a corpse, and he slowly floated into the ancestral hall.

This scene made the Beggar's Sect members' hearts skip a beat.

(End of chapter)