Chapter 177: Seeking What Cannot Be Obtained

Feng Yi's words made Qiao Feng and A Zhu both feel anger rise, but they were also clever; after anger, they immediately understood Feng Yi's meaning: he was telling them not to make things difficult for human nature.

Because A Zhu's background was tangled—she lost her parents as a child, wandered outside, suffered bullying, and was rescued by Murong Bo, master of the Gusu Murong Manor, who took her home; nominally a maid of Murong Fu, she was in fact treated like an adopted daughter, not only having servant girls attend her but also being the owner of the Listening Fragrance Pavilion.

Madam Murong once said, the day these two girls, A Zhu and A Bi, find a home, our Murong family will send them off with a full dowry, bridal sedan and music, no different from marrying off a daughter.

If what Feng Yi said were true—that the Murong family caused Qiao Feng's family to be destroyed and his kin dead—how could she truly stand with Qiao Feng and calmly say they deserved to die, that they should pay with their lives?

For the same matter, with different objects, the handling must differ; so-called equal treatment—whether gods, buddhas, immortals, or sages could achieve it, she asks herself she cannot.

And Qiao Feng also thought: if earlier A Zhu had killed his parents and teacher, he would naturally kill her for revenge; but now, A Zhu, in his most difficult time, never leaves his side, forsaking feminine reserve—how deep and sincere her feelings.

How could I kill her?

Not to speak of doing it, even just thinking about it is a great difficulty.

Likewise, if his birth parents harmed his foster parents, although he never saw his parents, after his father jumped off a cliff he still threw himself onto the belly of the elder brother who leads, showing his self‑love is extremely deep.

When two loves are weighed, it is especially hard to choose.

I myself am like this; why then make things difficult for the Beggars' Sect brothers?

After all, Xu Chongxiao and Madam Ma said it clearly: I am a Khitan, and moreover Zhao Qian Sun said I look exactly like my father, something I will never forget.

Furthermore, thinking of Feng Yi being framed and my destroying the Manor of Gathered Virtues, he never complained, his expression unchanged, considering it only natural; compared to him, I am far behind.

Thinking of this, Qiao Feng's knot in his heart momentarily untied; he laughed heartily and said, "A true man seeks only to have no guilt in his heart."

"Han people and Khitan are eternal enemies; why should I make things difficult for former brothers? Whether they clarify or feign ignorance, I'll just consider this my final deed for the Beggars' Sect."

A Zhu immediately sighed, "Forget it, Brother Feng; we admit we were wrong about you, but I have many doubts and want to ask!"

"Not bad!" Qiao Feng also said, "Brother Feng, you've just entered the martial world, yet you seem to understand its affairs too well!"

Feng Yi said, "If you don't ask, I also don't want to speak; but if you ask, I cannot speak."

Seeing our fateful encounter, I advise Brother Qiao: sometimes it's good to be confused; for you, to hide your name and flee to the frontier to tend sheep would be best.

Qiao Feng looked back at A Zhu, his expression hesitant, after a while he said, "A Zhu, this great evil force is too strong; we shouldn't make things difficult for Brother Feng. I'm afraid I must go to Yumen Pass; would you condescend to accompany me?"

A Zhu smiled, "Big brother, your words sound like you're distancing yourself; no matter if it's south or north, or the ends of the earth, wherever you go, I will follow you."

Qiao Feng's expression darkened, he murmured, "Wherever you go, I will follow you?" He repeated it several times, showed a grim smile, and sighed, "I must go to Yumen Pass to personally see my birth father's inscription on the stone cliff; if true, then I am a Khitan."

"I previously did not know my origins, actually mistaking enemies for friends—that is the utmost unfilial; if today I do not go kill the chief culprit who harmed my parents, what face do I have to live between heaven and earth?"

"Damn the 'elder brother who leads'… I… I will kill his whole family, old and young, leaving not even chickens or dogs!"

A Zhu shivered, about to say, "Killing that evil leader is enough; spare his family."

But seeing his eyes full of sorrow, these words reached his lips yet he dared not utter them, feeling Qiao Feng's aura formidable, not daring to defy him slightly.

Qiao Feng's eyes gleamed as he looked at Feng Yi and said, "Why don't we find a tavern to drink heartily, as a farewell?"

Feng Yi smiled slightly: "Couldn't be better!" He strode ahead.

Qiao Feng took A Zhu's arm and followed; seeing a small stream, A Zhu said, "Big brother, let me restore my female attire."

Qiao Feng had already removed his disguise; she naturally also needed to wash off her makeup to meet him with her true face.

By the stream, A Zhu hastily washed off her facial makeup, removed her hat, revealing black hair; taking off her wide outer robe, underneath she was already wearing women's clothing.

Feng Yi laughed, "Indeed, women adorn themselves for those they like—I'm truly envious!"

Qiao Feng laughed heartily.

A Zhu smiled, "Brother Feng, with such talent, are you afraid no girl will like you?"

Feng Yi smiled slightly, looked up at the sky where a crescent moon was setting west, and suddenly sighed, "She is far yet near, in my mind, in my heart, but not by my side!"

Seeing Feng Yi suddenly so sentimental, Qiao Feng and A Zhu, not knowing why, silently hurried on.

The three walked side by side, no one speaking further; after tens of li, dawn broke, they reached Tongbai City, entered a tavern; the morning shop had no customers, the three enjoyed quiet.

A Zhu ordered several jin of beef and fat chicken, plus two stir‑fried dishes, and took two jars of liquor to go.

Qiao Feng ordered two large bowls, picked up the jar, poured two bowls of wine, and laughed, "Brother Feng, come, let me toast you a bowl."

Feng Yi saw clearly that the liquor was strong; first thing in the morning it was just a bowl, and he knew Qiao Feng's capacity was huge—definitely more than one bowl—so he was momentarily stunned.

A Zhu however laughed, "Could Brother Feng be afraid?"

Feng Yi hesitated slightly, then downed the wine in one gulp; but as it entered his belly, it was spicy like a knife.

Qiao Feng clicked his tongue in praise, "What a fine fellow, my those brothers…" Just as he was about to lift the bowl to drink, his expression suddenly changed; he blankly held the bowl without drinking.

A Zhu wondered what he had noticed, looked around seeing nothing unusual, and asked softly, "Big brother, what's wrong?"

Qiao Feng startled, said, "No… nothing." He raised the bowl and drank it all at once; the liquor hit his throat, suddenly his breath was blocked, he coughed violently, spraying wine all over his chest.

His drinking capacity was rare in the world, his internal energy profound, yet he choked on liquor—something never before seen.

A Zhu secretly worried, not daring to ask further.

Feng Yi, however, knew Qiao Feng was thinking of Duan Yu.

Although Qiao Feng and A Zhu both knew Duan Yu, the Duan surname of the Dali Kingdom is the royal name, just as the Great Song bears Zhao, Western Xia bears Li, and Liao bears Yelu—countless numbers; Duan Yu never mentioned he was a prince of Dali, so the two had no idea he was the son of Duan Zhengchun.

Only when Qiao Feng was drinking did he suddenly recall that day in Wuxi when he and Duan Yu gambled on wine; the opponent actually used the superior internal energy of the Six Meridian Divine Sword to force the liquor out from his fingertips. Afterwards, in a journey‑and‑skill contest, his such profound internal strength, Qiao Feng knew he was far inferior.

Even though Duan Yu does not know martial arts, his internal energy is already this formidable; the great rival Duan Zhengchun, a chief of the Duan clan of Dali, must have even more fearsome martial arts—this caused his great shock and loss of composure, leading to his choking on wine.

Qiao Feng did not know how Duan Yu fortuitously gained divine energy and absorbed others' internal power; judging solely by internal energy, Duan Yu is already many times deeper than his father, and the Six Meridian Divine Sword technique—apart from him, no one in the world can master it completely.

Although A Zhu did not know the details of what Qiao Feng was thinking, she sensed he was worrying about revenge, and said, "Big brother, avenging is a major matter, not to be decided in a day or two; we should plan before acting—even if the enemy is many and we few, if we cannot win by force, why not win by strategy?"

Qiao Feng's heart leapt; recalling A Zhu's alertness and cleverness, he realized she was a great help, immediately filled a bowl of wine, drank it down, and said, "The grudge against my parents is irreconcilable."

"To avenge this great grudge, we need not heed any jianghu rules or morality; any vicious means can be used. Right, if we cannot prevail by force, we will win by strategy."

A Zhu glanced sideways at Feng Yi, her eyes flickering, then gritted her teeth and said loudly, "Brother Feng, let me make a proposal with you."

Feng Yi asked curiously, "What proposal?"

A Zhu exhaled, saying, "Can you help Big Brother Qiao avenge?"

Qiao Feng also felt surprised, seeing her calm expression while Feng Yi lowered his brows, eyes downcast, silent.

Qiao Feng also felt surprised, seeing her calm expression, while Feng Yi lowered his brows and eyes, said nothing.

Qiao Feng laughed and said: "A Zhu, Elder Brother Feng, you've already helped me enough..."

A Zhu said: "Elder Brother, when you previously studied martial arts under Master Xuanku, you were probably still young and didn't learn the full profound internal energy of the Shaolin Sect; otherwise, even if the Duan clan's Yang Finger were even more formidable, it might not surpass the Shaolin Patriarch Bodhidharma's Yijin Jing."

I once heard Master Murong discuss the martial arts of the world, saying that the Duan clan's most formidable skill is not the Yang Finger but something called the "Six Meridian Divine Sword".

A Tibetan monk named Kumarajiva once tried to kill me and A Bi with his long-range internal force, but Young Master Duan flicked his fingers and deflected the invisible blade's internal force; the monk said that was the "Six Meridian Divine Sword".

Qiao Feng nodded and said: "I was just worrying about this Six Meridian Divine Sword. The force comes invisible, like a blade or sword—how can we defend against it?" He spoke, furrowing his brows in thought.

Feng Yi laughed and said: "Do you two really think the chief is Duan Zhengchun?"

"How?" Qiao Feng couldn't help being moved: "Elder Brother Feng, do you think it isn't?"

Feng Yi shook his head and said: "That's completely impossible. Even if Chief Wang's literary and military talents don't match yours, he is still the illustrious leader of the Beggars' Sect—how could he take orders from a Duan prince?"

Furthermore, my perception is a bit sharper than yours; otherwise, how would I have noticed Lady Ma's oddities?

Qiao Feng silently nodded.

A Zhu's eyes flashed, and she pondered: "As Elder Brother Feng said, the man who could drive Lady Ma to madness, aside from Elder Brother Qiao, is Duan Zhengchun; thus she likely wanted to borrow Elder Brother Qiao's hand to take revenge before her death."

"Clever!" Feng Yi clicked his tongue and said: "That's probably the case."

Feng Yi knew that the so-called Duan Zhengchun was the chief; with a slight nudge, he could resolve it, but some things were already too late.

As he pondered, A Zhu said: "Lady Ma is just a nobody; Elder Brother Feng, you know her affairs inside out—so surely you also know who the chief is, right?"

Qiao Feng turned his gaze toward him and said: "Indeed, Elder Brother Feng, although you claim to be the Beggars' Sect's guardian, I have served as chief for many years yet I didn't know that. But your Dragon Subduing Palm technique is genuine, and as I am a Khitan, Chief Wang's guarding against me is understandable."

"I just want to know the full story of all this; please, Elder Brother Feng, enlighten me. Your great kindness and virtue, Qiao Feng is eternally grateful."

Saying this, he rose and drained a bowl of wine in one gulp.

A Zhu also rose and said: "Elder Brother Feng, if you can help Elder Brother fulfill his wish, this humble woman is willing in her next life to bind grass and carry a ring!"

He then refilled Qiao Feng's bowl again, and Qiao Feng was about to raise it.

Feng Yi couldn't help letting out a long sigh and said: "Brother Qiao, your guess is not bad."

"It's not that I don't know the full story, nor that I fear trouble."

"Just listen to my advice: stop investigating further. While I'm by your side, take Miss A Zhu and hide your names, go enjoy a secluded life together, and from then on let the martial world have no trace of you—that would be best."

He knew that Qiao Feng's tragedy lay in his painstaking search for the great villain who killed his parents and master—not some chief, but his own father.

And the mastermind behind the deceitful spreading of false news was Murong Bo.

These two individuals have deep ties with Qiao Feng and A Zhu; now that they have become engaged and know the truth, they cannot only fail to avenge their grudges, but they also likely cannot open their hearts to each other.

Therefore, knowing the truth would be the greatest blow to them; it would be better to remain ignorant and retreat to the frontier, asking nothing of worldly affairs.

Yet Feng Yi's painstaking efforts were not understood by either Qiao Feng or A Zhu.

Qiao Feng said in a deep voice: "Elder Brother Feng, you're joking. If it weren't for my heavy grudges—not just one matter—a single word from you would be enough for me to retire from the martial world; herding sheep and grazing horses would be no big deal."

A Zhu also sighed: "If Elder Brother truly is a Khitan, besides the great grudge against his biological parents, there is also the blood feud with his foster parents, Old Master and Old Lady Qiao, and the blood feud with his master, Monk Xuanku—do you really want Elder Brother Qiao to forget all of that?"

"Even if you use your martial prowess to prevent Elder Brother Qiao from taking revenge, can he ever be happy in this lifetime? Living would be like a walking corpse—what difference is there from death?"

A Zhu's words sank into Qiao Feng's heart; though he was a hero, he couldn't help being deeply moved, his tiger eyes brimming with tears as he repeatedly said: "Good A Zhu, good A Zhu..."

Feng Yi inexplicably understood why, in the original plot, A Zhu died in place of Duan Zhengchun.

It's not that she's stupid; she's foolish!

Rather, she expressed love to the utmost extreme.

Because Qiao Feng always seeks to find and avenge the "great villain" in his heart, yet that villain is his own biological father.

If Qiao Feng killed his father, then even if they lived together, they would surely do so reluctantly, suffering greatly; but if they parted, for them it would be just as unbearable.

A Zhu is a ray of light in Qiao Feng's dark life, his white moonlight; if A Zhu told Qiao Feng she was Duan Zhengchun's daughter, Qiao Feng would very likely give up his revenge.

But A Zhu understands Qiao Feng's character; given his heroic, peerless nature, it's hard to imagine how much pain he would endure, and it's highly unlikely he would continue to be with her, the daughter of his father's killer.

Therefore, A Zhu could only die in place of her father, paying with her life.

Moreover, since Qiao Feng so fears the Six Meridian Divine Sword, A Zhu also worries that if Qiao Feng kills Duan Zhengchun, it will provoke the Duan clan's revenge and get her killed by them.

A Zhu's action was, after enduring painful contemplation, a great sacrifice for love.

Because it was using her own life to exchange for Qiao Feng's happiness.

At this moment, although Feng Yi made them realize the chief was not Duan Zhengchun, ultimately it was Xiao Yuanshan and Murong Bo, which to them seemed hardly any different.

Perhaps if Qiao Feng sought revenge against the Murong father and son, and if the opportunity arose, A Zhu would also disguise herself and die in their stead.

Feng Yi silently cursed heaven for being too cruel, making things too difficult for the two of them; he could only lift a bowl of wine and drain it in one gulp.

Then A Zhu said: "Elder Brother, Elder Brother Feng, that day Master Murong and his son were discussing the martial arts of the world; I stood aside pouring tea and overheard a few sentences. Master Murong said: 'The Shaolin Sect's seventy-two supreme skills, while each is naturally exquisite, to overcome an opponent and win victory only requires one supreme skill—there's no need for all seventy-two.' Qiao Feng nodded and said: 'Senior Murong's words are indeed correct!'"

A Zhu then said: "At that time, Master Murong remarked: 'Indeed, Cousin Wang's daughter loves to boast of her knowledge of martial arts from all over, but being broad yet not refined, what use is that?'"

Master Murong said: "Speaking of this 'excellence' character, how easy is that to discuss? Actually, the Shaolin Sect's true supreme learning is none other than the Yijin Jing; once you have mastered this scripture, even the most mundane martial arts, when in your hands, can turn decay into marvel."

"With a solid foundation and strong internal energy, any ordinary technique can unleash tremendous power—this point Qiao Feng naturally understands. He said: 'It resonates deeply with me, it resonates deeply with me. Alas, Master Murong has already passed away; otherwise I would certainly go to his manor to pay respects to this extraordinary person of the world.'"

A Zhu smiled sweetly and said: "During Master Murong's lifetime, he never received outsiders, but you, of course, are another matter."

Qiao Feng raised his head and laughed, understanding that his remark "another matter" carried deep meaning, meaning: "You are my confidante lover; Master Murong would naturally look upon you with favor." Seeing the expression in his eyes, A Zhu couldn't help lowering her head, her cheeks flushing, her heart secretly delighted.

Feng Yi, however, watching their deep affection, felt all the more that their respective lives were essentially tragedies.

Together, they are an even greater tragedy.

Even if we spared A Zhu the fate of dying at Qiao Feng's hands because of Duan Zhengchun, the Murong household was no less a parental home to A Zhu; at that time, the two would inevitably suffer a lifetime of pain. So A Zhu had no choice but to die, right?

Then we saw Qiao Feng drink a bowl of wine and ask: "Master Murong wasn't that old when he passed away, was he?"

A Zhu replied: "Around fifty years old—not old at all."

Qiao Feng said: "Hmm, his internal energy was profound; around fifty is precisely when one's martial arts peak, yet I don't know how he suddenly died."

=9+book_ eh?

A Zhu shook her head and said: "We don't know what illness the old master died of. He passed away quickly—he fell ill suddenly in the morning, and by evening the young master was loudly wailing, coming out to inform everyone that the old master had passed away."

Qiao Feng said: "Hmm, I don't know what sudden illness it was. What a pity, what a pity. If only the divine physician Xue were here, we would at least have begged him to come and save Master Murong's life."

He had never met the Murong father and son, yet hearing others describe their conduct and nature, he couldn't help but admire them; plus, because of A Zhu's connection, he felt an added closeness.

A Zhu glanced at Feng Yi again, smiling, she said: "Feng brother, you cannot help us avenge..." She looked around, lowered her voice, and said: "After you translate that gate's divine skill, could you pass it on to my elder brother?"

She wholeheartedly thinks of Qiao Feng, regardless of whether the chief is Duan Zhengchun; but that person can lead the Central Plains heroes, naturally a figure of both high martial prowess and great reputation.

Qiao Feng, isolated and helpless, first had Feng Yi help, then intentionally repeated Murong Bo's wondrous words about the Yijin Jing, intending to make Feng Yi feel indebted, so as to help Qiao Feng avenge.

As for saying Feng Yi cannot understand that heavenly book, she feels he must have a way, because in her eyes Feng Yi is like how Qiao Feng views Murong Bo, also worthy of being called a marvel of the world.

Feng Yi flicked his index finger lightly against the wine bowl, making a "ding ding dang dang" sound, and laughed: "A Zhu, you've said all this, nothing more than saying how formidable the Yijin Jing is; how could I not know your intentions?"

Although our previous dealings were merely transactional, helping Qiao brother avenge also involves great stakes, but out of respect for his character and boldness, I, Feng Yi, will lend him a hand—it's nothing much.

But the final result may not be what you want. For instance, "What if what I just said is true? Should we still avenge this grudge?"

Upon hearing this, both Qiao Feng and A Zhu were furious.

A Zhu shouted: "I and my elder brother treated you as a friend; how could you utter such baseless words!"

How could she believe that Qiao Feng's grudge has anything to do with the Murong family?

Feng Yi smiled and said: "Qiao brother, hear me out—I will help you once, free of charge!"

Qiao Feng said: "How so!"

Feng Yi said: "We are definitely being followed—just keeping a distant tail, not daring to show themselves; otherwise, how would the Beggars' Sect know we are traveling in disguise? Clearly the conspiracy continues; if you go look for Tan Gong, Tan Po, and Master Zhiguang, these people will surely die!"

"Impressive!" Qiao Feng gave a thumbs-up, tsk tsk: "I also have this suspicion; I'm preparing to ask you to help me figure out how to catch the ghost!"

A Zhu laughed and said: "I have an idea: give Feng brother a disguise; when I and my elder brother set out, you can wait a bit, and then..."

Feng Yi shook his head and said: "Frankly, I don't want to catch such a ghost, because it's meaningless."

If caught, it would only add sorrow. But if you decide to retire from the jianghu and head straight beyond the passes, I will later escort you, eliminating any adverse factors that could track you.

I will never let your whereabouts be known to others. If you are unwilling, I cannot help further; then it's up to your own fate.

Qiao Feng furrowed his brows and said: "Feng brother, why are you so strange?"

Feng Yi smiled without answering, but A Zhu said: "Why won't you let my elder brother take revenge, or is it that you seem afraid he will take revenge?"

Feng Yi said in a deep tone: "The jianghu is full of deceit. Many unexpected things will happen. For instance, Qiao brother previously thought the person targeting him was someone else, but he never expected it to be an old brother of the Beggars' Sect."

Now that we know this, we didn't expect that not only the Beggars' Sect, but also someone behind the scenes is framing you, and you again assume this villain is the chief.

A Zhu said that those fitting the chief's identity include the Shaolin abbot; Qiao brother, why don't you believe it?

Qiao Feng said: "Master Zhiguang won't let me see the chief's signature, having swallowed it into his belly; that is enough to show this person is still alive."

And someone who could have participated in the Battle of Yamen Gate thirty years ago, if still alive, would at least be a cultivated monk of the Xuan generation in Shaolin Temple; they would absolutely not commit the act of killing my parents and teacher.

Feng Yi laughed and said: "Why don't you consider that perhaps you're mistaken again—that the chief and this great villain might not be the same person?"

Qiao Feng startled and said: "If they are not the same person, how could this great villain harm me so?"

A Zhu also said: "This person killed my elder brother's parents and teacher—isn't it just because they fear he would discover his own origins?"

Besides the chief having a motive, fearing the leak—who else would be afraid?

Feng Yi laughed and said: "You deduce that the chief feared the leak and thus framed Qiao brother, but does that hold up?"

Back then, the chief dealt with Qiao brother's parents due to the Han-Hu conflict; although it was based on mistaken hearsay, fundamentally, what wrong was there?

So-called innocence—whether Han people die at the hands of Khitans, or Khitans die at the hands of Han, such cases are many; how could it be limited to just one example?

Are you suggesting that Qiao Feng is human while others are not?

Qiao Feng and A Zhu involuntarily nodded silently.

Feng Yi drank a bowl of wine, then continued: "Moreover, involving the conflict between the two states and two ethnic groups, since they killed your parents, exterminating you root and branch is only fitting!"

Simply put, your birth father could have killed the chief that day but didn't; at the time he didn't understand, later learning the inscription's content, he realized he'd been deceived. Thus he entrusted Qiao brother to others to raise, in order to make up for his mistake, raising you to become a hero who scorns the world.

In this matter, no jianghu hero would consider it wrong to treat a Khitan thus; what fault is there, what could they possibly conceal, necessitating murder and silence?

A Zhu doubted and said: "Then why would Master Zhiguang have the chief's name eaten into his belly, not letting Elder Brother Qiao know?"

Feng Yi laughed and said: "Qiao brother, what temper?"

When the stubbornness comes up, what matters is being swift and decisive; of course, this can also be called heroic spirit.

However, Master Zhiguang fears that your heroic spirit will flare up, just like when you went to Zhu Xian Manor and stormed in.

Certainly it's fear of harming the chief and losing jianghu righteousness; how could it not also be fear that your revenge would fail and cost you your life?

After all, haven't you heard? The chief's reputation is lofty, his followers many; you are alone—how many could you possibly oppose?

Just saying you sneaked into Shaolin Temple at night—could you handle Xuan Ci, Xuan Nan, Xuan Ji, plus other Xuan-generation monks?

These words made Qiao Feng's face flush and pale alternately, his body trembling slightly; he certainly knew Master Zhiguang's character.

Qiao Feng knew that he had once made a great vow, sailed across the sea, ventured to the distant southern barbaric lands, collected various tree barks, and cured countless people infected with miasma poison in Zhejiang, Fujian, and the two Guang regions. As a result he fell seriously ill twice, losing all his martial arts, yet his benevolence to the people was far from trivial.

This is a person who makes Qiao Feng feel reverent.

Moreover, as Feng Yi said, there are over thirty Xuan-generation eminent monks in Shaolin Temple; if they all swarmed him, how could he possibly prevail?

A Zhu merely stared at Feng Yi, but for a moment didn't know what to say.

After a while, Qiao Feng shook his head and sighed: "Feng brother's words may be unfeeling, but the reasoning is sound. If my birth parents were truly Khitan, then Han people shouting to beat and kill them would be fitting."

Therefore my true great enemy is the person who sent the false message to the chief; only Master Zhiguang once said that this person later disappeared, likely dead.

Upon saying this, Qiao Feng suddenly slammed the table and said: "Indeed, that liar is certainly not dead, so he fears that if I learn the chief's identity and confront him, I will thereby discover his own identity."

Such a person could make the chief, a figure of great standing, wholeheartedly believe him; he must have significant background, likely with descendants still alive—surely this is the case!

A Zhu exhaled and said: "Elder brother's guess is certainly correct; it must be the person who reported to the chief."

Feng Yi, seeing we've come to this point again, laughed and said: "These problems are too complex; even if you yourself were to investigate them, you probably wouldn't want to see the outcome—then what would you do?"

Moreover, many things are at the mercy of fate; perhaps what you think and suppose is neither certainly false nor certainly true—who could say it clearly?

Suddenly he rose to his feet and proclaimed loudly: "Qiao brother, past causes, present effects— the Hu-Han grudges are hard to settle,"

"'If one's wishes are not fulfilled, why persist in painful striving?'"

"'In this world, any matter, even when driven to desperation, also has a way out—namely, to go along with it.'"

It's already like this; what else can be done? It's still not like this!

No one can go back to the past and start over, but one can start from today.

You want to take revenge, but it's very likely to drive you to a point where you cannot take revenge, and you'll lose your beloved Miss A Zhu—isn't that a loss outweighing the gain? Too late for regret?

You've already worked hard enough, but human strength cannot defy heaven's will; since it cannot be obtained, why inflict suffering upon yourself?

Qiao brother, I've said all I have to say; think it over well. When I wake up, give me my answer. With a flick of his wide sleeve, he had already gone up to the second floor of the inn.

Qiao Feng watched Feng Yi disappear, then said: "He's not wrong; this great villain is clever and scheming, surpassing me in every way, and his martial arts seem not weaker than mine. If he wants to take my life, it probably won't be difficult for him. Bringing you along is indeed dangerous for you!" As he said this, sweat trickled down his forehead.

Qiao Feng misunderstood Feng Yi's meaning, thinking that this great villain would act against A Zhu, one in the open, one in the dark.

Even though he fears neither heaven nor earth, once it involves A Zhu, even a hero's spirit falters.

A Zhu called out "Big Brother", took out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his forehead, grasped his hand, and said: "Big Brother, you're being too modest."

Qiao Feng became apprentice to Wang Jian Tong at seventeen, began wandering the martial world, his palms having slain countless villains and evildoers unknown in number, but this pair of murderous palms, countless in their killings, were gently clasped by A Zhu's warm and soft hand—truly, a hero's spirit falters, love lingers; he couldn't help sighing and said: "A Zhu, what Brother Feng said is right; these life‑risking dealings on the blade's edge, I've indeed grown weary of them."

In the northern steppes, galloping on horseback, flying hawks, letting dogs chase hares, from then on free of worries, truly much happier. A Zhu, I'll be in the northern steppes—will you come see me?

A Zhu's face flushed, and she whispered: "Didn't I say 'herding'? You ride out to hunt, I'll tend the cattle and sheep. Two people together every day, as soon as we open our eyes we see each other." Having said that, she lowered her head.

Although Qiao Feng was a rough and sturdy man, he clearly understood the meaning of her few words: she was saying she wanted to spend her life with him in the northern steppes, never to return to the Central Plains.

Qiao Feng's heart surged; he extended his big, coarse hand and grasped her small hand, saying: "A Zhu, you treat me so well, you don't despise me for being a lowly Khitan, do you?"

A Zhu said: "Han people are people, Khitan people are people too—what distinction of nobility or baseness is there? I… I like being a Khitan; this is sincere and heartfelt, not the slightest bit forced."

As she went on, her voice became like a mosquito's buzz, barely audible.

Qiao Feng was overjoyed; he suddenly reached out, grabbed her waist, tossed her body halfway into the air, waited for her to fall, then gently caught her, glanced at her with a smiling squint, and loudly said: "A Zhu, from now on, if you follow me riding, hunting, herding cattle and sheep, you will never regret it, will you?"

A Zhu solemnly said: "Even if I follow you in killing and setting fires, looting and plundering, I will never regret it. Even if I endure countless hardships and myriad torments following you, I will still be happy and cheerful."

Qiao Feng loudly said: "I, Qiao Feng, have achieved today; whether I am Khitan or Han, I no longer care."

A Zhu, let's go find Brother Feng now, trouble him to escort us for a trip, find a place where no one can find us to live in seclusion, and never again bother with right and wrong.

A Zhu only felt her heartbeat quicken; how could she not know that the enemies Qiao Feng seeks to avenge—whether the leader elder brother or the one who brought the news—were already famous in the martial world thirty years ago, and now are even more formidable.

Against such foes, Qiao Feng, what chance does he have of victory?

Hearing Qiao Feng promise not to seek revenge any longer, like a dream, he hadn't even opened his mouth when a cold snort sounded, followed by a deep, powerful voice.

"A proper man, actually for a low‑class yellow‑haired girl, disregarding the feud of your parents—do you even deserve to be called a human?"

In an instant, A Zhu felt as if struck by a blow to the head, her face suddenly turning deathly pale; she followed the sound and saw a burly black‑clad man standing at the inn's entrance.

Qiao Feng saw the newcomer's face covered in black cloth, only a pair of icy, lightning‑like eyes exposed; appearing at the inn's entrance with such speed that he himself hadn't noticed, his heart flashed like lightning: "That's the black‑clad person who appeared at the Zhu Xian Manor."

As his thoughts turned, he furrowed his brows, suddenly rose, and shouted: "What I, Qiao Feng, do—what need is there for you, old scoundrel, to stick your nose in?"

"Pa‑pa, truly overbearing!"

Only saw Feng Yi standing on the second floor, clapping and smiling faintly.

The black‑clad man's eyes flashed with brilliant light, sweeping across Feng Yi's face, then he suddenly lifted his head to the sky and let out a long, loud laugh.

Everyone felt that his long laugh carried a great sense of sorrow, indignation, and fury; Qiao Feng couldn't help but be startled.

The black‑clad man suddenly restrained his laugh, a pair of sparkling, brilliant eyes glaring at Qiao Feng's face, and coldly sneered: "Qiao Feng, Qiao Feng, you speak well—who do you think you are?"

You are nothing but an utterly stupid, stinking mule!

For this stinking girl, you risk your life alone, even disowning your ancestors, and yet you keep calling out 'Brother Feng'—you should understand: here no one treats you as a brother, no one treats you as a friend...

"Shut up!" Qiao Feng's face turned ashen, he shouted furiously: "You, old coward hiding your head and face, dare to lecture me, Qiao Feng!"

You've been secretly tailing me all along—my parents and my teachers were all killed by you, weren't they?

Then he raised his head and said: "Brother Feng, please watch over A Zhu; don't let this scoundrel harm her!"

Saying that, he swayed his body, already rushing before the black‑clad man, waved both palms, and slowly pushed toward the man's chest.

(End of chapter)