Chapter 181: Seeing the Legend

Feng Yi returned to Tongbai City again, sneaked into the county office and stole several hundred taels of silver, left the city, deployed his lightness skill, swift as wind and lightning, as soon as dawn broke he ran over a hundred li and arrived at Bianliang.

It can also be called Kaifeng, or Eastern Capital, and it was the capital of the Song Dynasty.

Feng Yi went straight to the east gate, found a pawnshop, and inquired about the information of an official named Huang Shang.

That's right, he is the author of the Nine Yin True Classic, Huang Shang.

Perhaps there are others who are proficient in Sanskrit and can translate the Yi Jin Jing, but none can reassure Feng Yi as much as Huang Shang.

He had already heard this from Qiao Feng and A Zhu earlier; at this time it was the seventh year of the Yuan You era, namely the reign of Emperor Zhezong, son of Emperor Shenzong; he of course knew that this was also the era name of Emperor Zhezong, the elder brother of Emperor Hui Zong.

With Feng Yi spending lavishly to open doors, he quickly learned Huang Shang's information and address.

Because Huang Shang only attained his divine skill during the reign of Emperor Hui Zong, which is still twenty years in the future.

However, he became a jinshi and entered officialdom during the Yuan Feng period, namely the reign of Emperor Shenzong, father of Emperors Zhezong and Hui Zong.

Although there are countless officials in the world, the number of jinshi holders over thousands of years is limited; he is also a notable figure, so his information is easy to find.

Huang Shang had served as a judicial assistant of Yue Prefecture, a doctoral scholar of the Imperial Academy, a proofreader in the Secretariat, and an assistant director of the Directorate of the Imperial Clan; he currently holds the position of an external lang in the Ministry of Personnel's Examination Division, and his residence is in the capital.

After learning this, Feng Yi went out for a meal, changed into new clothes, bought a folding fan, went to the bathhouse to bathe, get a haircut, and comb his hair, tidying himself up nicely.

Feng Yi knew that the Song Dynasty valued civil officials and suppressed military men; to see an official, tidying himself up a bit would be good for anyone.

After leaving the bathhouse, night had already fallen; he lightly swayed his folding fan, walked with measured steps, and leisurely made his way to Huang Shang's residence.

All along the way, the streets were filled with the sounds of vendors; by the river, travelers thronged, and pleasure boats lined the water.

On the brothels, red sleeves beckoned wildly; warblers sang and swallows chirped; children played, young women strolled the streets; lanterns and vermilion hairpins swayed, a scene of flourishing prosperity, everywhere a sign of joy, fully manifesting the splendor of the Song Dynasty.

Feng Yi thought that if this famous city were to fall into the hands of the Jin people, this scene of ubiquitous music and celebration would cease to exist.

He did not know whether his preparations would be of any use.

Because if Xiao Feng did not, as in the original trajectory, go to the frontier, Wanyan Aguda would be slain by Yelü Hongji.

If Xiao Feng went, he also promised himself to kill the other party.

So this is a double safeguard.

As for whether it can be done according to his wishes,

that is, man proposes, heaven disposes.

Who can see through the future?

Feng Yi, while following the information from the pawnshop and asking passersby, arrived before a residence and looked up.

He saw that the residence's facade, compared to the vermilion gates and huge columns of other officials, with its flying eaves covering the sky, was somewhat smaller in scale, yet there were willows before the door, and on the gate's wind‑lamp was written a single 'Huang' character.

The plaque above the gate bore the two characters 'Huang Fu', written with a steady yet flowing brush, unrestrained and elegant; at the end of the plaque were the three characters 'Huang Shang Shu'.

Feng Yi's heart gave a start—these two characters were actually written by Huang Shang himself, and he could not help but feel a greater admiration for this martial arts marvel.

He also felt a stronger yearning.

Feng Yi straightened his attire, stepped forward, lightly tapped the door bolt, and sounded a 'clang-clang' a few times.

Creak, the door opened a crack, and a male servant poked his head out, asking, 'Sir, what business do you have?'

Feng Yi held his fan, clasped his fists, and spoke loudly, 'Please inform Mr. Huang, this humble Feng Yi seeks an audience.'

The servant opened the door and said with a smile, 'Sir, do you have a calling card?'

In officialdom, business, and the martial world, everyone needs a calling card; when seeking an audience, one must first present a name‑card or a visitation notice to announce oneself. Feng Yi was not unaware of this, but after his martial prowess matured, wherever he went he was given face, so how could he have a visitation card?

Feng Yi had no choice but to say, 'Please, elder brother, pass along the message,' and gave him a silver ingot.

The servant took it, looked Feng Yi up and down, saw his splendid attire and unmatched handsomeness, and did not dare to be too neglectful; he turned and said, 'Uncle Huang, someone seeks an audience with the master, yet has no visitation card, and gave me silver.'

Feng Yi's face darkened—was this really so improper?

At that moment a thin old servant stepped out, glanced at Feng Yi, his eyes flashing with sharp light, and said, 'The master is very busy; he has no time to see idle people.' Having said that, he threw the silver back at him and shut the door.

Even though Feng Yi knew that Song Dynasty scholar‑officials held high status, he did not expect that even effective bribery would earn him a rebuff.

Feng Yi let out a faint sigh, walked away slowly, reached the west wall, flickered his silhouette, and leapt inside.

Since the main gate was impassable, he would sneak in.

If he dares to go into the imperial palace's inner courts, how much more this place.

Although Feng Yi saw many buildings in the Huang residence, he did not know which room Huang Shang occupied, but being night, there were plenty of ways.

While observing and exercising his lightness skill on the roof, he suddenly heard an old voice call out, 'Is the master still in the study?'

A servant replied, 'Yes!'

Feng Yi recognized the voice as that of the old servant from before, knowing he possessed martial skill, he held his breath and followed; he saw the man walk toward a bright room.

Feng Yi approached the study soundlessly, licked his fingertip, made a tiny hole in the window paper, and peered inside; he saw a person in a brocade robe vigorously writing at the desk.

The old servant entered and reported, 'Master, just now a young man named Feng Yi came seeking an audience.'

That person raised his head; he appeared about fifty, with clear, handsome features, three long whiskers, and an imposing bearing, and said, 'Feng Yi? I've never heard of him.'

The servant said, 'He had no calling card, and I already sent him away.'

The master grunted, and the servant withdrew.

Upon seeing this person inside the house, Feng Yi concluded it must be Huang Shang; his bearing fully manifested the aura of one whose chest is filled with literature, and if he had cultivated divine power through Daoist texts, his appearance with three white whiskers would be the very image of an immortal's wind and bone.

After the old servant had gone far, Feng Yi could wait no longer to meet this martial legend; he suddenly pushed open the window, leapt inside, and said, 'Mr. Huang, I have come uninvited and rudely; please forgive me.'

Huang Shang started in surprise, rose abruptly, scrutinized Feng Yi carefully, saw that his bearing was extraordinary, and at first denied it himself; his anger softened a bit, and he said, 'It's fine; the person who just came seeking an audience was you, wasn't it?'

'Exactly!' Feng Yi replied, 'Are you the Huang Shang who once attained the rank of zhuangyuan?'

Huang Shang replied sternly, 'That's right, it is I; what do you intend?'

Feng Yi bowed and said, 'I have long heard that Mr. Huang possesses profound erudition, versed in both Chinese and Western learning; therefore I have a request.'

Huang Shang let out an 'eh', then turned serious and said, 'Your appearance is dignified, yet I have never heard of you; you slipped into the house as swift as a civet cat—surely you are a martial artist, while I am a mere official; how could I possibly help you?'

Feng Yi smiled and said, 'Don't blame me, Mr. Huang; I am indeed a martial artist, I have a Sanskrit text and wish to ask you to translate it; lacking a calling card, I can only intrude boldly, and I beg your indulgence.'

Huang Shang's impression of martial folk was that they were crude and rude, but seeing Feng Yi's modest and courteous words, his handsome appearance and composed demeanor, one could not help but take a liking to him; his wariness and hostility faded a little, he smiled faintly and said, 'I do not know what book it is.'

Feng Yi said: "Please, Lord Huang, take a look."

As he spoke, he took out the oil-wrapped Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic, opened it, his arm unmoving, the secret manual floated lightly onto the desk, as if an invisible hand had delivered it to Huang Shang.

Huang Shang could not help but feel admiration, saying: "This must be the legendary martial art, Master Feng truly is extraordinary."

Feng Yi laughed: "Just a petty trick, please forgive me, Lord Huang may call me Xiao Feng or Xiao Yi, but certainly not Master Feng—I am unworthy of such a title."

Huang Shang laughed: "How dare I, Master Feng, please be seated and speak."

Feng Yi sat down, Huang Shang was about to call a servant for tea when suddenly a clear voice called: "Father!"

The voice came before the person, as melodious as a nightingale.

"Father..."

A girl of about sixteen or seventeen rushed in from outside, tall and slender, her face beautiful and fair, a true beauty.

The girl ran into the hall and, with a coquettish smile, said to Huang Shang: "Tomorrow is your day off, you should take me to Fanlou, right?"

Huang Shang's face darkened: "Waner, there is an honored guest here, do not be rude!"

Upon hearing her father speak, the girl noticed someone present, her gaze involuntarily flicked to Feng Yi, and she bowed slightly.

Feng Yi also hastily rose to return the salute, but as their eyes met, Huang Wan'er's eyes flickered with a hint of dazedness, her face flushed, and she quietly turned her head away.

Feng Yi thought she was merely a shy maiden, natural enough.

Yet Huang Shang felt an inexplicable pang of melancholy.

Because his daughter was usually bold and outspoken, when had she ever dared not to meet a man's gaze?

Huang Shang said: "Waner, let Lord Huang bring the tea!"

"Ah." The girl ran out.

Huang Shang smiled: "This girl has been spoiled by me since childhood, please do not take offense."

Feng Yi said: "Not at all, not at all, your daughter's face is like flowers and moon, her character is..." He had been about to say "charming and beloved," but felt it inappropriate, so he fell silent, thinking: "Later Huang Shang's family will be slaughtered, likely it will be this girl; how will I pass the Nine Yin True Classic to him?"

Pondering, Huang Shang picked up the scripture, flipped a few pages, his brows slightly furrowed: "This is Indian script."

"Indeed!" Feng Yi said: "Lord Huang truly is extraordinary!"

As he spoke, Huang Wan'er brought in several bowls of clear tea and handed one to Feng Yi.

Huang Shang said: "My humble abode is simple, I have been remiss, please do not take offense."

"No need for ceremony." Feng Yi lifted the bowl, took a gentle sip, while Huang Wan'er sat quietly to the side.

Huang Shang glanced at his daughter, about to speak, but heard her say: "Father and Master Feng are talking, I will serve you tea and water."

Huang Shang helplessly shook his head, looked at Feng Yi, and said: "Master Feng, I see this book seems Buddhist in nature, it lists acupoint names, appearing to teach breath cultivation practice. Perhaps I am shallow‑learned and overthinking." Feng Yi inwardly rejoiced: "Huang Shang is indeed erudite!"

He said: "No, sir, you have not overthought; with your perception and learning, this is certainly correct—this is a martial arts secret manual."

Seeing Feng Yi speak with such confidence, as if he understood Huang Shang better than Huang Shang himself.

Then Huang Wan'er happily asked: "Master Feng, do you know martial arts?"

Feng Yi smiled and nodded: "A little."

Huang Wan'er asked: "Then what rank are you in the world? My father told me that last month the Western Xia General Helian Tieshu came to pay homage to the emperor and the empress dowager, claiming that the Western Xia's First Rank Hall are all top‑ranked in the world, showing off their might. Compared to them, who is higher and who lower?"

The Western Xia Eastern Expedition General Helian Tieshu had met the emperor and empress dowager in the capital, then led the First Rank Hall elites to the Luoyang headquarters to seek the Beggars' Sect; coincidentally, the Beggars' Sect had moved south to Jiangnan after the death of Ma Dayuan, they subsequently arrived at Wuxi and captured the Beggars' Sect with the "Grieving Fat Clear Wind"—all of this happened not long ago.

Huang Shang also turned his gaze to Feng Yi: "Haha. My daughter is curious, I am the same.

I heard from colleagues that the Western Xia First Rank Hall has a peculiar person who can speak without opening his mouth and bewitch people.

I heard he is utterly wicked, dubbed the world's number one evil person, yet never executed—could his martial arts be the best in the world?"

Feng Yi smiled: "The way of martial arts is infinitely variable, mutually generating and overcoming, who dares to claim the title of number one?"

=9+book bar

This method of Duan Yanqing is due to his injury preventing speech, so he resorts to ventriloquism; his ability to confuse minds comes from deep internal strength. Yet when he meets a true master, he dares not speak, fearing internal injury from another's internal force.

Thus the world's number one evil person can survive to this day not solely by martial prowess.

Huang Shang, hearing this, could not restrain himself despite not knowing jianghu taboos, and bluntly asked: "So the world's number one evil person survives by bullying the weak and fearing the strong; I wonder, Master Feng, if you were to face him, what would your chances of victory be?"

Feng Yi did not humble himself, laughing: "I disdain bullying the disabled; if he were sensible, he could live longer."

Huang Wan'er's eyes brightened, her face full of delight.

Huang Shang thought: "This child still does not understand the virtue of modesty; Duan Yanqing is called the world's foremost evil person, surely not easy to deal with." He said: "Master Feng, seeing you are young yet possess such martial skill, why not pursue an official career and serve the court?"

Feng Yi replied calmly: "Do not hide it from you, sir—I only love martial arts; fame, rank, and wealth are not what I seek."

Huang Wan'er said: "Master Feng, no wonder your martial arts are so high. Come, let us go to my chamber and you can tell me the strange tales of the jianghu."

Feng Yi smiled without speaking; Huang Shang snorted: "Waner, as a girl, how improper!"

Huang Wan'er also felt it improper to summon a man to her chamber at deep night, and stuck out her tongue.

Huang Shang said: "Master Feng, this book of yours, even if I were to translate it, I fear it would not be accomplished in a single day!"

Feng Yi mused: "This much I know; may I return in seven days?"

Huang Wan'er urged: "Father, our house has many rooms—let Master Feng stay here, would that not do?"

Feng Yi heard this and his heart leapt.

He actually wished to stay, lest he lose the secret manual, but hearing these words from this girl made the situation feel off.

He well knew a father's guard against "yellow-haired" youths.

Though he did not underestimate himself, he also knew that in the eyes of officials, jianghu people are nothing but "yellow-haired," especially Song dynasty civil officials.

While pondering, he heard Huang Shang laugh: "Master Feng, would you be willing to take my daughter as a disciple and teach her a few self‑defense techniques?"

Huang Wan'er trembled, her mouth slightly opened.

Feng Yi said: "It is my duty!"

From his words and meaning, it was clear Huang Shang did not wish his daughter to have any involvement with jianghu figures.

Seeing Feng Yi's understanding, Huang Shang immediately smiled; Huang Wan'er stood there dazed, then Huang Shang shouted: "Waner, hurry and kneel to pay respects to your teacher!"

Huang Wan'er said unwillingly: "Who cares?" She twisted her body and ran out of the room.

In a moment, the room returned to silence; after a while, only Huang Shang slowly said: "Young master, don't blame me, old man!"

Feng Yi laughed heartily: "Master Huang, why say such a thing? Parents' love for their child means planning far ahead; the martial world is perilous, and grudges among warriors are many—truly not a good match for children, and the court is no different!"

Huang Shang, seeing his insight, liked him even more and nodded slightly; just then the old servant walked in.

Huang Shang said: "Old Huang, take Master Feng to rest; don't neglect him."

"Yes." The old servant looked at Feng Yi, then said leisurely: "Please follow me," and led the way.

Feng Yi bade farewell to Huang Shang and left.

The old servant led the way to a corridor.

He looked left and right, saw no one, then suddenly stopped his foot and thrust a palm backward.

Feng Yi felt a swift wind attack; his martial arts were not weak, nearly matching the level of the Beggar Sect's Four Great Elders. He extended a hand, but had already seized the servant's wrist, saying lightly: "Old sir, I mean no harm."

The old servant had once been a martial world figure, saved by Huang Shang, and thus became a servant.

But he had never imagined a person's martial arts could be so high; he felt his wrist tighten as if bound by an iron hoop, unable to move at all.

Feng Yi lightly waved his hand, and the old servant flew out of the corridor.

Yet the old servant landed steadily; evidently Feng Yi's mastery of timing was pure and flawless. He stared at him, swallowed, then said: "Kid, even if your martial arts are high, if you cause trouble in the Huang household, I'll fight you to the death."

Feng Yi laughed: "I wouldn't dare!" He thought: "If I caused trouble, could you stop me?"

Suddenly a clear, pleasant laugh was heard; in the moonlight, a slender, graceful figure appeared.

The laughter continued; from behind a pillar walked out a girl—it was Huang Wan'er.

She had changed into a tight outfit that accentuated her slender waist and full chest, making Feng Yi's heart race; then she said: "Uncle Huang, you really can't beat them, can you?"

As she stepped forward, a fragrant breeze made Feng Yi intoxicated.

The old servant snorted, "Kid, with your martial arts, you'll be extraordinary in the jianghu; I hope you keep your word." Having said that, he turned and left.

Huang Wan'er said, "Master Feng, follow me."

She led Feng Yi for about twenty steps, arriving at a small, humble room, but it was fully equipped with food, clothing, and daily necessities.

She sat down and said, "You can rest here."

Feng Yi sighed and said, "How old are you?"

Huang Wan'er's face flushed, and she whispered, "Almost sixteen."

Upon hearing that, Feng Yi immediately dismissed his thoughts; any further ideas would be close to a crime, and he said, "Miss, you should go back."

Huang Wan'er said, "No, I want you to tell me jianghu stories."

Seeing her pair of large, clear, bright eyes like pearls, Feng Yi smiled and said, "All right, I'll tell you."

He then recounted the story of Ding Dian and Ling Shuanghua in full, but skimmed over his own accidental involvement.

This result truly frightened the girl quite a bit.

Because Ling Tui Si was an official, Ding Dian a jianghu ruffian, and Ling Shuanghua an official's daughter.

That ending was chilling; Huang Wan'er dared not listen any further and returned to her room.

Over the next few days, Huang Shang was busy with official duties during the day, usually returning to the mansion only late at night.

Huang Wan'er ran to Feng Yi's room every day, calling him "Big Brother Feng" over and over, which made Feng Yi's heart flutter.

At the age when Huang Wan'er's feelings were first awakening, Feng Yi's extraordinary martial arts and handsome appearance had already been etched into her heart,

After all, women like to be captivated by men who are scheming or powerful—this is never an empty saying.

Feng Yi also clearly sensed that the little girl had developed feelings for him, but being such a young maiden, he truly dared not touch her, nor did he wish to.

He immediately transmitted the Muscle and Bone Strengthening Chapter from the Nine Yin True Classic to her.

This is a remarkable skill; when Huang Shang created it, it was during the reign of Emperor Huizong of Song, in the Zhenghe era, nearly twenty years before now, and he was already a seventy‑year‑old elder, yet he had become a master of his generation—showing how wondrous this technique is.

Feng Yi said it was a skill for strengthening the body and health, letting her pass it on to her father; Huang Wan'er was naturally pleased.

Feng Yi taught it carefully, partly to change the subject, and also because he felt it was returning to its rightful owner, giving the Huang family the means to defend itself—which was also a good thing.

That evening, Feng Yi and Huang Shang were sitting in the pavilion drinking and conversing; since Huang Shang, though erudite, was not the sort who had penetrated all the Daoist classics and comprehended divine skills on his own, his grasp of martial theory was lacking, so Feng Yi had to impart instruction.

Only saw Huang Wan'er holding a wooden tray, walking up lightly, her face full of shyness as she said, "Big Brother Feng, I've made bird's nest lotus seed soup; please try it."

Huang Shang said, "I really didn't know my daughter was so dexterous; I don't know if this old man has the fortune to enjoy it..."

Feng Yi gave a slight smile, but Huang Wan'er shot her father a glance, her voice crisp: "I've never made it for you, but is that also a skill? Why are you being all weird? Humph!" She then set the tray down, stamped her foot, and turned to leave.

Huang Shang couldn't help but stare, looking at his daughter and then at Feng Yi, and stammered, "Um… this…"

Feng Yi laughed, "I've been in Tokyo for a few days and haven't gone out yet; perfect time for a stroll!"

Seeing Feng Yi's back disappear, Huang Shang finally let out a long sigh.

Different paths, no plot together!

(End of chapter)