Chapter 184

Feng Yi pulled Huang Wan'er out of Fan Lou, sometimes leaping over rooftops, sometimes weaving through alleys, occasionally glancing back. They reached the end of a lane where Huang Wan'er could no longer hold back; she wiped away the tears that had welled up from her irritation and fiercely said, "Are you in league with the Khitan people?"

Translation: Feng Yi pulled Huang Wan'er out of Fan Lou, sometimes leaping over roofs, sometimes weaving through alleys, occasionally glancing back. They reached the end of a lane, and Huang Wan'er could no longer hold back, wiping away the tears that had welled up from her irritation, and she snapped: "Are you in league with the Khitan?"

We need to keep the tone. Ensure we include all info.

Let's produce: Feng Yi pulled Huang Wan'er out of Fan Lou, sometimes leaping over roofs, sometimes weaving through alleys, occasionally glancing back. They reached the end of a lane, and Huang Wan'er could no longer hold back, wiping away the tears that had welled up from her irritation, and she snapped: "Are you in league with the Khitan?"

Note: there's a typo in the original text; the intended word is "you". We'll translate as: Huang Wan'er whispered: "Do you take me for a fool?"

Feng Yi said lightly, "Let's go see your father first, then we'll talk."

Translation: Feng Yi said lightly: "Let's talk after you go see your father."

Huang Wan'er, not knowing what to do with her father, added, "Is that old man really that formidable?"

Translation: Huang Wan'er also didn't know what seeing her father would accomplish, and she added: "Is that old man very formidable?"

Feng Yi showed a look of surprise, glancing at Huang Wan'er. Seeing her eyes glistening with tears, her brows and eyes full of a mischievous yet mocking smile, yet she appeared charming and lovely.

Translation: Feng Yi's expression showed surprise as he glanced at Huang Wan'er. Seeing her eyes glistening with tears, her brows and eyes full of a look that was partly mischievous, partly mocking, yet she appeared charming and lovely.

Feng Yi felt his heart skip a beat, a strange emotion rising; he quickly turned his head and said, "How do you know?" Before him still floated the image of her clever, smiling face.

Translation: Feng Yi felt his heart skip a beat, a strange emotion welling up; he quickly turned his head away and said, "How do you know?" The image of her clever, smiling face still lingered before his eyes.

Huang Wan'er whispered, "Do you take me for a fool?"

Note: there's a typo where a mistaken form of the word for "you" is used instead of the correct form. We'll translate as: Huang Wan'er whispered: "Do you take me for a fool?"

Feng Yi said incredulously, "How could that be?"

Translation: Feng Yi said incredulously: "How could I?"

Huang Wan'er gave him a sideways glance and then said, "That old man is at least two or three zhang away from that smug fellow's table; the two women were speaking softly, I heard nothing, yet he managed to overhear them—this is truly strange!"

Translation: Huang Wan'er gave him a sideways glance before saying: "That old man was two or three zhang away from that smelly brat's table, yet the two women were speaking softly, and I heard nothing—yet he managed to overhear them. That's remarkable!"

Moreover, you said only one or two people could hurt you, yet you apologized to that arrogant young master…" She paused, then spat, "Pah, what arrogance—he's just a smug brat."

Translation: Moreover, you claimed only one or two people could hurt you, yet you went to apologize to that arrogant young master…" She paused, then spat: "Pah, what arrogance—he's just a snot-nosed brat."

"He's overbearing; even I can't stand it, yet you can endure it, but you glanced at that old man—not because you fear he's allied with him, but because you can't protect me."

Translation: He was overbearing and pushy; even I couldn't stand it, yet you held your ground, only to glance at that old man—not because you feared he was in league with him, but because you couldn't protect me.

"You're pulling me along as if we were riding clouds and mist, darting high and low, looking back, clearly afraid of being followed. From these three points, it's obvious that old man is formidable."

Translation: Now you're pulling me along as if riding clouds and mist, darting high and low, looking back—clearly afraid of being followed. From these three points, it's obvious that old man is formidable.

Feng Yi heard her and silently praised, "This girl follows her father; she's extraordinarily perceptive." He smiled and said, "With your observational skills and insight, I feel much more at ease."

Translation: Feng Yi listened and secretly praised: "This girl takes after her father—she's extraordinarily perceptive." He smiled and said: "With such observational skill and understanding, I feel much more at ease."

Huang Wan'er's heart tightened as she asked, "At ease about what?"

Translation: Huang Wan'er's heart tightened as she asked: "At ease about what?"

Feng Yi said nothing, merely encircling her slender frame as he circled the Huang residence once before entering.

Translation: Feng Yi said nothing, merely encircling her slender form as he walked a circuit around the Huang residence before entering the Huang manor.

The Huang family's old servant stepped forward; though a servant, he had watched Huang Wan'er grow up and couldn't help but grunt, "A young lady out late at night with a man—if the master finds out, he'll surely punish you!"

Translation: The Huang family's old servant came forward; though he was merely a servant, he had watched Huang Wan'er grow up, and he couldn't help snorting: "A young lady out late at night with a man—if the master finds out, he'll surely punish you!"

Huang Wan'er stuck out her tongue: "I'm going to find my father!" and she dashed off ahead.

Translation: Huang Wan'er stuck out her tongue: "I'm going to find my father!" and she dashed off ahead.

The old servant snorted at Feng Yi, as if saying he was abducting a young girl.

Translation: The old servant snorted at Feng Yi, as if accusing him of abducting a young girl.

Feng Yi gave a faint smile.

Translation: Feng Yi gave a faint smile.

Several people arrived outside the study; the indoor lights remained unchanged. After entering, Huang Wan'er lifted the curtain and said, "Father, Elder Brother Feng has come."

Translation: They arrived outside the study; the lights inside were still on. After entering, Huang Wan'er lifted the curtain and announced: "Father, Elder Brother Feng has come."

Inside, stacks of documents covered the desk; Huang Shang was bent over, writing vigorously. He let out an oh, set down his brush, stood up, and clapped laughing, "Welcome, young friend—just in time; I've made some new gains."

Translation: Inside, scrolls piled on the desk; Huang Shang was bent over, writing vigorously. He let out an oh, set down his brush, rose, and clapped his hands laughing: "Young friend, your timing is perfect—I've made some new gains."

Feng Yi said, "Mr. Huang, we'll talk later; I have important news to report now."

Translation: Feng Yi said: "Mr. Huang, we'll talk later; I have urgent matters to report now."

Huang Shang ordered the servant to bring tea and invited him to sit.

Translation: Huang Shang ordered the servant to prepare tea and invited him to sit.

Feng Yi thought for a moment, then said, "You two wait a moment; Wan'er, tell your father what just happened." Huang Wan'er let out an oh.

Translation: Feng Yi thought for a moment, then said: "Please wait a moment, Wan'er—tell your father what just happened." Huang Wan'er let out an oh.

Feng Yi left the room again, leapt up, lowered his body, scanned all around; after a while, seeing no movement on the surrounding rooftops, he descended.

Translation: Feng Yi went out again, leapt onto the roof, crouched low, scanning all around. After a while, seeing no movement on the surrounding rooftops, he came down.

He feared the Huang household might be watched.

Translation: He feared the Huang household might be under surveillance.

Huang Shang saw him enter and smiled, "It's just a few harsh words—why be so cautious?"

Translation: Seeing Feng Yi enter, Huang Shang smiled and said: "It's just a few harsh words—why be so cautious?"

He had already heard his daughter recount what happened at Fan Lou, and didn't take it to heart.

Translation: He had already heard his daughter recount what happened at Fan Lou, and he didn't take it to heart.

Feng Yi gave a wry smile: "Sir, you haven't dealt with jianghu folk, so you don't understand their nature. Among them there are certainly generous, heroic figures, but there are also many narrow‑minded individuals."

Translation: Feng Yi gave a wry smile: "Sir, you've had no contact with martial world figures, so you don't understand their nature. Certainly there are generous, heroic warriors, but narrow-minded ones are also quite common."

"Don't even mention petty quarrels; even at a gathering, if you accidentally nod slightly at someone without smiling, you might unintentionally offend them, inviting endless trouble—or even deadly disaster."

Translation: Not to mention verbal spats; even if you merely nod slightly at someone at a gathering without smiling, you might unintentionally offend them, inviting endless trouble, even bringing about a deadly disaster.

"Moreover, jianghu people settle grudges by exterminating roots, leaving no chickens or dogs; this ruthless practice is not exempt even for those called heroes and champions."

Translation: Moreover, when martial artists seek vengeance, they often exterminate roots and leave no chickens or dogs—this ruthless approach spares not even those called heroes and champions.

He thought of how Huang Shang had killed a Ming Sect master; the master's kin and friends sought revenge, slaughtering his whole family, so he spoke solemnly.

Translation: Thinking of how Huang Shang had slain a master of the Ming Sect, whose kin and friends sought revenge by slaughtering his entire family, he spoke solemnly.

Upon hearing this, Huang Shang felt a heavy oppression in his chest, as if he might suffocate.

Translation: Huang Shang listened, feeling a heavy oppression in his chest, as if he might suffocate.

Huang Wan'er seemed frightened; her legs trembled uncontrollably.

Translation: Huang Wan'er seemed frightened, her legs trembling uncontrollably.

Seeing this, Huang Shang felt great pity and hurriedly said, "Feng Yi, don't frighten her." Then, after a moment's thought, he suddenly understood.

Translation: Seeing this, Huang Shang felt great pity and hurriedly said: "Feng Yi, don't frighten her." Then, after a moment's thought, he suddenly understood.

He told Feng Yi, "I see now—you fear that because of you, they will track us to my manor and harm us."

Translation: He said to Feng Yi: "I understand now—you fear that because of you, they will follow to my manor and harm us."

Huang Wan'er trembled as she said, "You fear they'll come to kill us… the whole family, so you made that young master submit and bow his head?"

Translation: Huang Wan'er trembled as she said: "You fear they'll come to kill us… the whole family, so you bowed and submitted to that young master?"

Feng Yi replied, "Not entirely."

Translation: Feng Yi said: "Not entirely.

"That day I myself waded into troubled waters, fell into a villain's trap, and could only utter contempt toward Murong Fu to prove myself. Behind the scenes, those speaking against me were ultimately in the wrong; if it were me, I'd also demand an explanation and offer an apology—it's only right."

Translation: That day I myself waded into murky waters, fell into a villain's trap, and could only show disdain toward Murong Fu to prove myself. Those speaking behind my back were ultimately in the wrong; if it were me, I'd also demand an explanation, and apologizing to him would be fitting.

"But this brat is arrogant and narrow‑minded; he refuses to back down and insists on fighting me. Had we fought in Fan Lou, we wouldn't mention them—just the owner of Fan Lou, whose influence reaches heaven, would cause an uproar. We jianghu folk could slip away, but you would surely suffer blame."

Translation: But this brat is arrogant and narrow-minded, so he refused to back down and insisted on fighting me. Had we clashed at Fan Lou, even without mentioning them, just the owner of Fan Lou—whose influence reaches heaven—if a disturbance arose, we martial artists could slip away, but you would surely incur blame.

"Most importantly, translating the scriptures is my paramount duty; therefore, before leaving I had to display a bit of martial skill, hoping to intimidate them so they wouldn't dare provoke me lightly."

Translation: Most importantly, translating the scriptures is my paramount task; thus I had to reveal a bit of martial skill as I left, hoping to shock them into not daring to provoke me lightly.

"Everyone has their taboos; only then can there be peace. Yet things rarely go as wished, so we must prepare as best we can."

Translation: Everyone has their taboos, and only then can there be peace; but since nothing ever goes exactly as wished, we must simply prepare all the more.

Huang Wan'er heard this and suddenly realized: Feng Yi had, in an instant, considered everything, weighed the options, showing such shrewdness and wisdom that she had never seen before.

Translation: Upon hearing this, Huang Wan'er suddenly realized: Feng Yi had, in an instant, considered everything, weighed the options—so shrewd and wise, she had never seen his like.

Huang Shang's mind flashed; he blurted, "Ah, could it be that Murong Fu is a descendant of the former Yan state?"

Translation: Huang Shang's mind flashed with insight as he blurted: "Ah, Murong Fu—could he be a descendant of the former Yan state?"

Feng Yi nodded: "Exactly."

Translation: Feng Yi nodded: "Exactly!"

Huang Wan'er said, "Although the Prince of Wang's line has declined, its foundation remains; indeed, it should not be underestimated." Her family's learning runs deep, and she knows dynastic history better than the jianghu rabble.

Translation: Huang Wan'er said: "Although the scion of a noble house has declined, his foundation remains; he is certainly not to be underestimated." Her family's learning runs deep, and she knows dynastic history better than the martial world's rough folk.

Feng Yi remarked casually, "Apart from being ruthless, Murong Fu has little else—except that his father is no ordinary man."

Translation: Feng Yi said lightly: "Apart from being vicious, Murong Fu isn't much—it's just that his father is no ordinary man!"

Huang Wan'er blurted, "I get it now—that old man is his father, which is why he mocked women praising him."

Translation: Huang Wan'er blurted: "I get it— that old man is his father, which is why he mocked women praising him!"

Feng Yi saw she had indeed inherited her father's cleverness, able to grasp this point; he nodded and said, "I have my suspicions. If true, that old man harbors deep schemes, possesses high martial skill, and has gathered many followers; if we cannot kill him with a single strike, endless trouble will follow—family ruin and death could be imminent."

Translation: Seeing that she had indeed inherited her father's cleverness and could reach this conclusion, Feng Yi nodded and said: "I did have my suspicions. If that's true, that old man harbors deep schemes, possesses formidable martial arts, and has gathered many followers; if we fail to kill him with our strike, endless trouble will follow—ruin and death are imminent."

Huang Shang exclaimed, "Such a person is truly vicious and formidable!"

Translation: Huang Shang exclaimed in shock: "Is this person really that vicious and formidable?"

Feng Yi sighed, "Mr. Huang, have you heard the name Xiao Yuan Shan?"

Translation: Feng Yi sighed: "Mr. Huang, have you heard the name Xiao Yuanshan?"

"\"Xiao Yuan Shan? \" Huang Shang wondered, \"Are you referring to the former Liao state's chief commander of the Pearl Guard's personal troops? \""

Translation: "Xiao Yuanshan?" Huang Shang exclaimed in surprise: "You mean the former Chief Commander of the Liao State's Imperial Guard's Main Tent?"

Feng Yi asked strangely, "Do you know him?"

Translation: Feng Yi wondered: "Do you know him?"

Huang Shang shook his head: "I don't know him, but I've heard of him."

Translation: Huang Shang shook his head: "I don't know him personally, but I've heard of him.

"Since our dynasty's founding, Liao has been a major enemy; yet to the west lies Xi Xia, so Liao troops do not advance south, and our dynasty would not resort to arms."

Translation: Since our dynasty's founding, Liao has been a major enemy, yet with Western Xia to the west, Liao troops do not advance south, so our dynasty does not resort to arms.

"Xiao Yuan Shan repeatedly advised Empress Xiao and the Liao emperor to uphold the Song‑Liao alliance, thereby averting many Song‑Liao wars' disasters. Initially the court was unaware; later the news spread south, and officials learned of his deeds—truly a great sage who benefited myriad peoples, everyone wishing that even the tiger‑wolf Liao state had such a person."

Translation: Xiao Yuanshan repeatedly advised Empress Xiao and the Liao Emperor, advocating a solid Song-Liao alliance, thereby mitigating much of the harm from repeated Song-Liao wars. Initially our dynasty was unaware; later the news trickled south, and court officials came to know his deeds—truly a great sage who blessed myriad peoples, everyone wishing that even the tiger-wolf Liao state still had such a person.

"But he died suddenly; Liao claims we killed him, border conflicts erupted, and this is all thirty‑year‑old history."

Translation: But this man died suddenly; Liao claimed it was our dynasty's doing, and border conflicts erupted—all of this dates back thirty years.

Feng Yi said, "His misfortune came from being harmed by Murong Bo, leaving behind an orphan who became the former chief of the Beggars' Sect, Qiao Feng."

Translation: Feng Yi said: "This man's misfortune came from being harmed by Murong Bo, and he left behind an orphan—none other than the former chief of the Beggars' Gang, Qiao Feng!"

Huang Wan'er realized, "So that's why you helped Qiao Feng kill people?"

Translation: Huang Wan'er realized: "So that's why you helped Qiao Feng kill people?"

Feng Yi laughed, "I did help him, but I didn't kill anyone."

Translation: Feng Yi laughed: "I did help him, but I didn't kill anyone!"

Joy showed in Huang Wan'er's brows; she gave a light laugh, but then she suddenly grew worried: "Why does Murong Fu say you are demonic fiends? Qiao Feng killed his master's parents, and you and he also slaughtered several dozen people at someone's estate!"

Huang Shang heard this, also seemed frightened, and fell silent.

"This is the cruelty of jianghu vendettas—if they can't deal with you, they strike at those connected to you!"

Feng Yi coldly laughed: "The so-called killing of parents and masters was not done by Qiao Feng; the murderer is a person blinded by hatred, unable to discern right from wrong—namely, Qiao Feng's biological father, Xiao Yuanshan!"

Huang Shang was startled again,

Huang Wane'er's body trembled further, she quivered: "He's been dead for thirty years, hasn't he? Could it be… a ghost killing people?"

Huang Shang slowly said: "Could it be that Xiao Yuanshan didn't die?"

Feng Yi nodded: "Yes, his mind is filled only with how to drag his son into revenge together, so he committed this bloodbath!"

Neither expected this; Huang Wane'er stared, then sighed: "In that case, Qiao Feng is also a pitiful person, yet he happens to be a Khitan!"

Feng Yi also sighed, saying: "It's like good rain falling on barren land, good meat devoured by dogs."

Huang Shang fell silent for a moment, then spoke hoarsely: "Xiao Yuanshan's identity is so sensitive; Murong Bo wants him dead—this person's motives are surely not pure!"

He paused slightly, a hint of worry appearing between his brows: "If my expectation is correct, this person is surely plotting rebellion!"

Huang Wane'er exclaimed in shock: "Rebellion?" Her face turned pale from fright—this is the grave crime of exterminating nine clans!

Feng Yi felt admiration, saying: "Old Master Huang truly sees clearly; in one word you've hit the mark—the Murong family aims to restore the nation."

Huang Shang sighed: "Yan Kingdom fell centuries ago, yet they still haven't forgotten! Once weapons clash, who knows how many civilians will suffer war's disaster!"

Feng Yi also sighed: "Thus this matter is overly complicated; sooner or later it must be settled. I didn't intend to meet them today, but I fear this grudge will drag you in."

Huang Shang said: "As the saying goes, grievances have a source, debts have a master. Since you gave him face in public and secretly showed him a bit of martial skill, he ought to be able to let it go—what grudge is there to speak of?"

Feng Yi said: "Whether he can let it go, we cannot be certain of their actions, but we cannot afford the risk of failure."

"To speak frankly, even if I killed that father and son, they still have many loyal followers and subordinates who could seek revenge against me, yet they cannot."

"But to strike at my kin and friends, causing me grief, is easy for them—you have no martial skill, and before them you are lambs awaiting slaughter!"

"Moreover, I will inevitably encounter the Murong father and son later; I cannot keep bowing down, I must surely kill them. But Murong Bo and Xiao Yuanshan alike hide in the shadows, not always together; if one flees, they cannot match me, yet dealing with you would be a breeze!"

Hearing this, father and daughter both stared at Feng Yi, silent.

Huang Shang stared at him a moment, then nodded and smiled: "Good, good, good."

Huang Wane'er asked: "What's good about it?"

Huang Shang gazed at Feng Yi and said: "I have studied Daoism quite a bit; recently I also received from you the Yijin Gu Gu technique, and comparing it with the Yijin Jing you gave me, I have gained much insight."

"In my view, cultivating internal energy primarily depends on one's mind and nature."

"You possess supreme skill, yet for the sake of my Huang family you can disregard others' ridicule—this shows your benevolence."

"Qiao Feng is a Khitan, yet you can ignore others' gazes and openly acknowledge your association with him—this is righteousness."

"Moreover, you can candidly declare your intent to slay the Murong father and son, showing you are no one who hides, and also revealing your courage."

"Furthermore, your vision is far-reaching, not swayed by momentary anger; you decide promptly, weighing gains and losses with measure—this itself shows your wisdom."

"Laozi said, 'The Way of Heaven reduces excess and supplements deficiency; thus the empty overcomes the solid.' That Murong lord may appear imposing on the surface, but in reality, such an arrogant person will forever remember today,"

"Given his disposition, making progress in internal arts will likely be difficult."

"Just these few points suffice to explain why Elder Brother Feng, though young, has cultivated such superb martial skill—you said what's good about it?"

Huang Wane'er rejoiced: "Father, you also said Elder Brother Feng is unmatched in benevolence and righteousness, and possesses both wisdom and courage—don't forget that!"

Huang Shang laughed: "Could it be that he's not good, yet you rush to offer yourself as his wife?"

Huang Wane'er's ears flushed red; she snapped: "You… you stop talking nonsense, who… who would be his wife?" She stomped her foot and gusted out of the room. Huang Shang stroked his beard and laughed heartily; Feng Yi also felt rather embarrassed, not knowing why the old man suddenly said that, what his intention was.

Huang Shang watched Huang Wane'er laugh, then after she left his smile gradually turned cold; he sized up Feng Yi for a moment, narrowed his eyes, and slowly said: "Since I am aware of the Murong family's plot, I naturally ought to memorialize the court and execute this villain!"

Feng Yi shook his head: "Sir, do not go memorialize the court, lest you invite disaster; I told you these things…"

Huang Shang waved his hand: "Listen to me finish." He fell silent a moment, then slowly said: "You told me jianghu folk are ruthless, actually wanting me to resign office and avoid disaster—how could I, an old man, not know that?"

"Yet a true man establishing himself in the world ought to weigh the masses above all; as a subject, he should serve the populace. Would I, for my own family's peace, disregard the sages' teachings?"

"Though you dwell in the jianghu, you are also a subject of our Great Song; must you simply watch the realm topple and the common folk suffer, unconcerned?"

"Perhaps your master's transmission of martial arts was not meant merely for you to preserve yourself?"

"In my eyes, Huang Shang, as long as we can quell rebels, pacify the realm, and spare the people from war's suffering, personal life, death, honor, or disgrace are of little account."

Feng Yi's expression turned solemn, he nodded: "Mr. Huang, you harbor great ambition; how could I not know?"

"Yet the common folk you speak of have long dwelt in dire straits; how could you possibly change that?"

"Even under a sage ruler and virtuous ministers, the people still suffer,"

"but the world is mostly filled with foolish rulers; once a foolish ruler appears, sycophantic ministers and villains naturally find fertile ground, and the lower classes remain in anguish."

"Even if we topple corrupt ministers and change dynasties, we cannot alter this reality; hence the saying: 'In prosperity, the people suffer; in ruin, the people also suffer.'"

Huang Shang wondered: "What have you experienced that you are so pessimistic?"

Feng Yi sighed: "This is not pessimism; it is the natural order."

"Because the fundamental problem cannot be solved—namely, that among people there are innate disparities of power, wealth, and poverty."

=9+book_eh

A simple example: everyone sees the brilliance of Tokyo's moonlit night lanterns; many romantic scholars compose catchy songs for those courtesans, exciting everyone.

But how many consider whether those women beneath the lamps are better off, whether they are willing?

Huang Shang was stunned; Feng Yi's words truly pierced the essence.

How do the prostitutes in the brothels come to be?

Some are born clothed in silk and jade-fed; others are born into lowly status.

Feng Yi again said: "Thus I feel that the court and sovereign, while indispensable, are not that important."

In my view, as long as power rests in the hands of the Han people, that suffices.

Simply because the Han populace is numerous, possessing broad minds and the ability to treat all equally.

However, other peoples are not as numerous as we Han; to maintain rule they must resort to every means to suppress the Han, so we must never let foreigners govern— as for the rest, it doesn't matter whether the emperor is surnamed Wang or Zhao!

Impudent!

Huang Shang slapped the table and stood up, raising a palm, his beard fluttering.

Feng Yi knew that to these loyal subjects his words were grossly improper, but he didn't mind, saying, "Old Mr. Huang, the officialdom is more terrifying than the jianghu!"

If I'm not mistaken, the current Empress Dowager is already advanced in age; the emperor, raised by women in the deep palace, is incapable of greatness and has no sons; once the Empress Dowager passes, the officials will surely contend.

If you, sir, should fail, in the Great Song, confiscation of property and exile are rather common.

If you manage to hold your ground, and the jianghu folks rebel one day, you go to suppress them, they will surely seek revenge, and your whole family may hardly be kept safe.

What's more, you preserve a worthless monarch, then lose the realm; your loyalty and bloodshed—heh—would be better spent now, while the situation is unclear, resigning from office to retreat to the countryside and wholeheartedly study martial arts, finding joy therein.

Feng Yi had long wanted to persuade Huang Shang to resign; in the original trajectory, he, acting under Emperor Huizong's name, suppressed the Ming Sect rebellion, though successful, his family was wiped out, and later the Jurchens invaded, capturing Emperors Huizong and Qinzong, bringing suffering to the populace.

Thus, the Huizong realm would be better off in the hands of the Ming Sect.

Huang Shang stared at Feng Yi for a moment, not knowing what to say; this person seems neither proper nor improper, neither evil nor good, always inscrutable; he slowly sat down and said in a low voice, "Little brother, I don't know what ordeal you've been through to say such things, but your assessment of the court situation is not wrong; the Empress Dowager is old and won't live many more years."

Although Lord Wang Wen has passed, the reformist faction has also been suppressed, yet when this old lady rides off on a crane to the west, the new and old parties will surely contend.

Feng Yi solemnly said: "So, I heard that Wang Anshi was dismissed from office and yet devoted himself to scholarship, becoming a great master; why don't you follow his example, sir?"

With your abilities, even if you attain the highest rank among officials, there have been many throughout history, but in martial arts, to reach the pinnacle and leave a name for eternity, only the foreigner Damo has done so; I, a humble junior, wish to ask on behalf of my fellow Han martial artists: please, Old Mr. Huang, give our Han martial arts a chance to shine. Then he rose, flicked his sleeves, and knelt.

Feng Yi knew that Huang Shang was an unparalleled martial arts genius, lacking a foundation, yet capable of self-realizing divine skill.

The Nine Yin Divine Art I currently rely on for survival is Huang Shang's work, and the Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic was especially translated with his painstaking effort; thus this is practically my master, and naturally I hope he can change the fate of my family's destruction.

Now, letting him early master the Nine Yin True Classic, and adding the divine skill secrets I know, with devoted study, what an achievement that would be!

And Huang Shang could also enable Feng Yi to fulfill his wish of completely integrating and comprehending his entire martial arts.

Because Feng Yi does not rely on a system, he could not achieve this otherwise, so he does not hesitate to kneel and beg.

"How can this be done?" Huang Shang exclaimed, at a loss, quickly helping Feng Yi up and saying, "Resigning from office is fine, but I don't know martial arts; without your guidance, I've been feeling my way blindly. You seem so certain that I will surely achieve something in martial arts!"

Feng Yi looked at him and smiled: "Sir, you truly don't realize what kind of genius you are? You've never practiced martial arts, only trained a few days in the Muscle/Tendon Bone Forging chapter, and already you've generated qi sensation—this progress is unheard of for me! If you devotedly study martial arts, what is the foreigner Damo to you?"

Huang Shang also showed delight, saying: "Really? Is my talent for martial arts truly that great?"

Damo is a grand master; even though he is not a jianghu person, he has heard of the name; seeing Feng Yi compare him to Damo, Huang Shang also finds it hard to believe.

Feng Yi naturally smiled and nodded.

Feng Yi himself knows that without the system, he is merely an ordinary person, and there is a qualitative difference between him and a genius like Huang Shang.

When Huang Shang took up martial arts, he was already a sixty- or seventy-year-old man, yet he created the Nine Yin True Classic, hailed as the comprehensive summary of martial arts under heaven. If we let him study martial arts now, the achievements Feng Yi could not even imagine.

Huang Shang murmured: "Hearing you say this, I feel a bit strange; I feel uneasy if I don't practice this skill for a day, but once I practice, my whole body feels comfortable, as if it's grown into my body. Ah, could this be like the Five Stone Powder?"

Feng Yi chuckled: "Mr. Huang, you're overthinking it. When you practice martial arts, it naturally settles into your body and makes you feel comfortable all over—that's normal."

Thus some people can live in a cave for over ten years without feeling bored; even more, one can live alone for forty years solely to cultivate martial arts.

"Forty years?" Huang Shang exclaimed in astonishment: "Such a person truly can endure loneliness; what a remarkable individual—could you introduce me to them?"

Feng Yi smiled, thinking to himself, "Could it not be you?" and said, "Sir, have you decided to resign from office?"

Huang Shang pondered and said: "Let me think it over!"

He placed the book on the table and handed it to Feng Yi, saying: "This is actually the Patriarch Damo's Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic; I've translated half of it, and I had planned to discuss it with you tomorrow, but here you go!"

In fact, he is erudite and wise; upon hearing Feng Yi's meaning, he immediately understood this was the transmission from Shaolin Damo.

Feng Yi took it and said: "Not bad, this is indeed Damo's Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic, also containing the yoga methods of an exalted person from India, utterly different from the internal arts of the Central Plains."

I had originally wanted to wait until you finished the translation, then combine the strengths of Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, and the Demonic to achieve an unparalleled feat; how could we let Shaolin Damo take all the glory? Or we could wait until the translation is complete, and then I'll receive further instruction without delay. Then he handed it back to Huang Shang.

Feng Yi also said: "If you agree to resign, sir, wherever you wish to go, I will accompany and protect you!"

Huang Shang clasped his hands and said: "Then thank you!"

Feng Yi gave a hearty laugh: "You're welcome!" and went outside.

Huang Shang couldn't help but ask: "Old Huang, what kind of person is Feng Yi?"

The Huang family's old servant, upon hearing this, came in and said: "Feng Yi's words may have a hint of wickedness, but his heart is open and upright; he is certainly no villain. Otherwise, Miss would surely have been harmed by him already."

Huang Shang blinked and said: "What's the point of that?"

Old Huang chuckled and said: "Miss, your eyebrows are locked, your waist straight, your neck slender and back upright—these are the traits of a maiden!"

Huang Shang laughed.

Old Huang continued: "Moreover, just listening to his words shows he greatly admires your talent, which is why he didn't hesitate to kneel and urge you to resign."

You don't know, the Gusu Murong clan holds great prestige in the martial world, nearly the pinnacle; but Master Feng's words never regard them highly, and if anyone in the martial world could suppress Gusu Murong, they'd truly be willing to die for it!

Huang Shang thought and said: "Alright, I understand."

From that day on, Feng Yi never left the Huang household again, constantly teaching Huang Shang martial arts—first to give him self-defense ability, second to intentionally make him obsessed with martial arts, thus he held nothing back.

Not only did he return their Nine Yin True Classic, but he also wholeheartedly explained all the martial arts he knew.

Looking across the world, the breadth of martial arts has none who could surpass Feng Yi; moreover, he has experienced a hundred battles and possesses keen insight.

After hearing this, Huang Shang secretly sighed at how vast the Way of martial arts is.

In profound martial arts, the principles contained are the ultimate truths of the world, usable for governing the state, administering politics, and directing troops.

It's merely a matter of wanting to learn for application, which depends on personal aptitude.

As for Huang Wan'er, Feng Yi taught her to regulate spirit and cultivate qi, then study fists and kicks, both building strength and practicing skill.

After a little over a month, the Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic was not only successfully translated, but Huang Shang's enthusiasm for studying martial arts surpassed his desire for office, and he immediately submitted his resignation.

His prime came after Emperor Huizong ascended the throne; at that time, Emperor Zhezong and Empress Gao paid no attention to a low-ranking official. Huang Shang decided to return to his ancestral home in Fuzhou; Huang Wan'er had grown up since childhood in Dongjing, and now she must go to her hometown, and with Feng Yi accompanying her, she is overjoyed beyond words.

Huang Shang's retinue of servants and maids numbered over twenty, with more than ten donkey‑horses; Huang Shang, Lady Huang, and Feng Yi each rode in their own carriage.

Feng Yi further cut off his white hair and donned a human‑skin mask, so as not to provoke trouble deliberately; even if he did cause trouble, he would not let others know who he is.

Huang Wan'er, however, disliked feeling cooped up in the carriage, so she took to horseback; but her parents objected to a woman exposing herself, deeming it improper, so she instead dressed in male attire.

That day, the caravan crossed a hill when suddenly they saw flames shooting into the sky; it was getting dark, and they had planned to lodge at the upcoming town, but someone had set a fire on the road.

The guards were about to report when a shrill, piercing sound like a flute rang out, and from the roadside leapt a dozen or so people, tall and short, clad in coarse‑cloth short shirts, laughing loudly.

A manor guard, weapon in hand, stepped forward and shouted, "Who are you? Did you lot set this fire?"

Just as his words fell, a tall, broad-shouldered man with a head of yellow hair stepped out from the opposite crowd, strode forward, and lightly swung his left hand, slapping the manor guard on the right cheek.

The manor guard shouted loudly and fell to the ground.

Then the crowd loudly clapped and shouted, "Fifth Senior Brother, what mighty bearing!"

"Fifth Senior Brother, what a murderous aura!"

"Fifth Senior Brother, whose might shakes the Central Plains!"

Feng Yi was studying the profound mysteries of the Yijin Jing with Huang Shang, somewhat lost in himself; hearing these shouts, Feng Yi's expression changed, and he secretly wondered, "Could it be them?" He immediately slipped out of the sedan chair.

Seeing the manor guard's half-face turned ink-black and swollen, Huang Wan'er repeatedly cried out in pain, raised her eyebrows, and shouted, "In broad daylight, you dare to hurt someone—do you truly not know the law is stern?"

(End of chapter)