Chapter 185

Huang Wan'er actually hoped those people were bandits, so she could test the martial arts Feng Yi had taught her, but Feng Yi said she had only studied for a month, her skill was still far from ready, and it was better not to fight if possible.

Because outsiders see she knows martial arts, if she doesn't act it's fine, but once she acts she uses full force, easily losing her life. Therefore, before her martial arts are complete, she must never show off or compete.

Seeing Feng Yi speak solemnly, Huang Wan'er dared not disobey, so she could only utter a harsh line first.

From the opposite crowd another person walked out, thin-built, with a lion-like nose and wide mouth, hands on hips, laughing wildly: "Listen up, bring out ten thousand taels of silver, or I'll roast you, you little rabbit!"

Upon hearing such arrogant words, Huang Wan'er could no longer contain her anger, her face flushed, she drew her sword with a swish and shouted: "What big talk! Take this sword!"

She leapt off her horse, landed, then darted forward like a snake, employing the "Serpent Form Fox Flip" technique from the Nine Yin True Classic, thrusting her long sword at the opponent's shoulder.

The lion-nosed man laughed ha-ha, thrust out his left palm, a gust of wind lifted the fire, and the flames leapt toward Huang Wan'er.

The firelight flashed bright, dazzling the eyes; someone with lesser martial concentration would see spots just from looking at it, let alone that this fire can burn people.

Huang Wan'er, having never fought before, cried out in shock, her long sword swirling around her body as she leapt to the left.

The lion-nosed man gave a cold snort, thrust out his right palm with a whoosh, another wave of fire surged toward Huang Wan'er before she had landed.

The crowd cheered again and again.

"Second senior brother, your skill is superb!"

"Second senior brother, your might shakes the Central Plains!"

"Second senior brother Moyun Zi, your might shakes the world!"

But amid the cries of "might shakes the world," the fireball in midair suddenly went out.

It turned out Feng Yi had already gathered energy in his palm, ready to strike at any moment; seeing Huang Wan'er unable to dodge, he swept out his right palm and extinguished the flames.

Huang Wan'er had almost been burned, then suddenly recalled Feng Yi's admonition: "In youth, when blood and vigor are fresh, when facing an enemy, guard against rashness." Her face flushed; if not for Feng Yi's intervention, her debut battle would have ended in a great loss, and she felt ashamed.

Then Feng Yi coldly shouted: "Who are you?"

The crowd saw his expressionless, zombie-like face and felt a chill.

Moyun Zi laughed: "You brat, you don't know the height of heaven or depth of earth; aside from the disciples of the Star Sovereign Old Immortal, who else can control fire? Just hand over ten thousand taels of silver obediently, and that'll be it; if you insist on being roasted pig, we'll gladly oblige!"

Feng Yi pondered, then said: "I've long heard the Star Sovereign Old Immortal possesses vast divine powers, invincible in battle, unstoppable in attack, yet I've never heard his disciples waylay and rob travelers; are you acting behind your master's back?"

Moyun Zi laughed ha-ha and said: "Well spoken; seeing you're so sensible, I'll let it slide. Anyway, we brothers are just short of cash; looking at your caravan, you're not poor, so just take out five thousand taels and be on your way!"

Feng Yi thought to himself: "From what these people say, it doesn't seem they're targeting us on purpose; probably just a coincidence. I wonder whether that old fellow Ding Chunqiu is nearby!" He then said: "I've long heard of the Star Sovereign Old Immortal's prestige; I don't know whether any of you could introduce me?"

A short and plump disciple of the Star Sovereign Sect suddenly stepped forward and asked: "Second senior brother, this kid has some skill and is quite aware of the times, a real talent; should we bring him to meet our master?"

Moyun Zi gave a cold smile and said: "If the Star Sovereign Old Immortal's divine presence were so easily seen by anyone, wouldn't that disgrace his name?"

Feng Yi smiled and said: "Could it be that the Star Sovereign Old Immortal isn't here?"

He thought of Ding Chunqiu's body being poisonous, and not knowing whether these disciples had come intentionally or just happened to meet, so he wanted to get a clear answer.

Moyun Zi said: "That's no trouble for you! Hand over the silver, and we'll turn and leave!"

Feng Yi knew the Star Sovereign Sect's disciples flatter the strong and bully the weak, are ruthless; hearing this, he immediately realized Ding Chunqiu wasn't nearby, and coldly snorted: "You imposters posing as Star Sovereign Sect members, spouting grandiose lies here—take this palm!"

He raised his right hand, a strong wind split out, a flame whooshed straight toward Moyun Zi.

Moyun Zi urgently pushed with both palms, and the flame halted midair for a moment.

Feng Yi secretly praised himself, noting that with only twenty percent of his power he could block it—this person truly had some skill.

The Star Sovereign Sect disciples began cheering again: "Second senior brother, your inner power is profound!"

"Second senior brother..."

Who would have thought that their cheering would backfire; as soon as they cheered, Feng Yi added force to his push, and the flame instantly surged forth like a living snake.

Moyun Zi's hair and clothes instantly caught fire, making him look like a glowing monster all over, screaming in pain; the fifth senior brother rushed up to extinguish the flames.

Feng Yi flicked both sleeves, and in an instant the flames in the blaze were swept by the strong wind like meteors, rolling toward the Star Sovereign Sect crowd.

The remaining Star Sovereign Sect disciples bravely met the attack, releasing palm force in unison; their power was as fierce as a strong bull, with a howling wind.

However, Feng Yi's true qi was abundant, his palm wind mighty, the flames unstoppable; those who struck out also followed Moyun Zi's fate, getting burned, the sensation of fire on their bodies making them shout: "Oh dear, my mother!"

"Great skill, good!"

Since the word "good" was coined, I doubt anyone could shout it so mournfully and terrifyingly.

Even Huang Shang's guards felt their scalps tingle; although the fire filled the sky, it felt like being in hell, gloomy and terrifying.

"Wind tight, wind tight!"

"Damn it, hurry up and pull!"

"The Star Sovereign Old Immortal isn't coming for now, let you brat show off your might!"

The Star Sovereign Sect are all fair-weather followers who flatter the strong and bully the weak; seeing their second senior brother, whose divine skill was unmatched, roasted like a pig, they were no match and fled in an instant, leaving not a trace.

Only the second senior brother remained, seriously injured, and the fifth senior brother who hadn't had time to escape.

Feng Yi laughed and scolded: "Useless things, bring out the antidote!"

One of Huang Shang's guards had been slapped and poisoned, so Feng Yi naturally demanded the antidote.

The fire on Moyun Zi's body had been extinguished, his eyes blinking repeatedly; the short and plump disciple who had earlier rushed out from the roadside said again: "Second senior brother, our expedition today was unfavorable; this is what makes a timely person a talent, right?"

Moyun Zi said: "Fine! Today our luck is bad, so we'll step back and give them the antidote!"

The short and plump fellow rubbed something on the guard's face, and the guard's face immediately stopped hurting.

The guard gave a cold snort, suddenly struck out with a palm, hitting the fatty's chest.

The fatty's left hand shot up with a slap; when their palms met, the guard was shaken back a step, feeling intense pain in his palm; raising his hand, he saw his palm completely black—he had been struck by the fatty's poison palm.

Feng Yi felt a chill: "These people really are poisonous all over!"

Huang Wan'er first stared blankly, then thought: "As elder brother said, the people of the jianghu are all vicious and shameless!" She then said: "You really don't fear death? Hand over the antidote!"

Seeing Feng Yi's fierce gaze, the short and plump fellow gave a light cough, tossed a bottle of antidote to the guard, and bowed to Feng Yi: "Sir, may I ask your esteemed name? Today our Star Sovereign Sect temporarily admits defeat; later our master, the Star Sovereign Old Immortal, will come to seek your instruction."

Feng Yi gave a faint smile and said: "Too kind. Since you all said the Star Sovereign Old Immortal isn't coming, if you want to leave, you must answer a few of my questions."

The short and plump fellow replied: "Yes, yes!"

Feng Yi asked: "Aren't you from the Star Sovereign Sea? Why come here to rob? Could it be that you bear a grudge against us?"

Feng Yi was concerned for Huang Shang and the others' safety, and also wanted to learn some news about Ding Chunqiu from these people; after all, Ding Chunqiu's martial arts were extraordinary and he was skilled in poison—if they had come here because A Zi stole the cauldron and chased them, and happened to meet him, it would not matter.

If they were specifically out to deal with his party, he would have to devise a plan to strike Ding Chunqiu down in one blow.

The short, fat man looked at Feng Yi and said, "We came from the Star Sea on important business, but it's not convenient to tell you."

We took the silver merely for travel expenses—food for people and horses—so we have no capital left; we don't even know who you are, let alone talk of grudges.

Feng Yi immediately relaxed, waved his hand, and said, "Let's go!"

The members of the Constellation Sect have no loyalty or backbone; as long as you can beat them, they will bow and submit as a matter of course.

But they never speak of this shameful deed, lest they cannot stand in the sect, so Feng Yi even had no desire to kill them.

It's simply unnecessary!

The short, fat man respectfully bowed and said, "Sir, the green hills remain, the waters flow forever; your martial arts are superb, I admire you, I admire you, but I fear we still cannot match our master. Goodbye."

They clasped their hands, helped up the second senior brother, another Constellation Sect disciple helped up the fifth senior brother, and hurried away.

Huang Shang's family and servants burst into cheerful sounds; Feng Yi also smiled a little, but his smile held not a trace of joy.

Because he was thinking, "Am I perhaps a disaster star?"

Wherever he goes, trouble seems to find him?

What if today Ding Chunqiu had come with a large force?

He might be unharmed, but these people would likely all die, for poison is terrifying! Moreover, the Constellation Sect's hidden weapons—such as the Azure Scale Needle, Ultimate Bliss Spike, Heart-Piercing Nail, and other tiny, deadly concealed arms—are hard to dodge even if only one or two attack; what if many unleash them at once, coming down like a furious rain—who could he protect?

To kill Ding Chunqiu with a single strike and cause the Constellation Sect to collapse like a tree falling and monkeys scattering, he himself felt he could not yet do it.

It seems the escort journey is also a heavy burden and long road!

Only hearing Huang Wan'er laugh and say, "Big brother, are all martial artists such outstanding talents?"

Feng Yi knew she was teasing the fat man's saying, "We understand the times, thus we are heroes?" He thought, "They are few in number today, and Ding Chunqiu hasn't arrived; otherwise you wouldn't even have time to cry!"

He stepped toward the carriage; Huang Wan'er saw he wasn't speaking and followed; the convoy continued onward.

Upon entering the carriage, Huang Shang opened his eyes, glanced at Feng Yi and Huang Wan'er, then closed them again and remained silent.

Huang Wan'er let out a soft sigh and said, "Big brother, was I perhaps too hasty just now?"

Feng Yi glanced at her and said, "It has nothing to do with whether you were hasty; the Constellation Sect ranks by martial prowess, and that second senior brother's strength is second only to the master and the eldest senior brother in their sect. Many renowned martial artists in the jianghu are no match for him; you've only trained for a month, yet you managed to dodge his fiery strike—that's already remarkable."

Huang Wan'er chuckled and said, "Really? Then is the Constellation Old Immortal they speak of very formidable?"

Feng Yi nodded and said, "This person's martial arts are superb; he excels at the Skill of Dissolving Power that drains others' internal energy, his whole body is poisonous, and he is ruthless and cruel, having killed countless people in the jianghu, making him a great scourge. Since you haven't mastered the Nine Yin Divine Skill, you must certainly avoid him!"

Huang Wan'er said, "I've noted it! The internal energy, swordplay, lightness, and palm techniques you taught me—I haven't mastered them, so I will never fight anyone again; today scared me to death."

Feng Yi gave a faint smile and said, "That's very good!" Then he immediately thought, "Ding Chunqiu, Ding Chunqiu—could Wuya Zi's abilities be transferred over to me for planning?"

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Feng Yi had no desire for Wuya Zi's internal power, because the premise of Wuya Zi transmitting his skill is to exhaust the recipient's own internal power; he was reluctant to give up his own pure internal energy.

Moreover, he always felt that internal strength cannot be measured by years.

Xu Zhu received several hundred years of power from the three top masters of the Carefree Sect, yet he could not overwhelm Kumozhi, and Xuanzhu also needed to focus his mind to resist; although Xuanzhu's palms bore Ice Silkworm poison, he had only trained in the Divine Foot Classic for a few months.

This shows that even if his several hundred years of power were transferred to him, it would still be far from pure and unable to exert its might.

Therefore, he had no interest in Wuya Zi's power, but he wondered whether it would be feasible to plan such a transfer for Wan'er.

As for Huang Shang, Feng Yi hadn't even thought about him.

First, Huang Shang is a prodigy; if he were to bear Wuya Zi's power, wouldn't it ruin his body?

In Feng Yi's view, the power infused into a person differs ultimately from that cultivated by oneself.

The human body is a treasure that needs constant excavation of potential; the process of going from nothing to something is very important.

This Nine Yin True Classic is Huang Shang's trademark; it certainly suits his long-term development better.

Huang Shang had been sitting still, but suddenly he extended his fingers like a sword and pointed at Feng Yi's rib-side major cavity point.

While Feng Yi was pondering, he did not expect Huang Shang to attack him; in a moment of distraction, Huang Shang's fingertip had already touched his robe.

Feng Yi hastily raised his internal energy and sealed the acupoint, yet immediately felt half his body go numb; however, his martial arts attainment was extremely high, and even the Nine Yin True Classic's point-sealing method could not block his acupoint, so he immediately reached out with his right hand to grab Huang Shang's right wrist pulse gate.

Feng Yi struck with astonishing speed, and Huang Shang changed his move even faster, like lightning; he instantly stretched out his left hand and pointed at Feng Yi's wrist vital point.

Just as the two suddenly exchanged moves, Huang Wan'er broke out in a cold sweat and cried, "Father, big brother, what are you doing?"

As soon as she spoke, both stopped simultaneously and burst into loud laughter.

Feng Yi and Huang Shang had been discussing martial arts along the road; whenever they got excited, they would spar to test it, but always with precautions—this kind of sneak attack was the first time.

Only seeing Huang Shang exhale a long breath, he said, "Brother Feng, what level would my current martial arts be considered in the martial world?"

Feng Yi said, "With your current martial arts, the renowned masters of the jianghu are no match for you—for example, the elders of the Beggars' Sect or the heads of some small sects all fall short of you."

Upon hearing this, both Huang Wan'er and Huang Shang were extremely delighted.

Huang Shang laughed and said, "I thought studying was the easiest thing under heaven, but I never expected that as a mere scholar, practicing martial arts would be even easier!"

Feng Yi laughed and said, "I have heard that some people, regardless of technique or martial art, learn it instantly and become proficient right away, yet I have never personally witnessed such a thing."

But Mr. Huang truly opened my eyes. You only need to practice for two or three years, and I estimate that under heaven you would rarely meet an opponent.

Huang Wan'er laughed so hard she could hardly keep her mouth shut, then suddenly her face darkened and she said, "Father's martial arts progress is so fast—why can't I do the same?"

Feng Yi thought, "You compare yourself to your father? Among the martial arts masters of all ages, those who can be mentioned alongside him are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. If one started training in their sixties or seventies and still reached the peak, that would be absolutely unique!"

Only hearing Huang Shang slowly say, "Bodhi originally has no tree, the bright mirror is not a stand; originally there is nothing, where could dust arise?"

"Brother Feng, in my humble opinion, Patriarch Bodhi's Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic actually contains Chan principles; if the mind cannot be empty, one cannot succeed."

"And the Nine Yin True Classic and the Divine Illumination Classic are actually the same: they can be attained but not conceived; if the mind is not tranquil, the qi has nowhere to return."

"Waner, if you remain as fiery as before, even with superb martial arts and diligent hard training, perhaps with age you could excel, but you could never reach the pinnacle."

Huang Shang's learning is profound; any martial principle explained to him is instantly grasped, and he can extrapolate from one to three. Otherwise, how could he have translated such profound martial secrets as the Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic? This statement already reveals the essence of martial arts.

Feng Yi also nodded and said, "Indeed, when practicing the Nine Yin Divine Skill, one is prone to mental confusion and myriad thoughts arising, leading to scattered spirit and mind, and the skill cannot be exerted. A gentle temperament and a mind free of agitation are thus suitable for practice."

"And the Divine Illumination Skill emphasizes wondrous natural comprehension; it cannot be achieved through diligent hard training alone. This Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic actually requires the mind to be empty—I do not know how to accomplish that; all along the way I have pondered, yet I have no clue."

This Sanskrit Yijin Jing is originally the supreme treasure of martial arts; its practice method is extremely difficult, requiring one to see through the notions of self and others and not harbor any thought of practicing martial arts.

But monks who practice this superior martial art must be brave and diligent, hoping to achieve success; who wouldn't want to quickly reap benefits from practice? To have "no abiding mind" is truly extremely difficult.

Over the past few hundred years, Shaolin Temple has had not a few eminent monks who practiced the Yijin Jing, but after years of hard work they often gained nothing, so the monks thought the scripture had no efficacy. Although the senior monks were angry when A Zhu stole it that day, they did not consider it a major matter.

Fortunately, Feng Yi has studied this skill in depth, merely to compare it with his own martial arts in order to make up for shortcomings and learn from mistakes; his talent and comprehension are insufficient, so he has long placed his hopes on Huang Shang.

Once he returns to his hometown, with no disturbances and a calm mind, they will study together for a year or two, three or five years; Feng Yi does not believe there will be no reward.

Thus, the rights and wrongs of the martial world and how others view him have become illusory; Feng Yi pays no attention.

Only after achieving success will he go to Shaolin Temple and openly overthrow the sweeping monk; if he lacks confidence to defeat him, his reputation in the martial world will be weak and his resolve unsteady.

After all, ignorance can sometimes be a kind of happiness.

Why are Murong Bo and Xiao Yuanshan now causing trouble?

It is because they think that upon encountering Shaolin monks they could easily dispose of them, so they feel elated and have begun causing trouble.

If they knew that Shaolin Temple had a sweeping monk watching their antics, they would surely lie low.

But Feng Yi knows the sweeping monk's ability; if he cannot suppress experts like Murong Bo, Xiao Yuanshan, Qiao Feng, and Kumarajiva with a mere gesture, he always feels his confidence lacking.

Huang Shang was also pondering the meaning of the Yijin Jing's text; seeing them silent, Huang Wan'er dared not speak.

While they were pondering, suddenly there was a booming thunderclap; then they heard the old servant outside the carriage say, "Master, the sky is overcast with dark clouds; it looks like rain, and we may not reach the town."

Huang Shang lifted the carriage curtain, looked out, and saw a large expanse of dark clouds gathering in the southeast; Huang Shang said, "Indeed, the weather is unpredictable; let's find a place along the way to shelter from the rain!"

"Yes!"

The caravan headed east, having gone about three li, when they saw a ruined ancient temple by the roadside; just then a gust of wind passed and fine raindrops began to fall from the sky.

Everyone hurriedly pulled the mule cart into the temple, but saw broken walls and shattered tiles, unable to shield from wind and rain; only the sturdy main hall remained intact.

What is surprising is that the courtyard is stained with bloodstains; as the rain washes them, the bright red flows, making the scene even more shocking.

At this moment, thunder rumbled and lightning flashed, the rain grew heavier, and Feng Yi said, "Let me go take a look first!"

His body swayed, and he darted to the main hall's entrance; hearing many people inside, he entered slowly.

As soon as he stepped inside, four long swords suddenly came from both sides, up and down, left and right, swiftly chopping toward Feng Yi.

Feng Yi flicked his sleeves, resting them on the blades; his arms trembled slightly, and he heard four startled cries, "thud."

The four men fell to the ground, with a few clangs, and their long swords scattered on the floor.

It turned out that the people inside the temple had long heard the sound of horse-drawn carriages; four burly men lay in ambush at the sides of the hall's door and suddenly attacked.

They had thought that no matter how high the newcomer's martial arts, it would be hard to dodge a combined strike from the four; unexpectedly, the opponent's skill was so great that with a single gesture he sent the four men's long swords flying, and the men themselves were flung like balls over a zhang, falling face up.

Suddenly a voice from the main hall shouted, "Damn it, who are you?" The tone was fierce, but the speaker's confidence was clearly lacking.

Feng Yi recognized the Sichuan accent and said, "I am just a passerby; I only wish to enter the temple to shelter from the rain, and I mean no trouble!"

Suddenly an old voice called out, "Light the torches!"

(End of chapter)