Chapter 192: Granting the Palm

Originally, when Xiao Feng's palm force met Xuan Ci's, the opponent's palm force suddenly vanished without a trace, unknown where it went; this change caught him completely off guard.

The Dragon Subduing Twenty-Eight Palms is neither supremely hard nor supremely soft, yet Xiao Feng possesses an extraordinary innate talent, blessed by heaven in martial arts; this palm force is overwhelmingly destructive, unstoppable against any defense, even surpassing that of the Beggar Sect Chief.

Although the force exerted by pushing out both palms is only thirty percent, it is still like overturning mountains and seas, irresistible; Xuan Ci did not actually block with palm force, and would certainly have his ribs broken and heart and lungs shattered; in alarm, he hastily withdrew his palm force.

Xiao Feng knew this move was extremely dangerous; the opponent's action was clearly a lure; when he withdrew his palm force, if the enemy seized the chance to strengthen his palm strike, the two forces would combine and erupt, and though Xiao Feng retained some reserve strength, he would inevitably suffer serious injury; in a flash, a thought crossed his mind: "If I die this way, it would also be a release, so I need not face the difficulty of balancing both before A Zhu and my father!"

Who would have thought that as soon as he withdrew his strength, Xuan Ci also swiftly retracted his palm, stepped back one step, bowed to the ground, and said: "Thank you, Xiao Feng, for your great benevolence and righteousness, which helped me attain this 'Prajna Palm' of 'One Emptiness to the End'."

The other four Xuan monks all turned to Xuan Ci and said: "Congratulations on attaining this divine skill!"

Feng Yi responded with a shudder, a strange expression flashing across his face, then suddenly burst into loud laughter, saying: "Good, good indeed!"

Xiao Feng, however, trembled all over, his hands and feet icy cold, sweat dripping from his forehead; just now he could be said to have gone from death to life, an unprecedented peril in his life.

Xuan Ci turned to face Feng Yi, palms together, and asked: "What is good about it?"

Feng Yi said: "The Diamond Sutra states: 'All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows, like dew and lightning; thus should they be contemplated.'"

All Buddhist teachings do not depart from this framework; hence, Buddhist martial arts are likewise so, pursuing the realm of 'like a dream, like an illusion, like a bubble, like a shadow, like dew, like lightning,' which is precisely the two words 'emptiness and nothingness'; Abbot Xuan Ci has attained 'One Emptiness to the End'; in the future, he will extrapolate from one to three, and his martial arts will reach another level—truly joyful and commendable!

The five Xuan monks heard this, exchanged glances, and all pressed their palms together: "Amitabha, Feng Xia, your talent is extraordinary!"

Xuan Ci listened, his mind wandering peacefully, and said softly: "Feng Xia, your divine skill surpasses the world, your insight is penetrating; I, the humble monk, hold you in reverence. If one truly reaches such a realm, one can then be invincible under heaven!"

Then he turned to Xiao Feng and said: "Just now I used the Prajna Palm.

It is the highest martial art among Buddhist palm techniques; the Prajna Buddhist doctrine emphasizes emptiness and nothingness, and indeed, as Feng Xia said, the palm technique takes 'emptiness, nothingness, non-emptiness, non-nothingness' as its key point; when the final move 'One Emptiness to the End' is executed, it is neither emptiness nor non-emptiness; the palm force dissolves into the formless, without color, without sensation, perception, volition, or consciousness; form is emptiness, and so are sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharmas; palm force is emptiness, and emptiness is palm force.

In the past, I trained in the 'Great Vajra Fist'; my inner force followed the hard and fierce path; practicing this palm technique felt obstructed and sluggish; I was always slightly lacking; I could empty my own palm force, but could not empty the opponent's force.

Xiao Feng, such a rare expert in the world, I would not miss this rare opportunity; thus I again used 'One Emptiness to the End'.

When Xiao Feng sensed that my palm had no force, he likewise instantly withdrew his own palm force, risking my lure to strike, then counterattacking himself; suddenly I understood: I had emptied myself, and even the opponent was emptied; only then was it truly 'One Emptiness to the End'.

Today, if not for Xiao Feng's disregard for his own life and his unwillingness to lightly harm others—this benevolent and righteous hero—how could this move have been attained?"

Xiao Feng vaguely had a sudden realization: "If he were not willing to let me kill him, and if I were not willing to risk danger and bear his palm strike, then he would never have attained this move.

Yet he and I share the hatred of killing our mothers; why would he willingly take such great risk?

Could it be that he truly wishes to bare his chest and accept death? Is it not because he sees me and Feng brother together, making it easy to kill him, and thus he puts on an act?

Or does he truly believe I am not a petty villain, and I also deeply know he is a noble gentleman?"

A true master of martial arts, from martial arts alone, can deeply understand others, just as a literary scholar can discern a person's character from their writings.

Xiao Feng has long known that Xuan Ci is not only highly skilled in martial arts but also of noble character, universally admired; although the tragedy at Yanmen Pass was initiated by Abbot Xuan Ci, he is the abbot of Shaolin Temple, concerned with the Song Dynasty's realm and the temple's scriptures, and devoted himself wholeheartedly, as it was his unavoidable duty.

Later, upon realizing the mistake, he did his best to make amends; my current achievements are also greatly due to Abbot Xuan Ci allowing Xuan Ku Dashi to take me as a disciple, transmitting to me the Shaolin secret techniques of Dragon Claw Hand and Demon Subduing Palm; later, he also had the Beggar Sect Chief take me as a disciple, providing all-around care, creating opportunities, enabling me, at a young age, to become a renowned hero who shakes the martial world.

Therefore, in my eyes, the true great villain is Murong Bo, not Xuan Ci; Xuan Ci as a person is worthy of entrusting my life to his hands.

The five Xuan monks exchanged glances, all shaking their heads: "Not them!"

Xuan Ci said: "Do not hide it from you, Xiao Feng; you once studied in our temple; our teacher was Xuan Ku's junior fellow disciple; whether you are Hu or Han, in the end you are my Shaolin disciple. Xuan Ku's junior fellow disciple was killed; at that time, the temple largely believed it was you who did it.

Because from the broken bones of Xuan Ku's junior fellow disciple, we saw the killer's palm force was exceptionally fierce and ruthless, so we thought Xiao Feng would use the Beggar Sect's 'Dragon Subduing Twenty-Eight Palms,' which is also a fierce and yang palm force.

Yet I did not believe you would so utterly destroy human nature; thus I sent Xuan Gou and Xuan Shi, two junior fellow disciples, to follow you, to investigate your actions; later, after the entire Juxian Manor was slaughtered, the Beggar Sect Elders Xu and Bai died, and someone said it was you.

Therefore, I, together with Xuan Du, Xuan Yin, Xuan Zhi, and Xuan Sheng, several junior fellow disciples, came down from the mountain this time, precisely to find you.

On the way, we learned of the deaths of the Four Great Evils; we rushed there and found their injuries resembled those of Xuan Ku's junior fellow disciple's broken bones; thus we hurried nonstop to come here and meet with Feng Xia.

Now, after exchanging these four palms with Feng Xia, my fellow disciples are all no match for him, yet you did not seize the opportunity to strike;

This is sufficient to prove that my junior fellow disciple Xuan Ku was not killed by you!"

The four monks Xuan Du, Xuan Yin, Xuan Zhi, and Xuan Sheng spoke in unison: "Exactly so; no offense taken!"

Feng Yi said: "Clearing up the misunderstanding is good!"

Xuan Ci further said: "As for my exchanging one palm with Xiao Feng, he even refrains from lightly harming me, this enemy who killed his mother; how could he harm the teacher who transmitted his art and the parents who raised him?

Judging by palm technique, Xuan Ku's junior fellow disciple was certainly not killed by Xiao Feng; judging by heart and mind, even less so by Xiao Feng!"

The four monks Xuan Du, Xuan Yin, Xuan Zhi, and Xuan Sheng spoke in unison: "Amitabha!"

Xuan Ci said sternly: "We, the fellow disciples, on this descent from the mountain, had already made up our minds; if we discovered that Xiao Feng was indeed the murderer, we would immediately join forces as five to exterminate him, not only to avenge Xuan Ku's junior fellow disciple, but also to remove a scourge from the martial world."

Then he said to Xiao Feng: "Xiao Feng, I say this not to flatter you, but to give a proper warning to the martial world, not that my Shaolin disciples falsely kill the innocent, and that my Shaolin sect does not have improper precepts."

Xiao Feng bowed and said: "Yes. Abbot Grand Master acts without the slightest guilt. But you are mistaken; my master, my adoptive father and mother, and everyone at Juxian Manor were killed by me! Please, Abbot Grand Master, take my life to uphold the Shaolin precepts!"

Upon these words, the five Xuan monks and Feng Yi were all startled.

Feng Yi, in a flash of thought, already understood; he knew Xiao Feng wished to bear Xiao Yuanshan's sins himself!

In his view, Murong Bo is already dead; seeking revenge from Murong Fu, how could A Zhu agree?

Perhaps Xiao Yuanshan also disagrees with him being together with A Zhu!

And as for the grudge of his master and parents, he also has no means to avenge it, unable to achieve both, living as if life has lost its meaning.

Just like suicide in the original plot, for the same reason.

Looking again at Xiao Feng, after not seeing him for over a month, although his eyes are still icy and intimidating, his appearance is emaciated; clearly, during this time, he has fared extremely poorly.

Xuan Ci furrowed his brow, after a long while sighed: "Xuan Ci is foolish and muddled, thus causing many deaths.

Yet I also know the true murderer is certainly not you. Although I do not know why you say this, you certainly have your reasons.

The heavenly way is vast; right and wrong, good and evil, will ultimately have a fixed number!

This matter will eventually have its day of truth revealed; when you have figured it out, if you wish to avenge your parents, come to Shaolin Temple to find me at any time!"

Xuan Du then said to Feng Yi: "Since the matter here is settled, we, the humble monks, will now take our leave.

Feng Xia, your cultivation is profound; in the future, if you have any shortcomings, please come to our temple to stay for a few days, discuss martial arts and the Dao, and listen to the profound!"

Feng Yi bowed and said: "Thank you, Grand Master, for your kindness. In the future, if I have any unclear points in the martial arts path, I will certainly come to your honored temple to seek instruction."

Seeing him today display a little skill, immediately causing the five eminent monks of Shaolin Temple to submit, his martial arts strength is unparalleled under heaven; the so-called 'seeking instruction' is merely a polite phrase.

Only Xuan Ci cannot help but feel regret; he originally had a mind to match Feng Yi in a contest, but today, having seen Xiao Feng's heart and mind and divine skill, he is filled with immense respect, with not a trace of evil thought remaining.

The five Xuan monks each bade farewell to Feng Yi and Xiao Feng, turned and walked away; suddenly, two figures flashed out from the forest; Xiao Feng did not recognize them, but Feng Yi, observing their silhouettes, recognized them as Xuan Gou and Xuan Shi, who had previously followed Xiao Feng.

Seven people with wide sleeves fluttering, in the blink of an eye, vanished deep into the mountains and forests. Xiao Feng watched them go, his expression extremely heavy, and said: "Seven first-rate experts, Xiao Feng has burdened Brother Feng greatly!"

"Where?" Feng Yi said with a smile: "Being able to witness the Shaolin Temple's mass-produced first-rate experts is also a gain!"

"Mass-produced?" Xiao Feng found what he said amusing and also smiled: "Such a description is actually quite fitting.

This Shaolin Temple is unlike other temples; those of higher generation must have profound martial arts, and the Xuan-generation monks number twenty or thirty, each one a first-rate expert.

The Hui and Xu generation monks' martial arts are not yet accomplished, and they are not permitted to step out of the mountain gate!"

Feng Yi sighed: "Yes, the Shaolin Temple's fame spreads across the world, acclaimed as the orthodox martial arts school; those who practice martial arts see it and who wouldn't want to spar with it, to catch a glimpse of the exquisite Shaolin martial arts? If one's martial arts are incomplete yet they bear the Shaolin Temple's name, being casually defeated by others, wouldn't that smash the signboard? To be burdened by reputation!"

Xiao Feng said: "Yes, if today it is confirmed that you and I are the murderers who killed our master, they have made up their minds to swarm over and not let us live!"

Feng Yi coldly laughed: "If they do this to me, I will run away; thereafter, whenever I see a Shaolin monk, I will kill him, and we will all lose face!"

Xiao Feng gave a slight smile and slowly said: "Brother Feng, are you underestimating me?"

Feng Yi strangely asked: "What do you mean by that?"

Xiao Feng said: "In the end, I lack the courage to say that my father is still alive, and that he seeks revenge against the Shaolin Temple!"

Feng Yi sighed: "The ancients often said loyalty and filial piety cannot both be fulfilled; actually, filial piety and righteousness also cannot both be fulfilled. So I told you the mastermind behind the scenes is Murong Bo, precisely so that A Zhu would not be embarrassed, lest we develop a grudge; it seems it was still of little use!"

Xiao Feng let out a long sigh: "Yes, because of this, my father and I have had a very unpleasant relationship!"

"How so!"

Xiao Feng said: "It's a long story!"

Feng Yi said: "I still have matters to attend to, many people are waiting for me; let's walk and talk!"

"Good!"

The two walked side by side, exiting the forest.

Huang Shang and the others were still waiting; seeing Feng Yi, Huang Wan'er hurriedly went up to meet him, seeing Xiao Feng, without waiting to be asked.

Feng Yi then introduced: "This is my friend Xiao Feng!"

After both sides exchanged greetings, they proceeded together toward the dock, without asking further.

The martial world ultimately made them somewhat fearful.

Arriving at the dock, people came and went, southern and northern accents mixed, boat oars splashed water, heading toward the river's center.

Huang Shang took Huang Wan'er to hire a large boat, while the servants went to move supplies.

Feng Yi and Xiao Feng, at the wine shop by the dock, ordered a jar of wine, walked to a secluded spot, faced the riverbank, sat down, watching the river's turbulent flow, each expressing their separate feelings; only then did Feng Yi understand why Xiao Feng was so exhausted.

It turned out that after their separation that day, Xiao Yuanshan learned that Murong Bo was the true culprit, and immediately wanted to go to Jiangnan to exterminate the Murong family, killing every chicken and dog.

A Zhu, however, urgently tried to dissuade him, saying the master had already died, thirty years ago the young master had not yet been born, and this feud should not involve him.

Xiao Yuanshan then realized A Zhu was Murong Fu's maidservant, and immediately flew into a rage, wanting to kill A Zhu, but was stopped by Xiao Feng.

Xiao Yuanshan asked Xiao Feng: "How did your mother die?"

Xiao Feng said: "She was killed by the Leading Brother leading the Central Plains martial artists!"

Xiao Yuanshan coldly laughed: "Should this feud be avenged or not?"

"It should be avenged!" Xiao Feng said.

Xiao Yuanshan said: "Xuan Ci and others killed your mother, a woman who knew no martial arts, which is indeed despicable. But most people were killed by my own hands; now only Zhao Qiansun, the monk Zhi Guang, and Xuan Ci remain alive—I will spare none of them!

But the true great enemy of my Xiao family is this Murong Bo who spread false information!"

Xiao Feng, hearing he still wanted to kill people, fell silent for a moment.

Xiao Yuanshan's eyes were sharp, he fixed his gaze: "I know, you have deep feelings for A Zhu, not sparing life or death, braving great danger!

But you must understand, my Xiao clan is a great clan of Liao; after my death, Liao learned of it and immediately raised troops to attack the Song's Hebei prefectures.

And this A Zhu is merely a lowly servant girl—how could she be worthy of you?

Well, as long as you like it, you may marry a servant girl and I will not interfere!

But she is a servant girl of the chief culprit's family; if you marry her, what face will you have to meet your mother, who, even on her deathbed, still held you tightly in her arms?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Feng felt as if his heart were being cut by a knife, and said: "The master's guilt—how can it be shifted to the servant girl? Let's go kill Murong Fu instead!"

"You say that well?" Xiao Yuanshan coldly said: "Back then, I and your mother brought you to your maternal grandparents' home—were there only the three of us?

My household servants and retainers were all killed; who spared them?"

Xiao Feng, hearing this, felt his mind in turmoil, countless thoughts tangled, only to hear Xiao Yuanshan again say: "If you do not acknowledge me as your father, then your affairs with her I can ignore;

But since you call me father, I will absolutely not allow you to have any involvement with the Murong family's women; if you insist on going your own way, hum, you also know my methods..."

In Xiao Feng's mind, a buzzing sound, a flame shot straight to his head; he fiercely stared at Xiao Yuanshan and shouted loudly: "What do you want to do?"

Xiao Yuanshan's eyes revealed a ruthless intent: "If you continue to entangle yourself with her unclearly, I will kill her!"

Xiao Feng blurted out: "If you move a single hair of hers, I will sever the father-son bond with you!"

Xiao Yuanshan coldly smiled,

"Well said! Anyway, I never raised you, and I killed your master and parents; you wish me dead, so what does severing the father-son bond matter?" He glanced at A Zhu, flicked his sleeve, and turned to leave.

Just a glance from him made Xiao Feng's heart turn icy; he hurriedly fell to his knees with a thud, crying: "Father, son has erred! Please do not harm A Zhu, she was the only one who showed me kindness when everyone else despised me; my master, adoptive father and mother were killed by you; if you kill her too, what face will son have to stand between heaven and earth?"

Xiao Yuanshan, hearing this, his body swayed a few times; after a while, he coldly said: "If she does not assist Murong, I will spare her!"

Saying this, a gust of wind carried him away.

Xiao Feng hurriedly went to see A Zhu; only saw her sitting dazedly, obviously her thoughts were elsewhere, as if pondering something.

Xiao Feng kept calling: "A Zhu," but she did not respond; he thought: "She must have been frightened!"

Although his father promised not to harm her, even so, he still felt greatly uneasy.

His father was cruel and ruthless, said what he meant and did what he said; yet this was his own father, he could not lay hands on him; first strike to eliminate threats—now the plan was only to guard A Zhu by her side.

Thus he sat beside the bed, cross-legged, meditating, guarding A Zhu until dawn.

Waiting until the next day to see again, A Zhu appeared unaffected, still gentle and calm, speaking and laughing, as if last night's events had never happened; after he returned from relieving himself, the room was empty.

He hurriedly chased after her, inquired along the way, learned of her whereabouts, and then followed her.

Xiao Feng knew A Zhu had disguise technique; if she decided to leave him, he would surely not be able to find her, and since he could obtain her whereabouts, it was clearly A Zhu who deliberately left a trail so that he could find her.

The two of them went one after the other from Henan to Jiangnan, then to Suzhou, and then to Yanziwu.

As it turned out, no one was at the Murong residence, and A Zhu ran back to Jiangbei, and he followed her, coming from the dock, and just happened to hear Huang Wan'er and Huang Shang saying something about Shaolin, and his curiosity was piqued, so he rushed over.

Feng Yi listened, and was utterly astonished, both surprised at how ruthless Xiao Yuanshan was, and hearing that Xiao Feng had almost turned against him, he couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth and said: "Xiao brother, you're done for!"

Xiao Feng said: "How?"

Feng Yi smiled and said: "As you said, in the past you only practiced martial arts and trained diligently, focusing on your career, and with your martial arts skills, you naturally had nothing to fear.

However, matters of men and women cannot be clearly explained or spoken of, and since you have developed feelings, you also have a weakness, and thus this invincible myth is broken."

Xiao Feng appeared somewhat embarrassed and said: "I dare not claim the title of invincible myth, but lately I have felt the hardships of life, just like this great river flowing eastward, seemingly rushing into the sea, yet winding and twisting, causing people distress.

In the past, I feared neither heaven nor earth, and had long thought of visiting Gusu Murong; now, I indeed have some hesitation and fear.

That day when I stepped onto Yanziwu, don't laugh at me, I was terrified in my heart!"

"This is not fear, but difficulty in choosing!" Feng Yi sighed: "Since you have developed true feelings for A Zhu, and she and Murong Fu grew up together, how can you watch them fight to the death?"

"Even if you can let go for A Zhu's sake, your father cannot.

He has harbored venomous hatred and resentment in his heart for thirty years, a righteous and heroic man who has become someone who stops at nothing; he said he would kill A Zhu, and he can do it! How then could you not be troubled?"

"I saw you just now exchange a palm with Xuan Ci, cold sweat pouring down, your whole body trembling—are you afraid that if you die, A Zhu will have no one to care for her?"

Xiao Feng nodded and said: "Indeed, I fear that if I die, A Zhu will have no one to care for her; she has always loved to cause trouble, and without me, the road will be hard to travel!"

Saying this, Xiao Feng felt listless: "Actually, just now I also wished that Xuan Ci could beat me to death, so I could get relief. If I did not say my father was not dead, I would be ungrateful for Shaolin's kindness in teaching me martial arts; but if I said my father was not dead, it would involve my master's death—how could I resolve this?"

"The bloodbath at Yanmen Pass has already stirred up so much foul wind and bloody rain; I am truly exhausted to death!"

Feng Yi shifted his gaze, fixed on Xiao Feng: "Why be so pessimistic? Although your father harbors venomous hatred, it is not difficult to extinguish his hatred and change his mindset!"

Xiao Feng blurted out: "What do you mean?"

Feng Yi said: "Do you still remember what your father said after our fight that day?"

"I remember!" Xiao Feng said: "You beat him up, venting my anger for me!"

"Wrong!" Feng Yi shook his head: "You only understood half of it."

"Half?" Xiao Feng was bewildered.

Feng Yi said: "What your father said is correct—your Xiao family is a great clan of Liao, he was once a close aide of Empress Dowager Xiao, and also the top expert of Great Liao, what a lofty position and great power, full of vigor and pride?

So being defeated by me, he is ten thousand times unwilling, thinking it was because you drained his strength.

Little does he know, his martial arts realm is still far behind!

I have seen two experts compete in footwork, one after another, running nonstop for over five hundred li, with no clear winner; then another expert, a fresh force, joined in, and the three ran another few hundred li, still no clear distinction.

One of them then formed a formation with seven others, and a first-rate expert whose inner force was combined fought from night to dawn, and then assisted another expert who had suffered severe injuries, guiding the qi back to its origin!"

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Xiao Feng was startled and moved, straightening up: "In this world, there actually exists such a person with profound inner strength?"

He and Duan Yu had once compared footwork; he had thought he could easily surpass him within ten or so li, but when they compared up to thirty or forty li, the outcome was hard to predict, and beyond sixty li, he would surely lose.

This is because his inner strength cannot sustain speed over time.

And as Feng Yi said, since those two had already run five hundred li, that fresh force should have surpassed them, yet it did not.

That person later could fight seven first-rate experts from night to dawn, at least several hours, and then still help someone reverse their qi flow—such profound inner strength is simply shocking to hear.

Feng Yi smiled: "This person's skill is so profound, it is not inferior to the Dali Duan Clan that shocks the south, nor to the great orthodox sects that claim to be the orthodoxy of martial arts in the world; he truly deserves the phrase 'astonishing and shocking to the world'."

"But such people are all reclusive hermits who do not wander the martial world; your father thought he had learned all kinds of Shaolin supreme arts in the Shaolin Cangjing Pavilion, and his martial arts were so high that it is hard to find a match under heaven.

Therefore, being defeated by me, he is unconvinced, little knowing that I am also in a state of greatly depleted inner strength, that is, about seventy or eighty percent of my former self.

But your father does not understand; wanting to mix Buddhist martial arts with other heterodox martial arts, one's cultivation must reach the highest realm of martial arts, only then can different paths lead to the same goal; otherwise, disaster is inevitable!

His inner strength cultivation is insufficient, causing yin-yang imbalance in his body, and he is self-satisfied, thinking he can overcome existing Shaolin supreme arts, little knowing that true experts have always been silently watching him from behind!"

"An expert?" Xiao Feng was startled and said: "Do you mean someone who could casually defeat my father, and such people exist in Shaolin Temple?"

"Exactly!" Feng Yi said: "Shaolin Temple has people who can raise a hand or foot and control his life and death!"

Xiao Feng exclaimed: "If my father wanted to introduce Shaolin martial arts into Liao, would he not be afraid?"

Feng Yi said slowly: "This is the terror of such experts.

Martial arts can kill, and can also save, but people do not realize it; holding a blade, killing intent arises naturally. Thus martial arts become instruments of killing, unaware of the mercy that spares and forgives—this is true regardless of nationality.

Since both Great Song and Great Liao have good and bad people, even if Shaolin martial arts flow into Liao, it will still be like in Song: some use it for good, some for evil, and all this in his eyes..."

Xiao Feng interjected: "All is emptiness! Fulfilled by that phrase: like a dream, like an illusion, like lightning, fleeting in an instant!"

Feng Yi nodded slightly: "Therefore, in the eyes of such people, your father's issue with Shaolin Temple is fundamentally not a matter. At most, he might criticize a little, but your father should not have killed your master and adoptive father and mother.

Only your father is completely unaware, thinking he had hidden in Shaolin Temple for thirty years without anyone noticing, feeling complacent, looking down on Shaolin, naturally thinking there is no one in the Central Plains.

Especially since he once held high office, with the Empress Dowager and Emperor of a state listening to his every word, wanting his son to marry a maid of the Murong family—does that not mean the Xiao family is inferior to the Murong family?

He must surely be displeased in his heart!

But if someone could overwhelm his proud martial arts, crush his arrogance, his thoughts could quickly change. After all, the human heart is easily changed!"

Xiao Feng's heart was filled with mixed emotions; since he learned that his father had thrown him from a cliff, he knew his father's love for him was deep, and A Zhu was also someone who did not abandon him when he was identified as a Khitan, hated by all.

Now he only has these two relatives left, yet his father keeps pressing him step by step, seeing that nothing can be changed, hearing Feng Yi's words of guidance, for a moment, love, hatred, sorrow, and joy entangled in his heart. Xiao Feng unconsciously had tears in his tiger eyes, and said: "Thank you, Brother Feng, for your advice." After thinking, he added: "Then what should I do now!"

Feng Yi said: "Do nothing! Just wait! Xuan Bei died an unnatural death, and Shaolin Temple will certainly inquire into the Murong family.

Murong Fu is currently hiding and avoiding people, but Shaolin Temple's strength is immense, and there will surely be a way to force him out!

At that time, everything will be readily resolved.

You must absolutely not reveal in advance that you know of the Murong family's conspiracy, or else one day you will die without knowing why!"

Xiao Feng's expression was astonished, and he said: "Could it be that Murong Fu's martial arts are truly astonishing, and the rumors in the martial world are true!"

Feng Yi wondered: "What rumors?" He had hardly left his door all along this journey, and fundamentally did not know any rumors from the martial world.

Xiao Feng pondered: "I heard the brothers of the Beggar Sect say that you, at the Fan Tower in Kaifeng, forced Murong Fu to bow his head and lower his ears."

The death of the Four Evils of the World was reported by people from the Qingcheng Sect and the Qin Family Stronghold, saying it was done by Feng Qingyang, and some said Feng Qingyang is actually you.

This led to everyone in the jianghu saying Murong Fu's martial arts are so high he can make the waters of Taihu Lake flow backward, so you feared him and thus apologized to him, or so the story goes!

Moreover, members of the Xingxiu Sect are also wandering in the Central Plains, beating gongs and drums, boasting that they defeated the Murongs of Gusu until they lost control of bowels and bladder, and only after spending forty thousand taels of silver did they buy peace; this seems true, and even Bao Butong suffered greatly at their hands.

Thus, some say you disdain to associate with Murong Fu as equals, others say your fame is mere empty boasting, not worth mentioning, and perhaps the Four Evils provoked some hidden master or hero to kill them, letting you profit.

Actually, some say it was Xiao Feng who killed them, but he naturally does not mention it, and having personally witnessed Feng Yi's martial arts, he does not believe those apologies and fleeing stories.

Feng Yi listened, his face always bearing a smile, but his ears twitched slightly.

Xiao Feng then said: "Could it be that Murong Fu is truly this formidable? If I were to meet him at Yanziwu, I might well bring disgrace upon myself."

Feng Yi thought: "It is not that his martial arts are strong, but that he is viciously cruel and treacherous, rarely seen in the world; if he were to use A Zhu to help you apply the Sadness-Dispelling Breeze, would you not be doomed?"

He said: "As for Murong Fu, you have your own guard in mind; do not mistake him for a gentleman like your sworn brother Duan Yu."

If you do not wish to lose A Zhu in your heart, some things must be sacrificed. Abbot Xuan Ci said well: the heavenly way is vast and vague, balancing all things, right and wrong, good and evil, will ultimately have a fixed number.

If I were you, I would follow Miss A Zhu to roam mountains and rivers; when the day comes that you hear the jianghu tremble and heroes gather, that will be when your worries are resolved.

Xiao Feng heard this, somewhat puzzled.

At this moment, Huang Wan'er approached, bowed to the two, and said: "Feng elder brother, the boat is ready; when shall we set sail?"

Feng Yi rose and said: "Good, Brother Xiao, I must go."

Xiao Feng clasped his fists and said: "Then I will not see you off far."

Heroes need not many words; Feng Yi turned and walked away.

Xiao Feng then said: "Feng brother, I have a request I dare not make."

Feng Yi turned back and said: "What?"

Xiao Feng said: "I have seen your Dragon Subduing Palm differs from what I have learned; may I ask for your guidance?"

Feng Yi laughed heartily: "Why not? Brother Xiao, if it is convenient, let us study together on the boat?"

Xiao Feng was about to agree, showing a hint of helplessness, shook his head and said: "I cannot go with you!"

"Why?" Feng Yi startled, then suddenly understood: "For Miss A Zhu?"

Xiao Feng said: "Wherever she goes, she leaves me clues to find her; if I go with you, I fear mishap!"

Feng Yi thought: "This girl is likely deliberately keeping Xiao Feng at bay, so he does not go to take revenge on Murong Fu." He laughed: "With your abilities, can you still not catch her? Seize her—so-called conquered wife, kneaded dough, even turned against her!"

"Elder brother, you are talking nonsense again!" Huang Wan'er interjected: "If you act this way, can you make a girl like you?"

Upon these words, Feng Yi immediately lost his smile, inexplicably feeling a touch of sorrow.

It must be said, though he has many women, none were truly his own initiative; all were due to blind fate and chance.

Only in earnest pursuit did he chase Cheng Ying alone, yet it ended in failure.

Yet precisely because of this, he admires Duan Zhengchun's methods; having come here, he has seen many beauties, but no longer pursues them, lest he bump his nose again and lose face!

But thinking of Huang Wan'er, he thought: "She has wholehearted devotion to me; given time, we may inevitably part ways, and this is also good." He said: "I am just this sort of person; if a woman does not heed my words, I strike her, and I cannot change it—what can be done? Tell your father, wait for me!"

Huang Wan'er snorted and left on her own.

Feng Yi sat down again and explained the "Dragon Subduing Eighteen Palms" to Xiao Feng.

Although this "Dragon Subduing Eighteen Palms" lacks ten palms from the twenty-eight, after Xiao Feng and Xuzhu, two great experts, edited out repetitions, it is even more refined, its power not weaker than the original twenty-eight palms but rather superior, becoming a profound martial art that shakes the world in the martial arts realm, truly the pinnacle of external martial arts, indeed unstoppable and unbreakable; though the moves are few, each possesses immense power.

Thus, upon hearing this, Xiao Feng immediately understood and said: "So it is that the latter ten palms were removed, and some force applications were altered."

I often ponder in daily practice, always feeling the last ten palms are overly complex in variation yet weak in power compared to the upper eighteen, seeming like superfluous additions.

Only because the Dragon Subduing Twenty-Eight Palms were transmitted by my benefactor Wang Jiantong, and have been the Beggar Sect's heritage for over a hundred years, I dare not reduce them on my own; merely, your palm technique seems to incorporate the principles of other martial arts.

"Correct!" Feng Yi laughed: "Thus, in the Dragon Subduing Eighteen Palms, what you do not know lies only in the issuance of force; the palm variations are all within your chest and abdomen.

The idea of having surplus yet not exhausting need not be said by me; you naturally know it.

Only anticipating the enemy's moves first, attacking their weaknesses, may differ somewhat from what you have learned."

Xiao Feng nodded: "Please do instruct."

Feng Yi said: "The so-called 'follow heaven in its natural course, obey heaven in its changed state.'"

"Heaven" is nature; "following heaven in its natural course" means that in the opponent's movements, no flaw has yet appeared; we must first perceive it, anticipate the enemy's opportunity, and strike toward the flaw about to emerge.

If he has already revealed a flaw, then we must not miss this good opportunity.

"Making movement still, stillness movement, the upright way leads to diverging paths, the vast qi makes one feel constrained and uneasy; thus it is said: 'not moving yet moving, nothing not moving!'"

That is, striking the opponent so he has nowhere to dodge, nowhere to evade, with effortless release—only then is true mastery seen.

If you strike out and anyone can dodge it, you only tire yourself for no use!

Feng Yi knew Xiao Feng's palm power was formidable, yet he often could not hit anyone; as long as the opponent does not meet him palm to palm, he is practically striking at emptiness. His control is severely lacking, causing flying sand and stones, fierce momentum, and great internal energy consumption.

Xiao Feng, hearing this, thoughtfully said: "In fist techniques, the application of force naturally is hardness containing softness, softness containing hardness, to be truly high-level. But the Dragon Subduing Palm is neither utterly hard nor utterly soft, yet takes hardness as its main aspect; wanting to harmonize hardness and softness in soft force is indeed no easy task!"

Xiao Feng is indeed a great master of martial arts; some principles he does not fail to understand, but cannot execute. He practices the "Taizu Long Fist" common in the martial arts world, which can achieve hardness containing softness, softness containing hardness, reaching perfection. Yet this does not mean the Dragon Subduing Palm can also achieve this.

His Dragon Subduing Palm, though fierce, cannot strike masters; Zhao Qiansun, Tan Po, and Ding Chunqiu can all dodge it, letting his palm power strike at emptiness.

Feng Yi said: "This is not your fault; you come from Shaolin, your martial arts follow the yang-hard path, and the Dragon Subduing Palm is likewise.

You can train the twenty-eight palms, which are neither utterly hard nor utterly soft, to be unstoppable and unbreakable, having already entered the realm of utmost hardness and firmness, showing your extraordinary talent.

Moreover, you are young, only thirty years old, not yet at your peak; with your abilities, after another ten or eight years, hardness will give rise to softness, which is also not difficult.

This is the principle in the Book of Changes: old yang gives rise to little yin. Once hardness and softness blend into one, indistinguishable, even if you have A Zhu as a burden beside you, facing multiple attackers, you can still emit your true qi outward to form a protective shield; unless besieged by great masters, you may not be overcome for a moment or three!

And if you reach the marvelous application where utmost hardness gives rise to utmost softness, your palm power obeys your will—now swallowing, now exhaling, like a shield, like a halberd, making defense impossible; its power may not necessarily be weaker than the Six Meridian Divine Sword of Dali!"

Xiao Feng listened, his face showing longing, formed his palm power into a protective shield—this is circular force, the essence of which is soft force, just as Feng Yi, without striking Xuan Du, yet sent him rebounding away; such divine skill, he himself reckons he cannot achieve, now having received Feng Yi's transmission, without a year or two of effort, also hard to succeed; looking at Feng Yi's youthful face, he immediately sighed: "Feng brother, you are truly a Grandmaster of Martial Arts; Xiao Feng admires you!"

Feng Yi naturally knows Xiao Feng still cannot do this; in the original plot, when he encountered a siege, while protecting A Zhu and taking a few steps, he was struck by someone.

Guo Jing placed Huang Rong on his leg, one hand untying her bonds, the other facing the enemy, with hundreds surrounding them, yet could not harm Huang Rong.

This is because Guo Jing's soft force is terrifyingly strong; his palm power can form a barrier, enclosing the two within; insufficient strength, and it cannot be broken at all.

Feng Yi casually said: "Do not flatter me; I am merely standing on the shoulders of giants, understanding a bit more than you do.

If I were to teach you a Daoist internal art, it would help you cultivate yin and soft strength, but since you won't come with me, I have urgent matters to attend to and cannot delay any longer.

However, regarding the Dragon Subduing Eighteen Palms, I have already told you everything I know; if you wish to advance further, you must rely on yourself—farewell!

Xiao Feng watched Feng Yi depart gracefully, his face showing reluctance.

It must be said, Feng Yi's carefree and unrestrained demeanor is something he had never imagined.

Such divine skill, yet he bestowed it upon himself without reservation.

Only he understood that from the Twenty-Eight Palms down to the Eighteen Palms of Dragon Subduing, the techniques were naturally unimportant to him in terms of form, but in the application of force, it was extraordinarily difficult.

After all, the Dragon Subduing Palm never wins by technique, but by the use of force; Feng Yi, however, imparted his knowledge to him without seeking anything in return—this kindness is truly vast as heaven and earth, and he could not help but sigh: "Feng Brother is truly a celestial being!"

"I don't think he's a celestial being!"

As Xiao Feng was sighing, he suddenly heard a clear female voice from behind say: "But rather, it's the heart of a petty person!"

Xiao Feng turned at the sound and suddenly saw A Zhu standing beneath a tree, her posture graceful and delicate, dimples faintly visible, her brows and eyes revealing a hint of joy.

Xiao Feng understood clearly in his heart, knowing Feng Yi had said Murong Fu was not a gentleman, urging him to be cautious, and that she had overheard it; he smiled and said: "Feng Brother and he had some disagreement at Fan Tower, but I didn't say much—don't misunderstand, I only thought I would never see you again."

He had always treated the Murong father and son with proper respect, everywhere addressing him as Murong Gongzi, but now knowing Murong Bo's baseness, he could no longer call him that.

A Zhu gazed deeply at Xiao Feng, she knew his view of the young master had changed, sighed softly, and said in a low voice: "I am afraid in my heart, so I had to leave, yet unable to see you, I still feel afraid, and thus I returned."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Feng felt a hidden pity, nodded and said: "This is also good—saves me from always having to look for you!"

A Zhu lowered her head and whispered: "Elder Brother, I feel Feng Yi will sooner or later deal with my young master!"

Xiao Feng startled, asked: "What makes you say that?"

A Zhu, unable to suppress her sorrow: "Wang Guniang said the young master's cultivation is inferior to yours, and from your tone, I hear Feng Yi's cultivation surpasses yours; he was at Juxian Manor, and I saw it myself.

That kind of arrogant, disdainful gaze— I have never seen anything like it. Imagine, someone possessing such cultivation and yet so proud—how could he ever bow his head to my young master?"

Xiao Feng pondered: "Now I understand!" Thinking: "Feng Brother is escorting this family, wishing to avoid trouble."

"Exactly!" A Zhu said: "You are of the same kind—you fear neither heaven nor earth, like a mighty lion, and you are very friendly toward Feng Yi; but my young master's arrogance is like a phoenix, yet he made Feng Yi lower his head.

And yet you two are equally renowned in the world, such a great contrast—I see Feng Yi will surely find an opportunity to act when he frees his hands.

That is why he told you to let go of everything, wait for the heroes to gather, and then all will be readily resolved.

The meaning behind these words— is it not saying that our troubles need not be worried about at all?"

Xiao Feng suddenly realized: "Yes, if he were to kill Murong Fu, then I and A Zhu would have no obstacles!"

In an instant, his chest surged with hot blood, thinking: "What virtue or ability do I, Xiao Feng, possess, to deserve such treatment from Feng Brother!" Suddenly his body swayed, he scooped A Zhu into his arms, and strode swiftly toward the dock.

A Zhu, suddenly embraced by him in this public place, felt both shy and anxious, her heart pounding like thunder, her face seeming about to ignite.

(End of Chapter)