Chapter 195

On that invitation were written four lines: "Su Xinghe respectfully invites all those proficient in chess skills among the martial world to come to Yunnan Lei Drum Mountain, Deaf and Dumb Valley on June 15th for a meeting."

Feng Yi secretly thought: "It turns out after so long, this is the plot where Xu Zhu gets his fortunate encounter, but this time without Duan Yanqing's guidance, can his fortunate path still succeed?"

After pondering, it greatly increased his interest, he thought: "This chess gathering will have many masters; I wonder if I can compete with the sweeping monk? Ultimately I need to feel it from others, it's necessary to go!" Then he said: "How does Master Congbian know I can play chess?"

The two men looked at her blankly, then pointed at Chen Goyan with their hands, while also opening their mouths a few times, making a muffled "ya ya" sound from their throats. It turned out they were both mute.

Feng Yi's thoughts flashed, he suddenly understood, and secretly thought: "Hmm, this invitation has no title; it's a broad net cast, focusing on cultivation. I, Feng someone, also count as a talent of the martial world. These two mutes came with Elder Chen!" He then said: "Good, please convey my respects to Master Congbian; I will certainly visit."

The two men showed joy on their faces, bowed and performed a salute.

The two then bowed to Chen Goyan and turned to leave.

Feng Yi then looked toward Elder Chen, gave a slight smile, and said: "Elder Chen, regarding our meeting today, I don't want anyone from the Beggars' Sect to spread rumors recklessly, making it known to all. Do you understand my meaning?"

Upon hearing this, the two seventh-bag disciples of the Beggars' Sect trembled slightly, and Chen Goyan suddenly flashed a blade light in his hand, intending to stab it into his mouth.

Unexpectedly, Feng Yi extended his right hand, lightly touching his pulse point; Chen Goyan's hand grew hot, and the dagger fell into Feng Yi's hand.

Feng Yi was quite puzzled and said: "What are you doing?"

Chen Goyan stared at him blankly, and gradually a look of shame appeared on his face.

It turned out Chen Goyan had always been arrogant and rude, relying on being older than Qiao Feng, having longer seniority in the Beggars' Sect than Qiao Feng, and usually not being particularly respectful toward him. He was a person of a rather yin-like temperament, quite scheming.

Feng Yi had broken his arm at the Villa of Gathering Worthies, but in Xinyang he had not struck him again, nor even mentioned it.

Chen Goyan thus felt that Feng Yi was broad-minded; this visit was to express goodwill, and also to sincerely ask Feng Yi to become the sect leader.

Unexpectedly, when Feng Yi said he did not want the news spread, Chen Goyan, being proud and aloof, did not plead, but immediately intended to cut his tongue to show his sincerity not to speak recklessly.

Feng Yi's thoughts turned, realizing he had misunderstood; he couldn't help sighing and said: "If I wanted to harm someone, I would say it straight, not use martial-verse reverse speech."

Elder Chen, seeing him very kind and compassionate, sighed and said: "Yes, I, Chen, will keep it in mind."

Feng Yi asked: "Any news of Qiao Feng?"

Elder Chen lowered his voice and said: "Since our last parting, I heard that Qiao Feng had been active in the Jiangnan and Jiangbei regions, but later he vanished without a trace!"

Feng Yi gave him a deep look, then lightly said: "Actually, you should understand: it's easy to get thousands of troops, hard to find a general. For the Beggars' Sect leader position, no one is more suitable than Qiao Feng."

Elder Chen hesitated a moment, then said: "Qiao Feng is a hero, rare in the world, this is recognized by our sect. But he is a Khitan; among our brothers' fathers and elders, countless have died at Khitan hands. If he became leader, resentment would surely arise."

"He has been out of the leader's post for over a year, yet our sect still has no leader; some hope he will return to lead the Beggars' Sect, while others firmly oppose, causing a deadlock that has led to the neglect of sect rules."

After discussion among the four great elders and the transmission elder, we therefore thought to invite you to serve as sect leader.

In fact, the Beggars' Sect, for the sake of reputation, ultimately concealed the truth of the deaths of Ma Dayuan, Xu Chongxiao, Bai Shijing, and even Kang Min, leading many disciples to believe these people were killed by Qiao Feng.

Wu Changfeng suggested revealing the truth to clear Qiao Feng's name.

However, the transmission elder Lu Zhang and others believed that once this matter got out, the Beggars' Sect would lose face to be human, and Qiao Feng is ultimately a Khitan, which with the Han people is an age-old enmity; it's clear which is more important.

Wu Changfeng also dared not mention it again, and the Beggars' Sect up and down thus concealed the truth.

Feng Yi had anticipated this; weighing two benefits, take the heavier; weighing two harms, take the lighter—this is human nature. Only whether gains and losses can be judged accurately makes a big difference. His eyes flashed: "Your concerns also make sense, but the master's command cannot be violated!"

He turned and left, swift as a gust of wind and lightning; in the midst of turning, he vanished without a trace.

Such lightness skill, plus his divine power of shattering stone with an empty palm, directly left the three people's hearts shocked to the point of despair, yet filled with countless hope.

Having such a guardian deity for the Beggars' Sect is also a tremendous support.

Chen Goyan remained silent for a moment, then said word by word: "Tell your informed subordinates that the matter of finding Guardian Feng in Fuzhou must be kept strictly secret; if there is any leak, sect law will be enforced!"

"Yes!"

The two seventh-bag disciples accepted the order in unison.

……

The next morning, sunlight streamed in from the eastern window into the room; Feng Yi immediately rose, washed up, bundled his personal belongings into a square package in a few quick moves, then went to have a meal with the Huang family.

After breakfast, Feng Yi and Huang Zhang went to the study, brewed mountain tea; a fresh fragrance of mountain flowers and grasses filled the air, making one's chest feel broad and refreshed.

Feng Yi took a few sips, then rose and said: "Mr. Huang, I have troubled you for many days; today I come to bid you farewell."

Huang Zhang and Feng Yi had gotten along for nearly a year, discussing martial arts; upon hearing suddenly of parting, his heart involuntarily felt sour.

For Feng Yi, Huang Zhang taught him various knowledge, letting him step into a new realm of martial arts; he also saw where his future lay, and had long regarded him as a respected teacher, naturally feeling deep reluctance.

But he was ultimately just a passerby; this is his fate!

"Where are you going?"

He turned his head, only to see Huang Wan'er leaning against the door, gazing at him.

Her features were delicate and beautiful; every frown and smile were lovely hues; Feng Yi's heart suddenly felt a stab of pain and a sense of bewilderment.

He had gotten along with Huang Wan'er for a long time; everyone knew her thoughts; Feng Yi also liked beautiful women, but out of caution he dared not accept, and that feeling was actually a torment for him.

Because Feng Yi knows he is a scoundrel; encountering those women whose original plot ends in tragic suffering and untimely death, even if he toys with them, it's still better than letting them die, so even if he had countless women, he feels no psychological burden.

But regarding the daughter of his benefactor, he truly cannot act like a scoundrel; even if her original fate is to die, that would be decades later.

Huang Wan'er seeing him suddenly dazed, quickly said: "Elder brother, what are you thinking about?"

Feng Yi, questioned by her, came back to his senses and said: "Nothing, I'm just thinking about what martial world affairs I still need to settle."

Huang Wan'er had thought he was thinking of her; hearing this, she suddenly stamped her foot, turned and ran.

Huang Zhang looked at his daughter, his eyes involuntarily showing a hint of pity.

Feng Yi seeing Huang Zhang like this, felt even more guilty, and said: "Mr. Huang, I'm sorry!" saying this, he knelt down.

Huang Zhang sighed and said: "Alas, someone of your talent and looks inevitably attracts entangled love; this little girl developed a secret affection upon first seeing you, and now it has deepened."

I had seen this early on, but the word 'love' is inherently like that; how could there be so much satisfaction!

But if you can treat the young lady without frivolity, not be lustful, and maintain self-control, then I, old man, will be deeply grateful to you!

Saying this, he went to help Feng Yi up.

Feng Yi was already extremely guilty; Huang Zhang's few words made him feel utterly ashamed.

If it weren't for the uncertainty of his leaving this world, he would have already sneaked a bite; his body stood like a mountain, unmoving, and he kowtowed three times to Huang Zhang.

Huang Zhang exclaimed in surprise: "Young sir, what do you mean by this?"

Feng Yi said: "Mr. Huang, you should have been a high-ranking official of the court, leaving your name in history, yet because of me you resigned and returned to your hometown, willingly accepting poverty—this is the first favor."

Feng Yi said: "The second favor is to thank you for your great exertion in translating the scriptures and guiding my martial arts—this counts as half a teacher's due."

Feng Yi said: "This third favor is to thank you for being able to understand me!"

Huang Shang, seeing his deep sincerity, was moved involuntarily, his eye sockets wet, old tears streaming, and he repeatedly said: "Good! Good! Good! I, Huang Shang, in my old age, have actually managed to befriend a young friend like you, letting me know the marvels of the martial way; I have not lived this life in vain."

Feng Yi rose and said: "Old Mr. Huang, we part here! After I leave, you must take good care of yourself!"

Both being open-minded people, at this dim parting they also did not speak much.

The two faced each other and bowed,

Feng Yi turned and walked out the door, without looking back.

Huang Shang gazed for a long time, unable to restrain a long sigh.

Feng Yi went out the door, pondered a moment, then turned back inside and said: "Mr. Huang, before I leave, I still have a few words to convey."

Huang Shang said: "This old one listens respectfully!"

Feng Yi said: "With your martial arts, nowadays you hardly have any rivals in the martial world, but the jianghu is full of treacherous and deceitful people; if one day you truly come to blows with jianghu folk, before delivering a killing blow you must first move your own family to a safe place, lest you invite retaliation." "Furthermore, my whereabouts have been exposed; if I step out of the jianghu, I will inevitably bring grudges upon myself, so you must be careful—if you have another place to go, moving away from here would be even better."

Huang Shang nodded slightly: "Young sir, your words are precious as gold and jade; this old one will keep them in mind!"

Feng Yi thought and said: "Sir, you are a great talent; you will surely enter a new realm on the path of martial arts research. I have heard of a divine art that absorbs others' inner energy for one's own use, and I hope it may give you some inspiration."

Huang Shang's face showed a hint of surprise: "Absorbing others' inner energy for one's own use?"

Even though Huang Shang is a grandmaster of his generation, he never imagined that such a skill existed in the world.

Feng Yi said: "I only know that this art uses acupoints to make contact with a person, absorbing inner energy into the chest and gallbladder acupoints."

Huang Shang thought and said: "Internal energy divides into yin and yang, that is, hardness and softness; the so-called external hardness, internal softness is called 'exiting', external softness, internal hardness is called 'entering'; this art must necessarily follow this principle!"

Seeing him grasp it instantly, Feng Yi's admiration grew; he shook his head and sighed: "Speaking of it, this principle is also simple—for example, capturing a dragon and controlling a crane to seize someone from afar is just soft energy emitted outward, hard energy drawn inward, letting the opponent be led by the palm force and fall under control; but to apply it to absorbing inner energy, this is truly beyond my ability to comprehend!"

Huang Shang laughed heartily: "Understanding the idea is easy, but carrying it out is hard—I'm afraid I don't have that ability either!"

Feng Yi knew that the old man before him was of extraordinary talent, unmatched under heaven; although he spoke lightly, based on his current accumulated knowledge and given time, he would surely devise a profound method; he laughed and said: "This is just a line of thought, young man; I sincerely hope the master will create an all-encompassing marvelous skill, making the martial arts of the world shine brightly."

Having said that, he went out the door, straight to his own room, picked up the bundle, but heard Huang Wan'er behind him say: "Since you have decided to leave, I will not press you; I have a gift for you!"

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Feng Yi turned to look; Wan'er held a bundle in her hand, saying she was not insisting, yet she looked as if about to cry, making Feng Yi feel apologetic; he cleared his throat softly and said: "Miss Huang, I……"

He usually spoke fluently, but facing Wan'er he found it hard to find the right words, as if whatever he said would be wrong.

Upon hearing him call her "Miss", Huang Wan'er shed two large, bright tears that streamed down her cheeks; she handed over the bundle and said: "Inside are the clothes I prepared for you; put them on, I want to watch you leave."

Seeing her sorrowful expression, Feng Yi's heart softened; he had no choice but to accept it, opening the bundle in the inner room, which stirred his heart greatly.

Immediately he took off his clothes, looked at his own silkworm-silk garment, and removed that as well.

After taking out the blue-silk water-pattern woven brocade shirt from the bundle and putting it on, he stepped on black-satin white-soled cloud boots, wrapped his waist with a dark-green patterned jade-inlaid python belt, hung a white jade ring on his left, and suspended a blue-steel sword on his right,

Then he held the silkworm-silk garment, walked out of the room, handed it to Wan'er, and said: "This treasure garment is impervious to blades and spears; wear it in the future, and I hope it will protect you completely—this is my little token of feeling."

Huang Wan'er, a maiden at heart, having associated with him for years, had long placed her heart firmly on Feng Yi; now seeing him dressed in the attire he had prepared, he truly was a jade tree in the wind, graceful and unrestrained, a handsome young gentleman, an immortal wandering the world. She spoke with a trembling voice: "If you… if you someday go to vent your anger on Murong Fu, remember to come back and see me… and my father… no matter what, I will be here waiting for you…"

In the Northern Song dynasty, when propriety between men and women was strictly observed, she cast aside maidenly reserve and laid bare her maiden thoughts clearly.

Speaking, she feared Feng Yi would think lightly of her; not speaking, she felt ten thousand reluctances, caught between gain and loss, her mind in turmoil.

Therefore these few words truly cost her great effort; ashamed and sorrowful, two more tears fell.

Feng Yi himself does not know when he will leave this world; if it were merely to dispel boredom and seek a fleeting romance, Huang Wan'er's looks and character would be nothing short of a blessing—hard to ask for!

But now, involving the benefactor's daughter's chastity, what could be done? He at once hardened his heart and said: "I have never placed Murong Fu in my heart; you are overthinking it!" Then he turned and walked away.

He feared Huang Wan'er would think he would secretly go to find Murong Fu, thereby directly cutting off her hope.

Huang Wan'er felt a sour ache in her chest; tears like broken pearls welled up in her eyes, as if she sensed that her longing would come to nothing.

The reason she prepared this outfit was merely because she saw Murong Fu in fine clothes, handsome and refined; hearing from the jianghu that Feng Yi was inferior to Murong Fu, she hoped her beloved could surpass him in every way.

Who would have thought Feng Yi would say he had no place for Murong Fu in his heart—doesn't that imply he also hasn't placed her in his heart?

Feng Yi left the city, boarded a boat at the dock, and headed north.

That night, upon reaching the Hangzhou region, a sudden gale arose and rain poured down; for safety, the boat had to dock at the pier.

Feng Yi had been on the boat for several days, the food was poor, his mouth was about to lose taste; so he simply went into Hangzhou city to grab a bite.

Arriving by the West Lake, he went up a teahouse, sat down leisurely, and called out: "Bring on the good wine and dishes!"

The rain poured down, yet Feng Yi's body remained remarkably clean; the waiter, with his sharp eyes, noticed something extraordinary and apologetically said: "It's coming, it's coming."

Feng Yi's internal energy was extremely profound; with his true qi radiating outward, raindrops did not even land on his body before being flicked away.

Feng Yi poured a cup of wine and was happily drinking,

Suddenly he heard the sound of phoenix bells outside the door; a rider came galloping through the rain.

The horse stopped outside the teahouse; shortly after, the sound of "deng deng deng" footsteps rang out, and a youth in a raincoat, dressed as a scholar, walked up the stairs; the shop attendant greeted him to sit and poured tea.

Feng Yi saw the scholar tall and straight, his face like white jade, exceptionally handsome and refined, seeming somewhat familiar, so he couldn't help but glance again.

That scholar also saw him—eyes like bright stars, brows like a knife cut, dressed in simple elegant green robes; among the crowded drinkers he stood out strikingly and raffishly, and he couldn't help but smile slightly.

Feng Yi returned a warm smile.

Unexpectedly, the scholar's expression suddenly turned serious and he shouted: "What are you laughing at?"

Her voice was tender and clear, pleasing to the ear, like an oriole emerging from the valley, drawing the attention of other patrons as well.

Feng Yi looked closely and saw the person wearing a wide, loose blue long robe, seeming very slender; then noting the cherry lips, snow-white skin, light brows, small mouth, a pair of large, glossy black eyes, about seventeen or eighteen years old—actually a stunning beauty dressed in male attire; he smiled and said: "I'm laughing because you look like someone I know."

The girl's face flushed red, and she spat: "Shameless!"

Feng Yi, out of the blue, received a scolding and was instantly startled.

At that moment, a patron at the nearby table laughed: "I've heard that frivolous playboys often use stock lines when hitting on women; I never expected to see it in person."

Feng Yi thought about it and agreed.

In my previous life, when picking up girls, I also often used such lines as openers; but after crossing over, with divine arts at my side, wherever I go I attract countless gazes—picking up girls no longer needs these empty formalities; recalling my past life, it feels like another world.

He was naturally open-minded and unbothered by trifles; he gave a slight smile and then said nothing more.

Unexpectedly, the girl gave a light giggle, snatched a chopstick, flicked her wrist, and the chopstick shot forth like lightning; the man cried out, fell to the ground, spat a mouthful of blood—it turned out the chopstick had pierced his mouth, knocking out his front teeth.

Feng Yi saw that her concealed-weapon technique, though Yin-like, was similar in skill to Mu Wanqing's, yet her ruthlessness surpassed even that, and he couldn't help thinking: "What a vicious woman!"

"Heh, butting in like that is really impolite."

Turning his head, he saw the girl resting her left hand on the table, her right hand holding a chopstick; her slender fingers gripped the white chopstick as if holding a fresh flower branch, her snow-white face flushed with a rosy glow, her jade nose pert, her large eyes glancing with rippling light—she struck out with her hand to injure, yet seemed completely unperturbed.

As soon as she saw Feng Yi looking, she smiled even more, the corners of her mouth slightly upturned, her brows and eyes full of smiles.

The injured man cried out in pain, and the other patrons, seeing her like that, found her charm endless and delightful, their hearts fluttering; they all felt her ruthless strike was justified—who made that patron talk too much?

The girl twirled the chopstick in her hand, her pale jade-like hand seeming to hold a shaft of white light, and she said crisply: "You say, wouldn't it be fun to stick this into someone's eye?"

Upon hearing this, the patrons felt a chill, rushed downstairs all at once—beauty is nice, but the eyes are even better.

The waiter also helped the continually wailing, blood-covered injured man downstairs, and in an instant the teahouse fell silent and empty.

The girl felt delighted, glanced at Feng Yi, saw that his expression hadn't changed, and her eyes instantly sparkled; she chuckled, "Interesting!" She hopped over to his side, sat down, pulled out a gold ingot, and laughed, "I've bought out this teahouse today—bring on the good food and drink!"

As she approached, Feng Yi sensed a faint fragrance drifting on the breeze and thought, "What's the point of a woman dressing as a man?"

The proprietor, whom she had driven away the customers, was worrying, but upon seeing the gold ingot he immediately rejoiced and served the dishes as usual.

The girl's pair of dark, bright eyes fixed on Feng Yi's face as she smiled and said, "Sir, what's your name?"

Feng Yi saw that although she was beautiful, her wickedness exceeded even that of his woman Li Mochou by a third; he faintly suspected something and thus ignored her.

Seeing that he didn't appreciate her, the girl's arched brows knit together as she called out, "Hey, buddy, you just said I look like someone you know—who is it?"

This time she didn't bother with the "older brother" act, straight away aged herself, and placed her left hand on Feng Yi's shoulder.

Feng Yi caught a whiff of faint fragrance, his eyes flashing with sharp light, yet he made no move; the girl's head tilted back and her body flew out sideways.

Only a clatter of "gala-la" was heard as she flew out, smashing the square table behind her to pieces.

The girl closed her eyes, gritted her teeth, her face turned bluish-purple, and her breath ceased.

(End of chapter)