Chapter 200

A Zi saw that Kumarazhi was kind and humble, his speech courteous, certainly not a brutal tyrant, but who knew he would twist words and win the argument, surpassing her.

Without seeing him lift his foot or step, he rushed to Feng Yi's front; as his robe sleeve swept, A Zi instantly felt a strong wind rush at her face, her chest feeling suffocated.

But seeing Feng Yi flick his left sleeve, like a sail, A Zi's suffocation vanished instantly, she knew Feng Yi had protected her.

Feng Yi only saw Kumarazhi's palm shoot out from his sleeve like lightning, swift in arrival, yet hiding a fierce momentum pressing toward his chest; he recognized it as Dragon Claw Technique, but didn't take it to heart, praising: "Not bad!"

He had a palm hidden in his sleeve, blocking while brushing, revealing genuine skill; the sleeve was soft and unforced, yet the wind it made was fierce, its momentum astonishing.

Kumarazhi secretly thought: "No matter how strong your sleeve power, how could it resist my Dragon Claw Hand! Just a little fame and you think you're invincible!"

In the flash of a thought, their claw and sleeve met, and a "crack" sounded like muffled thunder.

Kumarazhi floated back several zhang, his face drastically changed, involuntarily feeling ashamed and spiritless, no longer the calm composure he had just had.

A Zi knew Feng Yi had the upper hand, clapping and saying: "You bald thief, with such petty skills, you still dare to rob us? You're overestimating yourself."

Kumarazhi didn't care about her insults, his heart shocked beyond measure, he only sized up Feng Yi from head to toe.

Only seeing his features refined, eyebrows and eyes like a painting, his tall slender body exuding a vigorous aura, yet his eyes seemed to hold an indescribable meaning, as if dissatisfied with having his sleeve repelled, he felt somewhat ashamed inside.

He possessed supreme skills, originally not taking Feng Yi too seriously, after all, someone who would flee at the sight of Murong Fu, how could he compare to a master who peers with Murong Bo?

But now it truly made him regard this peerless martial opponent seriously.

Kumarazhi pressed his palms together and smiled: "The monk is busy with worldly affairs, rarely wandering the Central Plains, but Hero Feng's fame rings like thunder in my ears; today I'm fortunate, truly meeting him exceeds reputation, I admire him, I admire him!"

Know that the "Dragon Claw Hand" is one of the Shaolin Temple's seventy-two supreme arts, extremely fierce; Kumarazhi boasts that many Shaolin monks spend a lifetime and still may not reach his level. Unexpectedly, before Feng Yi he only earned the three-word comment "Not bad."

He had thought Feng Yi was young, having made a little name in the martial world, so unaware of the difference; he never expected Feng Yi to use only a light, soft sleeve, a gentle flick, to easily dispel his fierce grasping force.

Most terrifying was that he couldn't leave even a single snag on the opponent's sleeve; this method of using soft material to emit firm force was simply miraculous.

The Shaolin Temple's "Universe in the Sleeve" and "Robe Subduing Demons Skill" possess such methods; I know them too, but to achieve Feng Yi's miraculous, divine prowess is beyond me.

Kumarazhi is a person of extraordinary wisdom; he has no grudge against Feng Yi, but hearing the rumor that Feng Yi stole the ice silkworm from the Shaolin monk Hui Jing moved him to act.

Today he happened to encounter the two catching snakes, and wanted to seize it to boost his power; after all, he knew his internal strength was lacking, even missing a volume of the Minor Formless Skill, which was a shortcoming.

Yet facing this situation, who still doesn't know that his plan to seize the ice silkworm has failed? He immediately sought to make amends. Such a master, best not to be an enemy!

Feng Yi saw his strike miss, and didn't strike again, lightly saying: "I too have long heard that the Great Wheel Bright King alone stormed the Heavenly Dragon Temple, captured the Baoding Emperor, and seized the Heir of the Prince of Zhen Nan with heroic bravado; today I see, indeed his reputation is not empty."

A Zi heard these words, turned to look, and wore a look of surprise.

She had heard her mother say that her father came to the Central Plains solely to find his son, and her mother urged her to curry favor with this unseen elder brother, the heir, so that someday she would have support.

As the saying goes, an expert can tell with a single move; although only one exchange passed, Feng Yi already gauged Kumarazhi's depth, thinking: "A sweeping monk's sleeve flick could send Kumarazhi several zhang flying, yet I cannot; it seems I still lag behind him!" He then felt a bit disinterested.

Kumarazhi, however, felt his brow twitch and his face flush slightly.

After receiving the "Flame Blade" divine art from a master of the Tubo State's Nyingma Sect, he swept through Tubo, crushing the Black Teaching, unstoppable, shocking the western frontiers; he also learned various supreme arts of the Shaolin Temple from Murong Bo, his power and insight reaching the utmost heights, giving him the daring to storm the Dali Heavenly Dragon Temple and seize the Six Meridian Divine Sword.

Yet he didn't expect there to be a young Duan Yu in the temple, whose internal strength surpassed his own, and that the Six Meridian Divine Sword was even more miraculous; it was only because the opponent had received no expert guidance and knew no martial arts that he managed to capture him.

And what Feng Yi said—that he alone stormed the Heavenly Dragon Temple, captured the Baoding Emperor, and seized Duan Yu—actually dealt a considerable blow to the reputation of the Great Wheel Bright King.

Because his method was first to try trickery, failing that to resort to force; when the duel was indecisive, taking advantage of the retreat he secretly schemed and ambushed the Baoding Emperor; after Duan Yu struck, seeing he could not win, he called a halt, then struck Duan Yu again, only then managing to seize him.

Afterwards he used his retinue to lure away the Dali troops; he himself certainly escaped with Duan Yu, but all his followers were captured. Such conduct erased the dignity of a national teacher; even after more than a year, hearing Feng Yi mention it now, he also felt ashamed.

Kumarazhi felt uneasy inside, yet his expression remained calm; he pressed his palms together and laughed: "Hero Feng, you overpraise me; the monk is by nature dull and lacking in wisdom; hearing old friends say that Dali's 'Six Meridian Divine Sword' is the foremost sword under heaven, the monk wished to fulfill their desire, originally planning to discuss properly with several temple masters, but the eminent monks refused, leaving him no choice but to resort to a little force."

A Zi spat: "You're still a monastic? Utterly shameless!"

Kumarazhi gave a dry laugh, saying: "Miss, you don't know; there's a saying: 'Wealth and beauty move hearts.' The monk Hui Jing's ice silkworm is extraordinarily strange, and you are lovely in appearance; doesn't that also stir Hero Feng's heart, hence his unwillingness to spare trickery and force?"

Even the little monk couldn't help but covet the divine ice silkworm; he just happened to see this big snake moving like the wind, so he followed and came across you—this is a great karmic affinity.

It's only natural for the little monk to have such desires; what difference does it make whether one is at home or has left home? Miss, you're getting angry for no reason.

Ju Mou Zhi's voice was seventy percent stern and thirty percent calm; though he was arguing unreasonably, he still had an air that made people nod in approval.

A Zi was also good at debate, but she didn't know how to respond; she snorted coldly and remained silent.

Feng Yi smiled slightly: "What you say isn't wrong, but since you've taken from me, you think a light word can just brush it off? That's too dismissive of me, Feng Yi."

Ju Mou Zhi heard his implication and said: "Today's affair is all because the little monk was too rash; why must we draw swords and harm harmony?"

Feng Yi laughed heartily and said: "The Great Wheel Ming King of the Snowy Mountain's Great Wheel Temple shakes the four seas, and he has also learned Shaolin's supreme techniques; if he doesn't display them all, wouldn't that be a dampener?"

Ju Mou Zhi felt resentful; although he admired Feng Yi's martial prowess, for someone of his status to actively seek friendship with Feng Yi was already to lower himself; he didn't expect Feng Yi to not let it go, thinking: "Last year I stumbled several times in the Tianlong Temple, damaging the Great Wheel Ming King's reputation; now I have mastered the Minor Formless Skill—if I don't give him a show of force and sweep the Central Plains martial world, wouldn't that be a joke?"

At that moment his heroic ambition rose; he put his palms together and said: "Good! To meet such an exalted person today is fortunate; please do not grudge teaching me a few moves so that the little monk may gain some benefit."

As he spoke, he lifted his robe sleeves and thrust out both palms.

His most lethal strike came silently and without trace; A Zi saw nothing and felt nothing,

But Feng Yi clearly saw Ju Mou Zhi's two palms, straightforward with no trickery; yet the palm wind was razor‑sharp, like blades, heading straight for him and A Zi. He cursed silently, grabbed A Zi's arm, and shifted his body sideways by several zhang in the nick of time.

Then came a few 'crack' sounds; the few small trees several zhang behind them were split and fell.

Seeing such might, A Zi's face turned pale and her heart pounded wildly.

Feng Yi exclaimed: "What a splendid flame blade!"

Ju Mou Zhi saw that his 'Shift Form, Change Position' was truly unfathomable, and he was also greatly impressed, laughing: "Your knowledge is truly vast; you actually know this little monk's blade technique!"

Feng Yi smiled slightly: "Take one of my moves!" Saying that, he shook his long sword and lunged at Ju Mou Zhi.

If he doesn't move, it's fine; but once he moves, it's astonishing—like a shooting star chasing the moon.

Ju Mou Zhi then struck with his left palm in succession, followed by a right palm chop, heading straight for Feng Yi's right shoulder.

This palm technique is called the Flame Blade; though illusory and intangible, it can kill invisibly with inner force, truly unstoppable!

Feng Yi waved his hand, his long sword traced an arc, and there was a hiss; this gust scattered, and the surrounding branches fell like rain, rustling down.

Feng Yi thought: "This Ju Mou Zhi is indeed formidable; it seems my inner strength is not yet pure enough!"

According to his original intention, he wanted to dissipate this force invisibly, but it still leaked out; yet he transformed his long sword to deflect the blade energy, like a fleeting glint, pointing straight at Ju Mou Zhi's chest and abdomen.

Ju Mou Zhi felt a sharp sword energy rushing straight at him; he tilted his body, flipped his palm, with the force of wind and thunder, its edge no less than a real sword, and solidly struck the flat of the long sword.

Feng Yi gave a sharp shout; this sword exhausted his lifelong strength. When Ju Mou Zhi's blade energy met the sword body, there was a 'swish-hum' sound; the long sword bent like a snake, its tip askew, stabbing like electricity toward his left chest.

This made Ju Mou Zhi startled and dismayed; the long sword wasn't shattered—he had anticipated that, but it wasn't shaken loose either, which was somewhat unexpected. Yet his combat experience was rich; sensing something amiss, he lashed out with his right hand like lightning toward Feng Yi and leapt backward.

Feng Yi saw him coming with a sharp palm strike, did not dare to be negligent, swung out his left palm, a hiss-bang, the two palms and blades met, Jumomo Zhi let out a muffled grunt, retreated zhang outside.

Then came a hiss, the monk's robe split in half, a bloodstain appeared on the skin, fresh blood seeped out.

Although Jumomo Zhi saw the opportunity early and retreated quickly, he still almost had his belly ripped open; even so, he still felt a thread of sword qi coiling around his body, his heart still startled, he laughed: "Excellent, excellent. This monk bids farewell!" His body flickered, and he was about to flee.

Suddenly a great wind rose, Feng Yi struck out with a palm.

Jumomo Zhi drew a deep breath, suppressed the turbulent blood qi in his lower abdomen, sidestepped to let it pass, and shouted: "Between you and me there's nothing major; why drive it to this point?"

Feng Yi smiled: "If you want to rob me, you'd better be prepared to stay."

Although he had just nearly killed Jumomo Zhi in a single move, he also admired his consummate skill and swift adaptability; thinking of his character, how could he let him go?

Immediately his sword flashed like lightning, his palm swept out like wind, his force seemed substantive, enveloping Jumomo Zhi.

Jumomo Zhi's palms flew, his blade force surged, producing a wind-and-thunder sound; his anger peaked, he exclaimed indignantly: "Hero Feng, whether you act well or poorly, leave some leeway; I urge you to reconsider."

Feng Yi coldly snorted: "If I, Feng, do not act, then I do not; if I act, I act to the extreme!"

The sword technique was boundless, seeming left then right, neither front nor back; one move unleashed, it was like over ten long swords stabbing Jumomo Zhi from different directions.

Jumomo Zhi only felt Feng Yi like flowing water, elusive, yet the surrounding force surged like angry waves, with a thread of sword qi twining at his side; the slightest opening would surely send his soul to the West today!

Jumomo Zhi regretted endlessly, silently cursing: "Jianghu rumors kill people! Even Murong Bo doesn't have such skill; would he fear Murong Fu?" Yet he shouted: "You rely merely on the advantage of your long sword—what kind of hero is that?"

Feng Yi coldly snorted: "Far better than scheming and sneak attacks!"

Actually, with Feng Yi's skill, having or lacking a weapon makes little difference; he had just drawn his sword to slash the snake and hadn't sheathed it, so he simply used it.

Moreover, Jumomo Zhi's flame blade is no less powerful than a real sword; he only feared that a careless move would let Feng Yi dismember him, hence his sarcasm—little knowing Feng Yi paid no heed.

Jumomo Zhi suddenly chopped with his left hand several times, blocking Feng Yi's attack, then grabbed with his right and flung out an object.

It turned out Jumomo Zhi's foot had stepped on the python slain by Feng Yi; he immediately hooked it with his fingers like claws, lifted it. Jumomo Zhi spun like the wind, vigorously wielding the thick-as-a-water-barrel dead snake, employing the meteor hammer technique, just as he broke through the blade net, Feng Yi's sword flashed like extreme lightning.

The snake's huge size, Feng Yi dared not ignore; he swung his sword, the snake was instantly sliced, blood spattered, Feng Yi sensed danger and hastily retreated.

Jumomo Zhi gave a cold snort, his palms shot out; where his inner force reached, the broken snake in his hand smashed straight toward A Zi nearby.

This strike came suddenly; A Zi's martial arts were far too inferior, she could not avoid it in time.

If Feng Yi ignored A Zi, merely following his form and exploiting the opening, he could easily slay Jumomo Zhi under his sword,

But the python smashed onto A Zi; with Jumomo Zhi's inner force plus its weight, it would surely turn her to mush, so he swiftly turned, embraced A Zi, and fluttered away; then came a "boom—rumble", the snake carcass hit the ground, flew rolling, trees snapped and dust rose.

While Feng Yi was rescuing her, to Jumomo Zhi it was a chance to escape; he tapped his toes, retreated backward, his body as light as a bird, stepping on the great tree, he vanished in a wisp of smoke.

Feng Yi frowned slightly; at this moment he had lost the initiative and did not pursue further, only to see Jumomo Zhi thrust out both palms, breaking several large trees to block Feng Yi's pursuit, while saying with a smile: "Hero Feng, in this world there's no reason to fight while carrying your beloved; you'd better keep your mind on it!"

Feng Yi said: "Great Wheel Ming King, perhaps you don't know me well, but don't forget you are the Tibetan national preceptor; although I, Feng, cannot match your vileness, I too know the affairs of the first and fifteenth."

Don't look at that sentence of Feng Yi; it actually frightened the profoundly skilled Great Wheel Ming King so much he nearly fell from the tree.

Although he escaped with his life, Feng Yi's swift advance and retreat, unmatched in speed, his ghostlike movement made him feel ashamed.

If he really went to Tibet to cause trouble, that would be a major hassle, his momentum would wane; he said: "Not bad, I am the Tibetan national preceptor, but you and I only have a personal grudge; if you wish to take it out on me, I have nothing to say."

Faced with this situation, he could not utter words of pleading, and could only toss out a few polite phrases, drifting away; as he walked he tore off a strip of his collar to bind his wound.

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Feng Yi could not help but admire this person's swift strike, strong force, precise aim, and quick adaptation; truly rare, he thereby earned a place among the "Heavenly Dragon Four Peerless", becoming a national preceptor, certainly not by luck.

A Zi witnessed this heart-pounding battle, already frightened pale; seeing Jumomo Zhi leave, her heart finally settled, then she suddenly slumped into Feng Yi's embrace, sobbing softly.

Feng Yi was quite surprised: "Why are you crying?"

A Zi choked: "It's me who dragged you down; without me, that bald donkey couldn't have run…… I'll become your burden……"

Feng Yi smiled: "Good, don't cry—how is that a burden? Letting him off this once is no problem."

He initially had no designs on A Zi, yet unknowingly fell for her; after possessing her body, he felt pity and could not bear to hurt her; now, leaning against her soft frame, he felt exalted, paying no heed to Jumomo Zhi.

After all, Jumomo Zhi has many scruples, so even as he displays his might in the Central Plains and sweeps through the martial world, he dare not kill!

Because his status is destined, he cannot bear the retaliation of the Central Plains martial artists!

This is the caution of those with families and estates; thus those who can freely settle grudges in the jianghu are actually lone wanderers!

Qiao Feng is a prime example. If he were still the chief of the Beggars' Sect, he wouldn't dare to start a massacre at Zhu Xian Manor!

Later, with A Zhu, his temperament grew gentle; that reckless, all-out vigor vanished without a trace.

A Zi sobbed: "No way! Such an enemy should just be killed outright!"

Feng Yi sighed: "Fool, you think he's that easy to kill?"

A Zi said: "No, big brother is invincible under heaven; that thief baldy sees he's no match, so he attacks me." Saying this, she giggled again.

Feng Yi said: "What are you laughing at now?"

A Zi laughed: "Big brother, you spared such a formidable foe for my sake—shouldn't I be happy?"

Feng Yi understood her meaning; this was her saying she holds a high place in his heart and also laughed: "My A Zi is so clever and quick, none can surpass her; what's an enemy?"

A Zi hummed, then giggled: "So do we still need to go to Lei Drum Mountain?"

Feng Yi said: "We must go; when the time comes Ding Chunqiu will also arrive—are you interested in playing a bit?"

A Zi mentioned playing, her interest was piqued, especially with Ding Chunqiu; but thinking of her master's godlike poison skill, she shuddered and said: "He's no fun."

Feng Yi saw her interest wane, knowing she feared Ding Chunqiu, he smiled: "If you're afraid, I'll first find a place to settle you; after I deal with him, I'll come back for you."

A Zi raised her head, questioning: "Big brother, do you think I'll drag you down?"

Feng Yi grasped her hand: "What's there to fear? I'm not even afraid of the Great Wheel Ming King, let alone Ding Chunqiu; wait and see me beat the Star Xiao Sect until they cry for their parents!"

A Zi saw his lofty demeanor, blinked repeatedly, felt her heart settle, instantly fearless, she said: "Good, let's together beat the Star Xiao Sect until they cry for their parents!"

Feng Yi laughed: "You, a disciple who betrays master and ancestors, reckless and audacious little demoness!"

"Then do you like or dislike this little demoness of mine?"

"Actually I, Feng Yi, like demonesses the most!"

"Why?"

"Because there's no need to worry too much—it's the most refreshing!"

A Zi felt a surge of excitement, then thought of the ice silkworm, and asked: "Big brother, when will you absorb the ice silkworm?"

Feng Yi said: "Now is not the time!"

"What do you mean?" A Zi exclaimed in surprise: "Then what is the right time?"

Feng Yi said in a deep tone: "The poison of this ice silkworm is unmatched; to be safe, I need to find a quiet place!"

He had encountered Jiumo Zhi and always felt uneasy. He feared that at the crucial moment of absorbing the ice silkworm, a strong enemy might appear.

Jiumo Zhi merely sees treasure and wants to snatch it; he is a bit greedy, taking treasure without killing people—that's his style, but others may not be so, so we must guard against all possibilities.

Feng Yi led A Zi along a secluded small path; amidst the mountains and fields, mountain flowers bloomed profusely, a small stream babbled with a clear, pleasant sound, both felt refreshed and delighted, and A Zi from time to time teased Feng Yi,

But her skills were nowhere near Feng Yi's; soon she was held in his arms like an eagle catching a chick, and as they toured the mountains and waters, they had endless endearing words to share.

Before they knew it, the day had fully darkened, and they arrived at a small riverbank, where they saw several large houses with white walls and black tiles standing opposite, and in front of the gate was a large medicinal garden.

The two intended to borrow lodging for the night, but upon approaching they saw two large white-paper lanterns hanging before the door, several strips of hemp cloth nailed to the lintel, and a soul-summoning paper banner planted beside the door.

A Zi snorted: "What a buzzkill!"

Feng Yi smiled: "This is actually something that will make you happy."

A Zi asked, puzzled: "What do you mean?"

Feng Yi pointed at the lantern.

A Zi's eyesight was not as good as his; upon moving closer, she saw two flat rows of black characters on the paper lantern, which she read aloud: "In mourning of Mr. Xue's beloved Hua, aged fifty-five."

Feng Yi laughed helplessly, thinking: "To have stumbled here by sheer chance is truly marvelous providence; as for how to consume this ice silkworm for maximum effect, the Divine Doctor Xue, who profoundly understands medical principles, must have some insight!"

Suddenly, weeping sounded from inside the door, a woman's voice: "Sir, your medical skill is divine; who would have thought you would suddenly fall ill with an acute condition and abandon us?"

"Sir, although you are called the 'Enemy of King Yama,' in the end you could not withstand the King of Hell; I fear that in the netherworld, King Yama will settle this old score with you, and you will suffer greatly!"

A Zi chuckled: "What 'Enemy of King Yama'? This widow guarding the gate is crying—how boring!"

Feng Yi did not expect her to say that, and with a stern face he said: "If I were dead, would you also be like that?"

A Zi stared, then her eyes reddened: "If you die, I will die with you, so I won't cry and become a laughingstock for others!"

Feng Yi smiled and said loudly: "Divine Doctor Xue, an old friend pays a visit; please grant us an audience!"

At these words, the weeping inside the house ceased immediately.

After a moment, a person resembling a servant, tears streaming, sobbing, bowed and said: "I do not know which sect you, young master and young lady, belong to; my welcome was late, and I beg your forgiveness."

Feng Yi said: "I am called Feng Yi, this is my..."

He was about to say "wife," but they weren't married, and saying anything else might upset A Zi. Seeing him fumble, A Zi blurted: "I am his little wife!"

A Zi, being a person of true temperament, and with her mother Ruan Xingzhu also lacking a formal title, being with Feng Yi simply means she is fully enjoying this moment's happiness; everything else has long been cast to the clouds.

Feng Yi said: "We are late for our appointment; please don't blame us."

The servant said: "So you are Master Feng and his lady; you're not too late, please come inside." Saying this, he led the way forward and entered the gate.

A Zi whispered to Feng Yi: "Big brother, I think this old servant is acting a bit sneaky."

Feng Yi tilted his ear to listen, clearly heard the movements inside, smiled knowingly, and said softly: "Then you'd better be careful!"

A Zi laughed: "Indeed!"

Leaping forward, suddenly a fragrant gust blew in,

A Zi, who was upwind, smelled the fragrance, hastily held her breath, but still felt dizzy, and thought: "All day I hunt geese, yet I am pecked in the eye by a goose!" She shouted: "Poison!" Then her vision went black and she went limp.

(End of chapter)