Chapter 207: then translation of title

A Zi snorted, pursed her lips, and said, "You won't let me look? Playing chess isn't something shameful, is it?"

She grew up in the Constellation Sect from childhood, subjected to the poison of having her conscience erased and black and white turned upside down; she had no sense of right and wrong, so she actually didn't dislike the Constellation Sect, but rather thought that people should be domineering, bully at will, take and seize as they pleased; if she couldn't win, she would submit and beg for mercy, surrendering immediately.

Someone like Feng Yi, who possesses peerless martial arts, ought to torture to death anyone who provokes him and his family; that would be only natural. I helped him out of goodwill, but he despises my background, so naturally I got angry.

Feng Yi hadn't answered yet when he heard Su Xinghe sigh and say, "You still don't get it? Master Feng already looked at the chess position, that's why he uttered the name 'Precious Jade', thinking it couldn't be solved, and thus retreated knowing it was too hard."

Deng Baichuan asked in a low voice, "Second Brother, what is called 'Precious Jade'?"

Gongye Qian also said in a low voice, "'Precious Jade' is a difficult problem in Go. It is a position deliberately set up by an expert to vex people, not a situation arising from an actual game between two players; therefore, whether it results in life, death, or a ko, it is often extremely hard to calculate."

A Zi snorted, "It's just a game of chess—what's so hard about solving it? My elder brother is just too lazy to bother."

Hangu Pass Eight Friends

Among the Eight Friends of Hangu, the second disciple Fan Bailing, a Go enthusiast, gazed from afar at the chess position and already knew it wasn't the "master" inviting Feng Yi to play a game, but rather the "master" had set up a "Precious Jade" for him to solve.

He knelt on the ground, unable to see clearly, so he immediately raised his knee, stretched his neck, trying to get a clear view.

Su Xinghe said, "Everyone, get up! Bailing, this 'Precious Jade' is of great importance—come over and take a good look!"

Fan Bailing was overjoyed and replied, "Yes!" He stood up, walked to the side of the chessboard, and focused his gaze.

Feng Yi said lightly, "Mr. Su, since you intend to settle things with Ding Chunqiu once and for all, why waste more time on this chessboard?"

A Zi clapped her hands and laughed, "Exactly, everyone came just to watch you master and disciple exchange moves—hurry up and fight, settle your grudge, and let us enjoy the spectacle."

Though young and beautiful, she treated sparring with her master and disciple as a fun pastime, especially since they were her elders; everyone felt shocked and angry, thinking that this little girl lived up to being a disciple of the Constellation Sect—truly a bundle of wickedness.

Feng Yi smiled and said, "A Zi, it's better to sit and watch a fight—come over quickly and behave."

A Zi's cheeks flushed a faint crimson; Feng Yi ultimately let her develop a reliance in her loneliness, and being young and passionate, though she seemed unwilling to yield in words, seeing Feng Yi's pleasant expression made her obedient.

Her feelings of resentment instantly vanished; although she was quite curious about this "Precious Jade chessboard", she also pursed her lips, lowered her head, and walked to Feng Yi's side.

"Sit!" Feng Yi patted the stone he was sitting on.

A Zi snorted, sat beside him, and was completely obedient.

Su Xinghe said, "This Precious Jade chessboard was painstakingly set up by our master over three years."

At that moment, the mountain breeze rose slowly, bringing waves of forest sounds like people shouting and horses neighing; everyone's thoughts varied, and no one expected this chessboard to have such a significant origin.

After all, Su Xinghe and Ding Chunqiu are both renowned figures in the martial world; their master can easily be imagined.

Su Xinghe glanced at Xuannan and the others, then said, "Master Xuannan is versed in Chan doctrine and knows that the essence of Chan lies in 'sudden enlightenment'. Years of arduous practice may not match the instant insight of someone with innate wisdom. The same goes for the Way of Go: a remarkably talented eight- or nine-year-old child can often defeat a top master on the board."

Although I have not been able to penetrate it, there are many talented people in the world; it's not certain that none can solve it.

If someone were to solve it and fulfill our master's wish, then even though our master has passed away, if he is aware in the afterlife, he would surely feel great comfort.

Xuannan thought, "This eloquent gentleman's master and disciple share similar dispositions, both devoting their lifetime intelligence to these irrelevant matters, which has allowed Ding Chunqiu to run rampant for years unchecked, with no one able to restrain him—truly lamentable."

Su Xinghe said, "This junior disciple of mine," gesturing toward Ding Chunqiu, "Back then he betrayed the sect, causing our master to die with resentment, and beat me to the point I could not fight back."

I ought to have died to atone for my master, but recalling that my master's wish remains unfulfilled, and that without finding a talented person to solve it I would not be able to meet him even in death, I have endured humiliation and survived to this day.

Over these years, I have kept the oath with my junior disciple, remaining silent; not only have I become a deaf-mute old man myself, but I have also forced the new disciples I have taken on to be deaf-mute as well.

Alas, for thirty years I have accomplished nothing; to this day no one has been able to solve this chessboard, so I have now summoned martial arts talents from all over, hoping to fulfill my master's dying wish.

Feng Yi suddenly understood: no wonder Su Xinghe isn't fighting Ding Chunqiu to the death now; his aim is not only to eliminate Ding Chunqiu, but also because Master Wuya has little time left, so he must quickly select a successor who will inherit Wuya's martial power as the heir of the Carefree Sect.

In the midst of his thoughts, Feng Yi suddenly heard footsteps; glancing askance, he saw four people supporting a young man walking slowly up the mountain path.

Those four were either full of heroic vigor or possessed great strength, each with an unusual appearance; this young man, however, was neither tall nor short, wearing a small cap and blue robe, with fine eyebrows and clear eyes, extraordinarily handsome.

Fu Si Gui

Manor of the Guard South Prince

A Zi said in a low voice: "Those four are all my father's subordinates."

Feng Yi's eyes shot out a bright light, and he immediately realized who the person was.

He saw nothing but the young man in green robes bow and say: "I, Duan Yu of Dali, have come by invitation; I pay my respects, Mr. Congbian!"

Su Xinghe saw his appearance like jade, clear and gentle, stroked his beard and said: "Prince Duan's gracious arrival; this old man is deeply honored; please!"

Bao Butong felt bitter in his heart, thinking: "I have always been very rude to this brat; today my miserable state has been seen by him; this brat will surely mock me."

Duan Yu glanced around, saw Bao Butong sitting to one side, face pale, trembling like a winnowing basket, and thought: "This person is usually never quiet; today why does he look like a sick man?"

Just as he was puzzled, he heard Zhu Danchen whisper a few words in his ear from behind, and Chu Wanli let out a cold snort.

Duan Yu turned his gaze toward A Zi.

That day, Duan Yu, at Wuxi Tianning Temple, pretended with A Zhu to be Qiao Feng and Murong Fu; after rescuing the beggar gang members, shortly thereafter Bao Butong and Feng Bo'e arrived and met with Wang Yuyan and Zhu Bi, the two ladies.

The five of them were about to go north to look for Mister Murong.

Duan Yu naturally wanted to follow them. Feng Bo'e, feeling grateful for his merit of sucking out snake venom at the apricot forest entrance, warmly welcomed him.

In Bao Butong's words, he was extremely impolite, blaming Duan Yu for not having impersonated Mister Murong, which ruined his reputation; later he actually showed the meaning of "If you don't leave quickly, I will strike you."

Wang Yuyan merely chatted with Feng Bo'e about where to go to look for her cousin, completely oblivious to Duan Yu's predicament.

Only A Bi showed in her eyes a hope to accompany Duan Yu, but she was gentle and shy, not daring to speak; Duan Yu had no choice but to part ways with everyone from the Murong family.

Duan Yu thought: Since being captured north by Kumozhi, his uncle and parents must be very concerned, and he also misses his relatives, so he immediately returned to Dali.

After spending over a year in Dali, Duan Yu every day could not forget Wang Yuyan's every frown and smile; although he knew this longing would never bear fruit, his feelings were hard to let go, and he inevitably grew increasingly weary.

Duan Zhengchun originally came to the Central Plains to look for his son, but after learning his son had returned to Dali, he went to the Small Mirror Lake in southern Yu with Ruan Xingzhu, enjoying their bliss; he sent Fu Sigu back to Dali to report the situation to the Baoding Emperor.

Duan Yu, listening nearby, found a suitable excuse; after informing the Baoding Emperor, he followed Fu Sigu back to the Central Plains to reunite with his father.

After a long separation, father and son were overjoyed upon reuniting; Duan Yu briefly described what had happened since they parted.

Ruan Xingzhu went all out to flatter the young prince. A Zi had already left without saying goodbye, so the siblings never got to meet.

Duan Zhengchun and Ruan Xingzhu felt awkward mentioning A Zhu and A Zi, only briefly bringing it up in a few words. Duan Yu knew this was his father's usual behavior, so he thought nothing of it and did not ask further. But at this moment he heard Zhu Danchen say that this woman was his own sister A Zi.

Duan Yu knew that this little sister had, since childhood, become a disciple of the Old Man of Xingxiu, tainted with evil and acting willfully; Chu Wanli, one of the Four Great Guardians of the Zhen Nan Prince's Manor, upon meeting her, immediately suffered her wrath.

Duan Yu had been on good terms since childhood with the Chu, Gu, Fu, Zhu Four Great Guardians, and was reluctant to see this willful little sister; but thinking that Ruan Xingzhu's ardent flattery of him was all for her daughter, and seeing now that there were many people and that she sat close beside a man, appearing quite intimate, for the sake of his father's reputation he also did not want to go forward to greet her, and merely watched the chess game.

A Zi, on the other hand, thought: "Mother said to curry favor with the young master elder brother, but what ability could he have? He ignores me, so I ignore him too!"

She, being the younger sister, knew this was her own brother; seeing him listen to Zhu Danchen's words and ignore her, she also ignored him.

Duan Yu stared at the chessboard, focused his thoughts for a while, and said, "I, the junior, shall now make a fool of myself!"

Su Xinghe gestured and said, "Please!"

Duan Yu immediately sat, picked up a white stone and placed it on the board; Su Xinghe then placed a stone as well.

In a short while they played black and white, placing over a hundred stones; even those who didn't understand chess could see that Duan Yu's skill was profound.

At this time Ding Chunqiu, seriously injured internally, took the opportunity to regulate his breath; he had no leisure to employ the Bewildering Heart Technique from the side to make the chess game entrancing, so naturally it seemed extremely dull. As Su Xinghe placed a stone, Duan Yu held a white stone, hesitating to put it down.

Bao Butong sneered, "Hey, you Duan brat, why aren't you moving? Let's just admit defeat together, like my sworn brothers."

He regarded Wang Yuyan as Murong Fu's woman, while Duan Yu, upon seeing Wang Yuyan, immediately showed a lovestruck look, making him feel disgusted from the heart and prompting him to mock whenever he got the chance.

The four guards Chu, Gu, Fu, and Zhu glared angrily at Bao Butong.

Bao Butong then added, "What? If the Duan clan of Dali can't play chess, do you want to fight instead?"

Several people only gritted their teeth in hatred, yet in front of everyone they couldn't lash out, leaving them helpless.

Bao Butong muttered to himself, "The Duan family of Dali actually has someone as clueless as you..."

A Zi swept her gaze over Bao Butong and laughed, "You, surnamed Bao, if you utter another word, I, the young lady, will cut your tongue and sever your tendons—care to try?"

Bao Butong stared blankly, and the others felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over their heads.

They all understood that A Zi and Feng Yi, being prominent figures in the martial world, were different from Duan Yu, a scion of a noble clan.

Feng Bo'e whispered, "This girl is not someone to be provoked lightly!"

Gongye Qian's face turned green as he said, "If he killed us, that would be fine; but if he really lets people give us a thorough dressing-down, the Murong clan of Gusu would have no face to show in public!"

Bao Butong immediately fell silent.

He may not fear death, but that doesn't mean he isn't afraid of losing face for the Murong clan of Gusu!

Duan Yu delayed placing his stone, finally sighed deeply, shook his head and said, "Old sir, the Ten Thousand Spirits formation you set up is profoundly deep and ingenious; I, the junior, cannot solve it."

Everyone saw that Su Xinghe had won, yet his face showed a grim expression as he said, "Young master, your chess thoughts are precise; these dozen or so moves have reached the utmost height, but I just couldn't think one step deeper—what a pity, what a pity. Alas, what a pity, what a pity!"

He said "what a pity" four times; his regret was indeed utterly sincere.

Su Xinghe turned his gaze toward Feng Yi, seeing him sitting cross-legged on a stone with lowered eyelids, as if meditating, and he cupped his hands: "Master Feng, after thinking for a while, please try a move."

Feng Yi opened his eyes, his gaze like lightning, glanced slightly at the pine tree on the right, and said, "I have long had a sure method to break this chess setup, but there are many heroes under heaven, and I have been watching here for a while; let others display their abilities first. If truly no one can break it, I will naturally not disappoint Master Su's kindness."

Upon hearing this, everyone was startled.

Su Xinghe frowned and pondered, "Could it be that he really has a way to solve it, aiming to do what others cannot and thus gain fame in one fell swoop?"

Suddenly, with a soft "pa", a white object flew down from midair and struck the chessboard.

Su Xinghe looked and saw it was a small bit of pine pulp, freshly dug from the tree, landing exactly on the seven-nine line of the "Qu" position—the key to breaking the "Ten Thousand Spirits" formation.

He raised his head and saw, behind a pine tree five zhang to the left, a corner of a pale-yellow robe, clearly indicating someone hidden there.

Su Xinghe exclaimed delightedly, "Another master has arrived; I am overjoyed." Just as he was about to respond with a black stone, a soft sound came from behind, and a small black object flew in, landing on the eight-eight line of the "Qu" position—exactly where he intended to place his stone.

Everyone exclaimed "eh" and turned toward the sound, yet there was not a single person in sight.

The pine trees on the right are not tall; if someone were hidden in them, it would be obvious at a glance, yet we really don't know where this person is hiding.

Su Xinghe saw that the black object was a small piece of pine bark, its landing spot extremely precise; he secretly marveled at the person's martial prowess.

As soon as that black object landed, a white bit of pine pulp shot from behind the left pine tree, landing on the five-six line of the "Qu" position.

Only a soft "si" sound was heard as a black object spiraled upward, then fell straight down, landing precisely on the four-five line of the "Qu" position.

These black projectiles rise in a spiral; where they come from is hard to trace, yet they fall with such accuracy—this concealed-weapon skill is truly astonishing.

The onlookers admired in their hearts and shouted applause in unison.

Before the applause faded, a clear voice came from among the pine branches: "Young Master Murong, you have come to break the Ten Thousand Spirits formation; this humble monk will respond with two moves—please do not take offense at my boldness."

Several zhang away, a cluster of branches suddenly parted, a fresh breeze blew, and beside the chessboard there now stood a monk.

=9+book_bar

Everyone present was a martial arts expert; seeing the newcomer's lightning-fast lightness skill was truly rare and unheard of.

One could see the monk wearing a gray cloth robe, his spirit shining, his dignified and solemn appearance, with a faint smile on his face.

Duan Yu, however, was heaving his chest, fully showing his inner tension, thinking, "Kumarzhi this demon has come again!" and also wondering, "Could that white stone just now have been sent by Young Master Murong? This Young Master Murong, today I shall finally meet him!"

Only saw Kumarzhi press his palms together, bowing to Su Xinghe, Xuannan, and Xuantong, saying, "This humble monk, on the way, saw Master Congbian's chess gathering invitation; overestimating my abilities, I have come to meet the world's eminent masters."

"Kumarzhi!" A Zi giggled, "You really are something—you're my elder brother's defeated subordinate, yet you still dare to meet the world's masters; isn't that overestimating yourself?"

Duan Yu couldn't help but stare, and the others also exchanged glances, their faces full of astonishment.

This monk is actually the Great Wheel Wisdom King Kumarzhi of the Great Snow Mountain's Wheel Temple—no wonder his martial prowess is so extraordinary!

Yet Kumarzhi is also a defeated subordinate of Feng Yi!

Kumarzhi had originally uttered a mere polite remark on the occasion, too embarrassed to give his name, but A Zi exposed him on the spot; he immediately glared at her with fierce eyes, thinking, "What status does this poor monk have? I cannot quarrel with such a woman and lose my dignity," and with palms together said, "Hero Feng, truly one meets everywhere in life; we have fate to meet again."

Feng Yi replied lightly, "Well said; our affinity can be made close."

Kumarzhi smiled slightly, "Young Master Murong, please show yourself!"

But hearing a clear laugh, two people emerged from behind a pine tree.

The man, about twenty-eight or nine, had a slightly pallid complexion, wore a pale-yellow light robe, had a long sword at his waist, came drifting forth, his features clear and handsome, his manner relaxed and elegant.

The woman, dressed all in white, moved gracefully, her beauty surpassing the mundane; as a gentle breeze brushed her, it stirred her sleeves like rippling waves, and from afar she truly resembled the Immortal Lingbo.

The two walked side by side; for a moment everyone held their breath, secretly sighing, "The talent of Jiangnan is so outstanding, it has come to this!"

But Duan Yu suddenly felt his vision go dark, a bitter taste in his mouth, and his body heated up.

This woman was none other than Wang Yuyan, whom he constantly thought of and never forgot. Her face was full of affectionate longing; she gazed dreamily at the young gentleman beside her, as if her whole body were about to burst into laughter.

Since they first met, he had never seen such an expression on Wang Yuyan's face; thus the identity of this person goes without saying.

A Zi had never seen Murong Fu before; upon seeing him, her heart stirred, and seeing Wang Yuyan's peerless beauty, the two walking side by side truly seemed like a celestial couple descending to the mortal world.

A Zi suddenly asked, "Elder brother, the man is Murong Fu; who is the woman?"

Feng Yi laughed and said, "She is your older brother's major creditor, Wang Yuyan."

Translation: Feng Yi smiled and said, "She is your older brother's major creditor, Wang Yuyan."

Check: "major creditor" = major creditor. So: "She is your older brother's major creditor, Wang Yuyan."

We need to keep quotes? Probably keep as is. Output: 【121】 Feng Yi smiled and said, "She is your older brother's major creditor, Wang Yuyan."

A Zi glanced at Duan Yu, seeing he had the look of wanting to look at Wang Yuyan but not daring to, and she exclaimed oddly, "How come my brother looks like a thief?"

A Zi glanced at Duan Yu, seeing he had the look of wanting to look at Wang Yuyan but not daring to, and she exclaimed oddly, "How come my brother looks like a thief?"

But need to keep meaning: "How come my brother looks like a thief?" = "How come my brother looks like a thief?" So translation: 【122】 A Zi glanced at Duan Yu, seeing he had the look of wanting to look at Wang Yuyan but not daring to, and she exclaimed oddly, "How come my brother looks like a thief?"

Feng Yi was stunned, saying, "How?" and also looked at Duan Yu.

Translation: Feng Yi stared, saying, "How?" and also looked toward Duan Yu.

It turns out Duan Yu is deeply in love with Wang Yuyan, but she only has eyes for her cousin; upon seeing Murong Fu's appearance today, his heart grew even colder, and he almost burst into tears, thinking, "People say Murong Gongzi is a dragon among men, and indeed his reputation is deserved. No wonder Miss Wang admires him so much—alas, I am destined to suffer all my life."

Let's break: "Originally, Duan Yu's feelings for Wang Yuyan were deep and sincere, but the other party had only her cousin in her heart. Upon seeing Murong Fu's appearance today, her heart grew even colder, and she almost burst into tears, thinking to herself: 'People say Murong Gongzi is a dragon among men, and indeed the reputation is not undeserved. No wonder Miss Wang is so enamored of him. Alas, I am destined to suffer hardship my whole life.'"

We need to keep the quoted inner monologue.

Thus: 【124】 Originally, Duan Yu's feelings for Wang Yuyan were deep and sincere, but the other party had only her cousin in her heart. Upon seeing Murong Fu's appearance today, her heart grew even colder, and she almost burst into tears, thinking to herself: "People say Murong Gongzi is a dragon among men, and indeed the reputation is not undeserved. No wonder Miss Wang is so enamored of him. Alas, I am destined to suffer hardship my whole life."

Here he blamed and pitied himself, lamented and hurt himself, unwilling to look at Wang Yuyan's expression, but finally couldn't help stealing a glance at her.

Translation: He was here blaming himself, sighing and lamenting, unwilling to raise his head to look at Wang Yuyan's expression, but finally couldn't help stealing another glance at her.

So in A Zi's eyes, he naturally looked like a thief.

Translation: So in A Zi's eyes, he naturally looked like a thief.

As Murong Fu and Wang Yuyan approached, Wang Yuyan ignored Duan Yu, not greeting him at all, and Duan Yu thought again, "She never had me in her heart; even when we were together before, her heart only held her cousin."

Translation: When Murong Fu and Wang Yuyan approached, Wang Yuyan ignored Duan Yu, not greeting him at all, and Duan Yu thought again: "She never had me in her heart; even when we were together before, her heart held only her cousin."

A Zi bit her lip, then pointed at Wang Yuyan and said, "Big brother, is this woman beautiful or not?"

Translation: A Zi bit her lip, then pointed at Wang Yuyan and said, "Big brother, is this woman beautiful or not?"

Feng Yi was stunned, saying, "Why ask that?"

Translation: Feng Yi stared, saying, "Why ask that?"

"Don't worry about it, just answer

Translation: "Don't worry about it, just answer me!" A Zi said coyly, pushing Feng Yi.

Feng Yi nodded and said, "Of course, as the ancients said: 'fair forehead and delicate eyebrows, lovely smile, beautiful eyes gazing, the goddess who crosses the waves, the Luo goddess emerging from water, hiding the moon and shaming the flowers—any beautiful words used to describe a beauty are fitting for her; you say, isn't she beautiful?'"

Translation: Feng Yi nodded and said, "That's natural. The ancients had phrases like 'neck like a silkworm, eyebrows like moths,' 'charming smile, graceful,' 'lovely eyes gazing,' 'Lingbo fairy,' 'emerald water Luo goddess,' 'moon-hiding, flower-shaming'—any beautiful words used to describe a beauty would be fitting for her. So, is she beautiful or not?"

We need to keep the Chinese phrases? We should translate them? The rule: translate everything else into natural English, never leave in pinyin. The Chinese idioms are descriptive phrases; we should translate their meaning. However they are set phrases; we could keep them as is? The rule says: translate everything else into natural English — NEVER leave it in pinyin. These are Chinese phrases; we should translate meaning. But they are idiomatic; we could render as "neck like a silkworm, eyebrows like moths, charming smile, graceful, lovely eyes gazing, Lingbo fairy, emerald water Luo goddess, moon-hiding, flower-shaming". That is a translation. We'll do that.

Thus: Feng Yi nodded and said, "That's natural. The ancients had phrases like 'neck like a silkworm, eyebrows like moths,' 'charming smile, graceful,' 'lovely eyes gazing,' 'Lingbo fairy,' 'emerald water Luo goddess,' 'moon-hiding, flower-shaming'—any beautiful words used to describe a beauty would be fitting for her. So, is she beautiful or not?"

A Zi stared at Wang Yuyan and said, "So, do you like her?"

Translation: A Zi stared at Wang Yuyan and said, "Then do you like her or not?"

Feng Yi was momentarily stunned, then laughed and said, "Don't overthink it; I'm not your brother. Look—does that woman have anyone else in her eyes?"

Translation: Feng Yi stared again, smiling, and said, "Don't overthink it; I'm not your brother—look, does that woman have anyone else in her eyes?"

Wang Yuyan is a top-tier beauty, naturally pleasing to Feng Yi's aesthetic, yet he pays her no attention at all.

Translation: Wang Yuyan is a top-tier beauty, naturally pleasing to Feng Yi's aesthetic, but when it comes to Wang Yuyan, he simply doesn't care at all.

Because Wang Yuyan loves Murong Fu too deeply, if he tried to melt that iceberg with sincerity, he simply doesn't have the leisure to do so.

Translation: Because Wang Yuyan loves Murong Fu too deeply, if he wanted to painstakingly melt that iceberg, he simply doesn't have the leisure to do so.

Note: The phrase is likely a metaphor meaning 'melt that iceberg'.

Duan Yu is handsome, highly skilled in martial arts, and the heir to a kingdom; he loves Wang Yuyan wholeheartedly, has saved her life repeatedly, and she realizes she isn't that important in Murong Fu's heart, yet despite all these qualities, Duan Yu still cannot win even a glance from her.

Translation: Duan Yu is handsome, highly skilled in martial arts, and the heir to an emperor; he loves Wang Yuyan wholeheartedly, having saved her life several times, yet Wang Yuyan also realizes she isn't that important in Murong Fu's heart, and despite all these qualities combined, Duan Yu still cannot earn even a glance from Wang Yuyan.

Feng Yi is a businessman at heart, valuing practicality above all; with this energy, he could easily entertain several girls at once.

Translation: Feng Yi has a businessman's nature, caring most about practical benefits; with this energy, he could easily amuse several girls at once.

Or he could simply use force, like Yun Zhonghe; he despises such behavior, so beauties like Wang Yuyan, whose hearts are already taken, just pass him by.

Translation: Or he could simply use force, like someone such as Yun Zhonghe, but he despises such conduct, so beauties like Wang Yuyan, whose hearts belong elsewhere, merely pass him by.

Indeed, the effort and reward are not proportional.

Translation: Indeed, the effort and reward are not proportional.

A Zi wanted to ask more, but Feng Yi closed his eyes and stayed silent, so she suppressed her curiosity for now and watched the situation unfold.

Translation: A Zi wanted to inquire further after hearing that, but Feng Yi closed his eyes and remained silent, so she could only suppress her curiosity for now and observe the situation on the field.

No one present paid attention to Feng Yi and A Zi's whispered conversation, nor to Duan Yu's embarrassed demeanor; all eyes were fixed on Murong Fu.

Translation: No one on the field paid attention to Feng Yi and A Zi's whispering, nor did anyone bother with Duan Yu's embarrassed state; all eyes were fixed on Murong Fu.

On one hand, no one expected the renowned 'Southern Murong' to be such a handsome, refined young gentleman.

Translation: On one hand, no one expected the renowned "Gusu Murong" to be such a handsome, refined, and noble young master.

Meanwhile, Deng BaiChuan covered half his mouth to prevent sound from leaking, and quietly reported their situation to Murong Fu.

Translation: Moreover, Deng Baichuan covered half his mouth to prevent sound from leaking, and quietly reported their plight to Murong Fu.

What does this mean?

Translation: What does that mean?

After hearing this, Murong Fu greeted everyone with polite bows, spoke humbly, sought to build rapport, and everyone exchanged mutual admiration; even Ding ChunChu, who was practicing his breathing nearby, offered a polite remark—as for the title 'Great Matchmaker,' that's best left unmentioned.

Translation: After hearing this, Murong Fu first greeted everyone with a bow, his words humble and courteous, intentionally seeking to win favor; everyone exchanged expressions of admiration, and even Ding Chunqiu, who was practicing breath regulation nearby, offered a polite remark—as for the title "Tai Yin Bo," that's best not even imagined.

Although Wang Yuyan had never seen Ding ChunChu, she had long heard his name; who would have thought he would now be trembling all over, looking quite disheveled, far from the awe-inspiring aura of the Star Sovereign Old Immortal, his eyes betraying curiosity.

Translation: Although Wang Yuyan had never personally seen Ding Chunqiu, she had long heard his name; who would have thought he now trembles all over, looking quite disheveled, bearing no trace of the awe-inspiring aura of the Star Lodging Old Immortal Sect, his eyes revealing curiosity.

Ding ChunChu dared not look at this nominal granddaughter; he felt his lofty image would vanish the moment Wang Yuyan told her mother about it.

Translation: Ding Chunqiu, however, dared not look at this nominal granddaughter; he felt that his illustrious image would vanish completely once Wang Yuyan told her mother about it.

Of course, the most pressing matter is: how can we survive today?

Translation: Of course, the most pressing matter is how to survive today!

Murong Fu then said to Duan Yu, 'Brother Duan, hello.'

Translation: Murong Fu then said to Duan Yu, "Brother Duan, hello."

Seeing his demeanor—handsome yet splendid, yet grim—Duan Yu shook his head and said, 'You're the one who's fine; I… I'm not well at all.'

Translation: Seeing Murong Fu's dignified and handsome bearing, Duan Yu's expression turned grim; he shook his head and said, "You're the one who's fine... I... I'm not well at all."

Wang Yuyan exclaimed, 'Ah! Sir Duan, you're here too.'

Translation: Wang Yuyan exclaimed, "Ah," and said, "Sir Duan, you're here too."

Feng Yi's brows didn't rise, his eyes didn't move, but he sensed any disturbance nearby; at this moment he could imagine Wang Yuyan's surprised expression—after all, spotting a living person like Duan Yu is no easy feat!

Translation: Feng Yi's brows did not rise, his eyes did not move, yet he was fully aware of any slight disturbance nearby; at this moment he could easily imagine Wang Yuyan's surprised expression, for to notice a living person like Duan Yu was no easy feat!

Duan Yu, of course, understood what this meant; a sudden sourness welled up in his chest, his throat felt constricted as if something were choking him, and he could only stammer, 'Yes, yes, I… I…'

Translation: Duan Yu well knew what this meant; suddenly a sour feeling welled up in his chest, his throat as if choked by something, and he could only say, "Yes, yes, I... I..."

Wang Yuyan said, 'Sir Duan, are you looking for A Bi? My cousin sent her back to Suzhou. No one's looking after her at home, and we're worried.'

Translation: Wang Yuyan said, "Sir Duan, are you looking for Ah Bi? My cousin sent someone to take her back to Suzhou. With no one to attend to her at home, we're all worried."

Duan Yu merely replied with assent.

Translation: Duan Yu responded with repeated assent.

Everyone watched; some resented his lack of spirit, others secretly looked down on him—where is the bearing of a Dali crown prince?

Translation: Everyone present saw this; some were angry at his lack of spirit, others secretly despised him—where is the slightest bearing of a Dali heir?

Su XingHe secretly thought: 'I heard Duan ZhengChun was suave and amorous; how could his son, upon seeing this woman, lose his composure? He's a fool—lucky we didn't let him ruin the Precious Chessboard, or else our Xiaoyao Sect would lose face!'

Translation: Su Xinghe secretly thought, "I heard Duan Zhengchun was suave and debonair; how could his son, upon seeing this woman, utter such nonsense? He's a complete idiot—fortunately I didn't let him break the Zhenlong chess set, lest he disgrace my Carefree Sect!"

Seeing her brother's meek compliance, A Zi grew unhappy; wouldn't this reflect badly on her too? She rose angrily and said, 'Hey, are you that Murong Fu?'

Translation: Seeing her brother's meek compliance, A Zi grew greatly displeased, thinking, "Does this not also disgrace me?" She immediately rose and snapped angrily, "Hey, are you that Murong Fu?"

'Not bad!' Murong Fu's eyes turned, his face cold as ice, and he said calmly, 'Master Feng, long time no see; you truly are suave and debonair—I wonder where the lady you saw at Fan Lou has gone?'

Note: The text contains a typo for Murong Fu; we treat it as Murong Fu. Translation: 'Not bad!' Murong Fu's eyes turned, his face cold as ice, and he said calmly, 'Master Feng, long time no see; you truly are suave and debonair—I wonder where the lady you saw at Fan Lou has gone?'

Among the many experts present, the one Murong Fu fears most is Feng Yi.

Translation: Although many experts were present, the one Murong Fu feared most was Feng Yi.

Last year's encounter at Fan Lou seemed to give him the upper hand, but he knows the true situation best.

Translation: Last year at the Fan Lou gathering, it seemed he had the upper hand, but he alone knew the true situation.

Now seeing Feng Yi, though he bears no grudge, he still cannot let go; moreover, all three of his subordinates have fallen victim to Feng Yi's cold poison, and if he ignores it, not only will the superiority between Southern Murong and Feng Yi be decided, but the rumors in the martial world will only worsen.

Translation: Now seeing Feng Yi, though he harbored no hostility, he still couldn't let go of his unease; moreover, all three of his subordinates had fallen to Feng Yi's cold poison, and if he ignored it, not only would the superiority between Gusu Murong and Feng Yi be clear, but the rumors in the jianghu would become even worse.

Surely someone will claim that the rumor of Feng Yi fleeing in defeat was staged by Murong Fu himself, and now that Feng Yi appears before him, he dares not do anything.

Translation: Surely someone will say that the rumor of Feng Yi fleeing in defeat was actually directed and staged by Murong Fu himself, and now that Feng Yi appears before him, he dares do nothing.

Feng Yi lowered his eyelids, gave a faint smile, and said, 'I am unworthy; my only pursuit is beauty, and I presently lack a beauty like Miss Wang to keep me company—Master Murong, could you part with her?'

Translation: Feng Yi lowered his eyelids, gave a faint smile, and said, "I am untalented; I have always been fond of beautiful women, and now I lack a beauty like Miss Wang to keep me company. I wonder, Sir Murong, could you part with her favor?"

The hall fell silent, save for the wind rustling the pine trees; no other sound could be heard.

Translation: The hall was utterly silent, save for the sound of wind through the pines; nothing else could be heard.

A flash of surprise crossed Wang Yuyan's beautiful eyes as she looked toward Feng Yi.

Translation: A flicker of surprise crossed Wang Yuyan's beautiful eyes as she gazed toward Feng Yi.

Murong Fu smiled but said nothing.

Translation: Murong Fu smiled but said nothing.

Feng Yi, still smiling, said, 'When I first saw Miss Wang at Fan Lou, her beauty was astonishing, rarely seen in a lifetime; thus I have long kept her in my thoughts—Miss, could you show me a way to approach you?'

Translation: Feng Yi, smiling, said, "The last time I saw Miss Wang at Fan Lou, her beauty was astonishing, rarely seen in a lifetime; thus I have long been thinking of her—I wonder, Miss, could you give me a path to follow?"

Hearing Feng Yi praise her looks, Wang Yuyan felt pleased; his frivolous words did not offend her, and she smiled, saying, 'What could I offer you?'

Translation: Upon hearing Feng Yi praise her beauty, Wang Yuyan was quite pleased, and she did not take offense at his frivolous words, smiling and saying, "What path could I give you?"

Feng Yi laughed, 'I've long heard that the Miss of the Wang family of Suzhou is not only extraordinarily beautiful but also versed in all martial arts, often advising Master Murong; my request is modest—I only wish to know the path to your heart, how to walk it; please guide me.'

Translation: Feng Yi laughed and said, "I have long heard that the Miss of the Gusu Wang family is not only surpassingly beautiful but also versed in all martial arts under heaven, often advising Master Murong; my request is not high—I merely wish to know the way to your heart, how to walk it, and hope you will point it out!"

Murong Fu felt utterly stifled by the remark that Wang Yuyan had pointed out his martial arts.

Translation: Murong Fu was stifled to the extreme by Wang Yuyan's single remark pointing out his martial arts.

The others exchanged glances, each thinking, 'These two are like needles opposing wheat awns—martial arts turmoil is imminent!'

Translation: The others, however, exchanged glances, each thinking, "These two are like needle point against wheat awn; the martial world is bound to stir up a storm!"

Wang Yuyan never imagined Feng Yi would dare say such a thing in front of the assembled crowd; her cheeks flushed crimson, and she turned her gaze to Murong Fu.

Translation: Wang Yuyan never expected Feng Yi to dare utter such words in the grand hall before everyone; instantly her cheeks flushed crimson, and she looked toward Murong Fu.

'I don't understand!' Murong Fu's eyes shone with a hidden smile as he said, 'You enjoy fame in the martial world; if you wish to oppose me, why drag my friends into it? Don't you know that each person bears responsibility for his own actions?'

Translation: "I don't understand at all!" Murong Fu's eyes full of a smiling meaning, he said, "You enjoy fame in the jianghu; if you wish to deal with me, why drag in my friend? Don't you know the principle that each person bears responsibility for their own actions?"

Seeing his humble tone yet arrogant content, everyone realized he had issued a challenge, thinking, 'No wonder he, so young, already commands a region and enjoys great fame—this is Murong Fu!'

Translation: Seeing his humble tone but haughty content, everyone realized this was a declaration of war, thinking, "No wonder he, though young, already commands a region and enjoys great fame—Murong Fu!"

The gathering of many masters focused all their gazes on Feng Yi's face; let us see how the two most renowned figures in today's martial world compare.

Translation: The field gathered many masters, all eyes fixed on Feng Yi's face. Let us see how the two most renowned figures in today's martial world compare in strength!

Feng Yi raised his eyebrows, surveyed Murong Fu from head to toe, and couldn't help but laugh, saying, 'Master Murong, truly a man destined for great deeds, you really know how to gild your own image.'

Translation: Feng Yi raised his eyebrows, sized up Murong Fu from head to toe, and couldn't help chuckling, "Murong Gongzi truly is a man capable of great deeds; he really knows how to gild his own face."

Well, since you are so righteous, go ahead and decide for yourself; I will certainly remove the cold poison from your brothers.

Translation: "Well, since you are so benevolent, go ahead and decide for yourself—I will certainly remove the cold poison from your brothers!"

(End of chapter)