Chapter 214

Although they were all servants of the Murong family, this was the first time they had heard the basis of the Murong family's Star Shifting.

Wang Yuyan always wanted to know the details, but thinking that her older cousin had many taboos in martial arts, she didn't dare to ask; she never expected him to bring it up herself. She immediately looked at her older cousin, her eyes full of encouragement: "Hearing my older cousin say this, I can tell from the meaning alone that this Star Shifting already reaches the Heavenly Way; if one wants to achieve unity without obstruction, one must let the internal energy flow ceaselessly. As the saying goes, diligence can compensate for clumsiness; as long as my older cousin diligently cultivates internal martial arts and trains hard for several years, facing Feng Yi, he will surely have a chance to win."

Murong Fu let out a soft sigh and remained silent. The path of martial arts is like any worldly principle: when one first begins, diligence can compensate for clumsiness, but once a certain height is reached, unless one encounters some extraordinary opportunity, it is difficult to make any progress; moreover, Feng Yi will not stand still either.

Murong Fu drew a long breath and said: "Actually, I and Master Jiumo Zhi and the others never told the truth. When I exchanged blows with Feng Yi, although I could see him right in front of me with my eyes, in my sensation he seemed to not exist at all; yet at the instant he struck, his force condensed to a point, and my Star Shifting simply didn't have time to neutralize the power he contained—" He sighed.

Everyone hearing this knew that what followed was utter defeat.

Deng Baichuan, who was quite knowledgeable, solemnly said: "Feng Yi's power is fierce and his hands swift, his movements like lightning, his body techniques fluid and ever-changing, his martial arts prowess is truly unprecedented and unheard of; Young Master's loss to him is nothing to worry about."

Gongye Qian also said: "Quite right; it was the Young Master who made a move against him, and anyone else present would have met the same result—his profound internal force combined with the Ice Silkworm poison, even if Qiao Feng himself appeared, could not withstand it."

He had exchanged three palms with Qiao Feng, thus having some understanding of Qiao Feng's internal force; he felt that Feng Yi's chilling-toxic palm would also be unbearable for Qiao Feng—it was merely a matter of one palm versus a few.

Wang Yuyan gazed admiringly at Murong Fu and softly said: "Only now do I realize how much courage it takes for my older cousin to draw his sword against Feng Yi; it is truly unmatched manliness."

Murong Fu smiled faintly: "Younger sister, you overpraise me; I never harbored hopes of victory, I only wished that, regardless of victory or defeat, life or death, it could arouse the heroic spirit suppressed by his might, so as not to be blamed by others."

Baobutong clapped his hands and said: "Exactly this principle. The Young Master is a fine young man; how can we let Feng Yi's flames blaze arrogantly?"

The Young Master, knowing full well that it cannot be done yet doing it anyway, placing life and death aside, his heroic spirit is truly admirable to us.

Fengbo E laughed and said: "Third Brother, why don't you say 'no, no' anymore?"

Baobutong said: "No, no, take a look at those people—what the Head of the Damo Academy, the Great Wheel Bright King, the Old Monster of the Star Constellation, Mr. Clever and Eloquent—formerly, which of those names did not inspire awe?"

But when they saw Feng Yi, each either tried to stir up trouble or acted like a mouse seeing a cat, cringing; that demeanor truly makes one nauseous—only the Young Master dared to draw his sword and face him head-on; just that alone is enough to uphold the name 'Gusu Murong'; although we lost this battle, it is still glorious!

All present silently agreed.

On Lei Gu Mountain, Feng Yi's every gesture exudes immense pressure; since gaining fame, in his several bouts he has emerged unscathed and wiped out the Four Great Evils of the world.

Moreover, that 'Evil Brimming Over' Duan Yanqing, bearing the title 'Number One Evil Under Heaven,' had only a handful of possible opponents, and he even had two siblings as aides; for Murong Fu to emerge unharmed from Feng Yi's hands after he had slain them is indeed quite rare.

All we heard Gongye Qian say was: "Feng Yi's martial arts are so high that killing us would surely not be difficult; yet what purpose does he serve by saying that if the time is not yet right? What exactly does he mean by the 'time' he speaks of?"

Everyone naturally understood as well: the five of them, disregarding life and death, staking everything in a desperate gamble, might still not be able to defeat Feng Yi, yet he refrained from striking. Saying that the time is not yet right, they all felt uneasy in their hearts.

After all, what is most frightening about a blade is not the strike itself, but its hanging over one's head, not knowing when it will fall.

Wang Yuyan, lost in thought, said: "I think this person is rather high-minded; perhaps he is just speaking offhand. After all, he would not dare to gravely offend my Murong family—isn't that gray-clad senior a member of our Murong family?"

Murong Fu smiled faintly and said: "Younger sister, you are quite right; such a person, if he were alone and unburdened by family, would indeed be hard to deal with, but now that he has that little girl by his side, he must observe some propriety and has some scruples."

Deng Baichuan said in a low voice: "That may be so, but Feng Yi will undoubtedly gain great fame soon, and since our Murong family is deeply entangled in many blood cases, there will inevitably be those who seek to curry favor with him by following the wind; that would be detrimental to us, so we must still take precautions."

Gongye Qian said: "Indeed, once word spreads that the Young Master was defeated by Feng Yi, there will certainly be no shortage of those who kick a man when he's down."

We probably aren't suited to go home; we should go elsewhere to catch our breath and only speak again after the Shaolin Heroes' Convention is convened!

Hearing this, everyone felt a heaviness in their hearts.

Even the illustrious Gusu Murong dare not return home?

Murong Fu sank into thought without speaking, then led the way forward.

Baobutong said: "The Shaolin Temple has always been difficult for us; what about the Heroes' Convention?"

Deng BaiChuan laughed and said, "The young master said Feng Yi is the number one under heaven, and Miss A Zi also said Feng Yi is invincible under heaven; surely someone will not accept it, maybe some reclusive masters will come looking for trouble for him. Moreover, the Shaolin Temple is the orthodox lineage of martial arts under heaven, and is even called the source of martial arts under heaven. Now that the title of number one martial art under heaven has been taken away, can they bear it in their hearts?"

These monks are not just about eating vegetarian and chanting Buddha.

Moreover, even the Great Wheel Ming King suffered a loss at Feng Yi's hands.

When Feng Yi arrived at the Shaolin Temple, with that troublemaker Miss A Zi, hehe, facing thousands of heroes and champions, even if Feng Yi is the number one expert under heaven, if he does not reason, he probably cannot escape.

The reasoning is sound, but the illustrious Gusu Murong actually has to rely on others to deal with a Feng Yi; everyone fell silent.

Wang Yuyan, in order to encourage Murong Fu, added: "Although Feng Yi is capable, he lacks jianghu experience and is overly arrogant."

The things he said on Lei Drum Mountain involved the essentials of profound internal energy; that foreign monk Ju Mou Zhi obviously had some realization, which is why he hurriedly left. With still half a year until the Heroes' Convention, when his strength advances greatly, he will surely seek out Feng Yi to avenge his defeat.

Moreover, Feng Yi is so conceited that his path in the jianghu may not go far; perhaps he won't even live to see the Shaolin Temple host the Heroes' Convention, and Elder Brother Deng is overestimating him.

Deng BaiChuan sighed: "Just thinking that when I and my second brother attacked together, we were defeated by him without effort, I really dare not underestimate this person."

Gongye Qian said: "I don't know how good this person's martial arts are, but his inner strength's purity is absolutely above Qiao Feng's; if we don't want to have a big fight with him, it's better to temporarily avoid his sharpness."

Murong Fu changed the subject: "I don't even know where A Zhu has gone now."

Wang Yuyan said: "Last time we went to the Shaolin Temple to find you together with A Bi; the Shaolin Temple wouldn't let us in, so A Zhu had us wait for her in Luoyang, but afterwards we didn't know where she went, and we haven't heard anything."

Bao BuTong said: "Runan is not far from Luoyang; let's go look for her."

"Good!" After a few people discussed, they set off toward Luoyang.

……

Feng Yi and A Zi left the inn, and shortly they saw a person ahead with light steps. "That is…" A Zi's eyes lit up: "My little brother?"

Feng Yi nodded silently.

A Zi asked strangely: "When did he run out?"

Feng Yi said: "Just when you were arguing with your parents."

A Zi was stunned and said: "You heard all that?"

"That's only natural; otherwise why would I run?" Feng Yi smirked mischievously and couldn't help teasing.

A Zi gave him a sideways glance and snorted: "My mother says you men are all the same, using every trick to get a girl into bed, then laughing at her behind her back, or even calling her cheap; that's why she treats us like that, she's not happy about it, fearing you'll look down on her."

"Your mother is right!" Feng Yi sighed: "Even if your parents have many faults, they understand men."

Many men, if they cannot obtain or get a taste of a woman, will scold her for putting on airs and not knowing how to appreciate her.

If one pursues a woman with sincerity, some people will know and will greatly despise him, scolding him for losing his principles over a woman, like a dog.

If a girl is easily obtained, people will also feel that she is promiscuous to the core.

This is the base nature of humanity!

If your father knew that I and you have no matchmaker… and still could put on an attitude of willingly accepting, then he would not be fit to be a father.

"Exactly!" A Zi also murmured: "I only just realized that our behavior was wrong; my parents were only doing it for my own good."

"A Zi, remember, in this world the only people who love you unconditionally are your parents." Feng Yi gazed at A Zi with deep meaning: "Others may treat you well, but only because you have something they can gain; I am no exception."

translation: "You..." Azhi had the words on her lips but couldn't speak; her chest felt suffocated, as if something were blocking her. After a moment she said, "Then how do you view me?"

We must output: 【61】 "You..." Azhi's words reached her lips, but she couldn't say them, feeling stifled in her chest, as if something was blocked; after a while she said: "Then how do you see me?"

But need to keep Chinese style? Use natural English.

Azhi had the words on the tip of her tongue, but couldn't say them.

She felt a stifling pressure in her chest, unable to speak, as if something were blocking her.

After a moment, she said:

Then quote.

Ok.

Azhi has an eccentric personality and doesn't care about others' praise or criticism, but naturally she wants to know Feng Yi's thoughts.

Azhi has an eccentric personality; she normally doesn't care about others' praise or blame, but regarding Feng Yi, she naturally wants to know his thoughts.

We need to keep the name Feng Yi.

Thus: Azhi has an eccentric personality; she normally doesn't care about others' praise or blame, but regarding Feng Yi, she naturally wants to know his thoughts.

Feng Yi saw her frown and angry expression, and laughed, saying: 'I am who I am; I like beautiful women. From the moment I first saw you, I thought you were very lovely, and I know you are the kind of person who would die for love without regret. You just have trouble distinguishing right from wrong, but to me, you are a perfect match.'

Feng Yi saw her frown and angry expression, laughed and said: "I am myself; I like beautiful women. From the first time I saw you, I thought you were very beautiful, and I also know you are the kind of person who would die for love without regret. It's just that you sometimes can't distinguish right from wrong, but to me, you are still a good match!"

We need to keep quotes.

etc.

Azhi's eyebrows rose with joy: "Really!"

Feng Yi solemnly said: 'Truer than real gold!'

Feng Yi said solemnly: "Truer than real gold!"

Azhi raised her eyebrows and said: 'Then why did you run away without explaining things clearly to my parents?'

Azhi raised her eyebrows and said: "Then why did you run away, without making things clear to my parents?"

Feng Yi was taken aback, gave a nervous laugh, and said: 'Because your brother left, there is an important matter that must be settled by him. I didn't have time to express my marriage intentions to your parents, and I'm not deliberately avoiding you.'

Feng Yi blinked, gave a hollow laugh: "Because your brother left, there is a major matter that must fall on him; I had no time to declare my intention to marry to your parents, and it's not that I deliberately avoided."

Azhi giggled and skipped ahead, thinking that as long as Feng Yi could tell right from wrong, it didn't matter that she herself couldn't; anyway, she would follow his lead.

Azhi giggled, hopping ahead, thinking: "I can't tell right from wrong; as long as Feng Yi can, that's enough. Anyway, I'll listen to him."

Duan Yu's pace varied, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, as he weaved through the night. Feng Yi and Azhi followed him at a steady, unhurried pace. Duan Yu lacked experience in the martial world, and with his thoughts entirely on Wang Yuyan, he had no idea that two people were trailing behind him.

Duan Yu sometimes fast, sometimes slow, winding his way through the night; Feng Yi and Azhi followed him at a leisurely pace. Duan Yu lacks experience in the jianghu, and with his mind wholly on Wang Yuyan, he didn't even notice two people following him.

The three of them, one after another, walked for an unknown length of time before Duan Yu rested in a mountain hollow.

The three, one ahead and one behind, walked for an unknown length of time, then Duan Yu rested in a mountain hollow.

Feng Yi closed his eyes and entered meditation; Azhi, utterly exhausted, leaned against his chest and fell asleep.

Feng Yi closed his eyes and entered meditation; Azhi, utterly exhausted, leaned against his chest and fell asleep.

At dawn, Feng Yi's eyes suddenly opened, he lifted Azhi and set off after them, only to discover that Duan Yu had already resumed his journey.

At dawn, Feng Yi's eyes snapped open, he lifted Azhi and caught up; it turned out Duan Yu had already resumed his journey.

Along the way, whenever they passed through a town, Duan Yu would inquire about a beautiful maiden, a handsome young man, and their companions; upon hearing news, he would follow them, and Feng Yi and Azhi would follow Duan Yu.

Along the way, whenever they passed a town or market, Duan Yu would inevitably inquire about a group of beautiful maidens and handsome youths; upon hearing news, he would follow them, and Feng Yi and Azhi would follow Duan Yu.

Azhi felt uneasy; she knew her brother had slipped away for Wang Yuyan's sake, but she didn't understand why Feng Yi was behaving this way. Since Feng Yi said he would understand later, she didn't ask.

Azhi felt strange in her heart; she knew her brother had sneaked out for Wang Yuyan, but she didn't understand why Feng Yi was doing this, though Feng Yi said he would know later, so she didn't ask.

Thus, the group continued one after another and arrived in Luoyang.

The group continued one after another and arrived at Luoyang.

Each day Feng Yi dispelled the chill poison of the ice silkworm, and his formerly pallid face became flushed and healthy.

Feng Yi daily dispelled the chill poison of the ice silkworm; the pallor on his face vanished, becoming rosy.

He had already absorbed eighty percent of the ice silkworm's cold energy, and his internal strength had further improved.

He had already absorbed eighty percent of the ice silkworm's chill energy, and his internal strength had improved further.

Duan Yu lingered in Luoyang for several days, then headed west again. This time, Feng Yi and Azhi saw from afar that Duan Yu was indeed following Murong Fu, Wang Yuyan, and their entourage.

Duan Yu lingered in Luoyang for several days, then headed west again; this time Feng Yi and Azhi saw from afar that Duan Yu was indeed following Murong Fu and Wang Yuyan's group.

That evening, as dusk fell, Murong Fu and his party entered the town. Seeing that the town was small, Duan Yu dared not follow them inside and waited outside; Feng Yi and Azhi also rested by a nearby stream.

That day, as dusk fell, Murong Fu and company entered a town; Duan Yu saw the town was small and dared not follow, waiting outside; Feng Yi and Azhi also rested by a small stream.

Azhi saw from a distance that Duan Yu was turning over and over Wang Yuyan's hairpin in his hand, his lovestruck expression making her feel frustrated, and she exclaimed: 'How could I have such a foolish brother? He's nothing like my father!'

Azhi saw from afar Duan Yu turning over and over Wang Yuyan's hairpin in his hand, that foolish expression made her hate that iron could not become steel; she snapped: "How could I have such a stupid brother? He's nothing like my father!"

Feng Yi sighed: 'Love, a single word, has led many astray. Since ancient times, deep affection leaves only regret; even lovers may not end up together.'

Feng Yi sighed: "Love, a single word, has led many astray. Since ancient times, the deep‑feeling end only in resentment; lovers are not necessarily destined to become a family."

Azhi coldly replied: 'I might as well go kill Murong Fu and see whether that lady will marry my brother!'

Azhi said coldly: "I might as well go kill Murong Fu and see whether that lady will marry my brother!"

Feng Yi chuckled: 'Killing Murong Fu would be easy, but I fear Wang Yuyan would not marry your brother and would instead come to hate him, and then your brother would naturally hate you as well.'

Feng Yi chuckled: "Killing Murong Fu is easy, but I fear Wang Yuyan won't marry your brother and will instead hate him; then your brother will naturally hate you."

Azhi snapped: 'My brother is so foolish, I might as well kill him too!'

Azhi snapped: "My brother is so stupid, I'll just kill him too!"

Feng Yi shook his head and said solemnly: 'Azhi, remember that killing someone does not necessarily achieve all one's goals.'

Feng Yi shook his head, speaking solemnly: "Azhi, remember, killing does not necessarily achieve all goals."

There is a saying: 'He who forgets war is in danger; he who loves war will perish.' The boundary between them lies in never engaging in reckless militarism.

"There is a saying: 'He who forgets war is in danger; he who loves war will perish.' The boundary lies in never indulging in reckless militarism."

This saying pertains to state affairs, which you may not understand. But do you know why I have not taught you martial arts up to now?

"This saying pertains to state affairs; you may not understand it. But do you know why I have not taught you martial arts until now?"

Azhi now possesses the abilities of the Wuya Child; she has sufficient foundation to learn any martial art, yet Feng Yi has not taught her a single move. Hearing this, Azhi's face turned pale and she trembled, saying: 'Are you still afraid that I am a wicked person who will do evil?'

Azhi now possesses the internal power of Wuya Zi; she has sufficient foundation to learn any martial art, yet Feng Yi has not taught her a single move. Hearing this, her face turned pale and she trembled: "Are you still afraid I am a bad person who will do evil?"

Feng Yi smiled, shook his head, and said: 'True superior martial arts are not about techniques, but about spirit and intention—that is, the principles they contain and one's own character.'

Feng Yi smiled, shook his head: "True superior martial arts lie not in the techniques, but in the divine intention—that is, the principle contained within and one's own mental disposition."

Azhi stared blankly and said: 'Character?'

Azhi stared: "Mental disposition?"

Feng Yi replied: 'Your nature is ruthless; you possess a strong, self‑centered dominance. Once you engage in combat, you will surely be swift, precise, and merciless, seeking to take your opponent's life.'

Feng Yi said: "Your nature is ruthless; you have a strong 'you over me' attitude; once you engage in combat, you will surely be swift, precise, and merciless, aiming to take the opponent's life."

Moreover, you have cultivated the Northern Dark True Qi of the Wuya Child through seventy years of diligent practice; hardly anyone in the world can withstand a single strike from you, so whenever you attack, you will surely take a life.

"And you possess Wuya Zi's Northern Dark True Qi, cultivated through seventy years of diligent practice; few in the world can block a single strike of yours, so when you act, you will surely take a life."

The martial world is a place that values ferocity; killing is not a big deal there. But once it becomes habit, if someone can block your lightning‑fast strike, you will find yourself on the defensive.

"The jianghu is a place that sells ferocity; killing is no big deal, but once it becomes habit, if someone can block your lightning‑fast strike, you will fall into a passive position."

For that person must be a master; seeing your prowess, they will seize an opening, not kill you outright but inflict serious injury.

"Because that person must be a master; seeing your ferocity, they seize your opening—not to kill you outright, but to inflict serious injury."

This is why, if one's martial training is incomplete, one should not wander the martial world or engage in combat.

"That is why, if one's martial arts are not accomplished, one should not wander the jianghu nor engage in combat."

The martial arts of the Xiao Yao Sect also originate from Daoism; their principles are profound and obscure, and every move, every stillness and motion, remains within Daoist doctrine.

"The martial arts of the Carefree Sect also originate from Daoism; their meaning is profound and obscure, and every move, every stillness and motion, does not depart from Daoist principles."

The Dao De Jing says: 'Great fullness seems like a void; its use is inexhaustible.'

"The Dao De Jing says: 'Great fullness appears as emptiness; its use is inexhaustible.'"

These eight characters already elucidate the highest level of Daoist martial arts, which is also the essence of the highest martial arts in the world.

"These eight characters already elucidate the highest level of Daoist martial arts, which is also the essence of the highest martial arts in the world."

It means that only by leaving room everywhere can one have endless renewal and stand invincible.

"The meaning is that only by leaving room everywhere can one endure endlessly and stand invincible."

Why is this? It is not only because the Daoist school has a forgiving heart to avoid excessive harm and karmic retribution,

"Why is that? It is not only because the Daoist school has a forgiving heart to avoid excessive harm and thus karmic killing."

but also because it is self‑protection.

"It is also self‑protection."

Azhi, puzzled, asked: 'Self‑protection?' Feng Yi replied lightly: 'Because when you strike with reserve, you do not exhaust your strength; then, no matter how complex the situation—unless it is an overwhelming, unstoppable force like a mountain crushing down—you will always have a response. You will not lose your ability to resist merely because you acted improperly, gave away an opening, and were struck by a light blow.'

Azhi did not understand: "Self‑protection?" Feng Yi said lightly: "Because you leave room when you strike, you will not exhaust your strength; then, as long as the situation you face is not an overwhelming, unstoppable disparity like Mount Tai pressing down, no matter how complex it is or how the opponent changes, we will always have a responsive force. Thus you will not end up, despite having equal strength, being caught off guard by a slight blow and losing all ability to resist."

The same principle appears in the Beggar Sect's 'Eighteen Dragon‑Subduing Palms': when executing a strike, one must always retain more reserve power than the force exerted.

"The same principle appears in the Beggars' Sect's 'Eighteen Dragon‑Subduing Palms': when striking, one must always retain reserve power greater than the exerted force."

Although this palm style is named for subduing dragons and thus naturally calls for powerful offense, why retain power?

"This palm method, named for subduing the dragon, naturally calls for powerful execution; why then retain power?"

In fact, it is a self‑admonition: the dragon, a mythical creature that can be obscure or manifest, tiny or huge, short or long, flying or hiding, large or small—such a divine beast must be subdued, so you too must possess the ability to contend with it.

"It is actually a self‑admonition: the dragon, a mythical being, is mysterious and manifest, fine and huge, short and long, able to fly or dive, great or small; to subdue such a divine creature, you naturally need the ability to contend with it."

Thus, the ability to adapt spontaneously is fundamental.

"Thus, this ability to adapt on the fly is fundamental!"

For example, if you throw a punch and expend all your strength at once, and your opponent dodges, the resulting momentum may cause you to stumble; in that instant, a skilled adversary could counter‑attack, leaving you helpless and awaiting death.

"For example, when you throw a punch and expend all your strength at once, if the opponent dodges, that momentum will inevitably make you stagger; in that instant, a skilled adversary could counter‑attack, leaving you helpless and awaiting death."

'I understand,' Azhi clapped her hands and laughed, 'You are telling me not to strike with the intention of killing.'

"I understand." Azhi clapped and laughed: "You are telling me not to think of killing when I strike."

Feng Yi gave a slight nod and said: 'Why is there a saying that killing is not skill, but being able to kill and refraining is the true mark of mastery?'

Feng Yi gave a slight nod: "Why is there a saying that killing is not skill, but being able to kill and refraining is the true mastery?"

Applied to martial arts, this means the fundamental principle of issuing and withdrawing force from the heart. Anyone can stab a person with a sword and kill or wound them, even a child; but to thrust a sword, make contact with the body, and yet cause no injury— which of the two is higher?

"Applied to martial arts, this is the fundamental of issuing and retracting power from the heart. Using a sword to stab someone, killing or wounding them—any child of a few years can do that; but to thrust a sword, make contact with the body, and yet cause no injury—you tell me which is higher and which lower?"

Azhi nodded and said: 'Naturally the latter is the higher.'

Azhi nodded: "Then naturally the latter is the higher mastery."

Feng Yi said: 'This is the principle of returning the false to the real and accumulating strength to become mighty. In this world there are many experts; they are all naturally gifted and possess profound martial arts.'

Feng Yi said: "This is the principle of returning the false to the true, accumulating strength to become mighty. In this world there are many masters; they are without exception extraordinarily talented and possess profound martial arts."

Yet each of them either ends up injured, or reaches a certain level and then stagnates, falling into a martial arts barrier, because they only know how to train and neglect the essence of spiritual cultivation.

"But each of them ultimately either suffers bodily injury or reaches a certain level and stagnates, falling into a martial arts barrier, because they only know how to train and neglect the essence of divine skill."

'Essence?'

"Essence?"

'It is the source; for example, the Shaolin school outwardly claims to require a compassionate heart, but in reality it cultivates a forgiving mind, so that when striking one leaves reserve power.'

"That is, the source; for example, Shaolin martial arts explicitly say one must have a compassionate heart, which actually means cultivating a forgiving mind and leaving reserve when striking."

=9+book_ba

=9+book_ba

But those who practice martial arts seek victory and ferocity; especially some who harbor hatred, so they strive for lethal blows, wanting to fell an opponent with a single strike, unaware that this leads them down a crooked path.

"But those who practice martial arts seek victory and ferocity; especially some harbor hatred, so they strike fiercely, hoping to fell the opponent with a single blow, unaware that this is entering a deviant path."

When encountering a true master, a single strike shatters them.

"When encountering a true master, a single strike shatters them."

'A true master?' Azhi rolled her eyes and said: 'Big brother, in your view, what qualifies as such?'

"True master?" Azhi's eyes rolled: "Big brother, in your eyes, what counts as a true master?"

Feng Yi raised his head to look at the sky, and spoke faintly: "When the divine will moves, strength arises spontaneously; even sitting still and unmoving, one can injure others and protect oneself—this is what makes a true master. Ponder my words well." Having said that, he closed his eyes and sat in meditation, again dispelling the lingering chill.

These words, if heard by someone with an enlightened disposition, would surely bring great benefit, but A Zi could not wrap her mind around them.

Because this notion contradicts her understanding of over a decade, how could she grasp it in a moment?

She sat beside Feng Yi, hugging her knees, thinking that in her life she had never experienced so many things, nor had anyone ever told her so many principles.

Lowering her gaze to look at Feng Yi again, she stared at his jet-black eyebrows, high nose bridge, and thin, pale cheeks, her heart overflowing with joy, and she couldn't help thinking: 'I came from the Star Sea, found my parents, and met a man so worthy of trust.'

As she kept looking, she grew drowsy, leaning against Feng Yi, feeling no cold, dazed, and fell asleep.

Not knowing how long passed, Feng Yi's body suddenly trembled, a buzz sounded in his head, and he entered a profoundly tranquil and mysterious state.

A Zi was shaken awake by his tremor, and saw Feng Yi's face warm and moist, as if covered with a layer of water, which actually gave her a feeling of reverence.

Meanwhile, Feng Yi felt as if he were immersed in the depths of an ancient pool, unable to see or hear, the sun, moon, and stars ceased their motion, heaven and earth and all things turned to nothing, and all sounds fell into silence.

This strange feeling lasted about the time it takes to burn an incense stick,

Feng Yi suddenly awoke as from a dream, a familiar sensation surged in his heart, and he felt his true qi spreading like a tide to the tips of his hairs, each hair trembling with power.

And his pores all seemed like ears; even the gentle sound of water by the stream could not drown out the buzzing of mosquitoes several feet away.

At this moment, Feng Yi not only completely absorbed the ice silkworm poison, his cultivation greatly increased, and he once again accomplished the Divine Illumination Technique.

The Divine Illumination Technique illuminates all things with the divine seal; it emphasizes marvelous comprehension of nature, not mere diligent practice—it depends entirely on insight. To achieve it, everything rests on the practitioner's talent.

It can be attained in an instant, or else remain hopeless for a lifetime.

Feng Yi fortuitously gained the opportunity, marvelously comprehended the divine skill, the Dao follows nature, and relying on his own strength, he accomplished the Divine Illumination Technique once again.

This filled him with emotion: 'Elder Brother Ding spent twelve years cultivating the divine skill, and Di Yun also took nearly three years.'

And I mastered it in three years—not fast, but not slow either; I, Feng Yi, must be a genius! Hahaha...

A Zi suddenly saw Feng Yi laughing loudly and hurriedly said, 'Elder Brother, what's wrong with you?'

Feng Yi smiled faintly and said, 'Your elder brother misses you.'

He suddenly scooped up A Zi and walked straight to a desolate, narrow place where no grass grew; there he made the sky his canopy and the earth his bed.

After Feng Yi absorbed the ice silkworm's cold poison, he had not been intimate with A Zi, fearing it would harm his body.

This time, however, they were carried away, each giving their utmost.

The next day, Duan Yu continued on his way; Feng Yi and A Zi did not need to follow him closely, naturally they were happy and carefree, as if touring mountains and playing in water.

That day they reached the northwest; by nightfall, Duan Yu was still rushing, so Feng Yi and A Zi had no choice but to follow.

The two walked through the dim night, the road growing ever more rugged, the weeds by the roadside growing longer; A Zi said, 'I don't even know where Murong Fu is headed.'

Feng Yi smiled and said, 'Perhaps they missed the lodging; people of the jianghu must ultimately endure the hardship of eating in the wind and sleeping in the dew.'

A Zi gazed at Duan Yu's back, chuckling, 'This little brother of mine, raised in luxury at the prince's manor, I never thought he could endure such hardship for a woman; I must admit, I do admire him a bit.'

Feng Yi chuckled, thinking, 'What is this now? For Duan Yu, it's nothing short of sweet as nectar!'

The two crossed a ridge and in the distance saw a single point of light.

One mountain.

Two mountains...

Not knowing how many lofty mountains and steep ridges they had crossed, that single light still flickered far away.

A Zi said, 'Could that be starlight?' Then she shook her head, 'No, no star would ever float and sink among the mountains.' Lowering her voice, she added, 'Elder Brother, could it be ghost fire?'

Feng Yi chuckled and said, 'When ghost fire appears, it's never just one!'

Suddenly a harsh shout came from afar: 'Heretics and evil cultists, gather here!'

Both recognized it as Bao Tong's voice.

Duan Yu wasn't sure if he was frightened or what, but his foot slipped and he fell flat; A Zi rushed forward and gently helped him up.

Duan Yu felt a chill inside, silently thinking 'Oh no'; actually, when it comes to the subtlety of lightness skill, Duan Yu's Lotus Microstep surpasses A Zi's Star Sea Sect lightness technique.

However, A Zi had trained since childhood, while Duan Yu had taken up the monastic path midway; on level ground he could still maintain the grace of the Lotus Microstep, but the moment he encountered rough terrain, he was completely lost.

Duan Yu turned his head and saw it was his sister and brother-in-law, leaving him utterly embarrassed.

A Zi twisted the corners of her mouth, giving a hollow smile, and said, 'Little brother, the mountains may not turn but the water does—we meet again.'

Duan Yu forced a smile: 'Yeah, what a coincidence!'

Feng Yi revealed a faint, inscrutable smile and said, 'There's some excitement to watch.' He reached out to support Duan Yu's waist, circulated his inner energy, lightly lifted him, employed his lightness skill, and flew forward.

A Zi also followed; the three walked side by side, moving as one. Duan Yu couldn't help but ask, 'How did you come here?'

The reason Feng Yi followed Duan Yu without disturbing him was actually to keep up with Murong Fu and the others.

Because he knew that in the original plot, Murong Fu's party mistakenly entered the gathering of the Thirty-Six Caves and Seventy-Two Islands, and Duan Yu's Xu Zhu followed behind them.

Duan Yu rescued Wang Yuyan when she was in danger; Xu Zhu, meanwhile, drew his sword to help when the Tian Shan Tong Lao was killed.

But now that Xu Zhu is gone, he must follow; otherwise, if the Tian Shan Tong Lao is slain, the loss would be too great.

Feng Yi has two loves: martial arts and beauty.

But in his previous life he knew no martial arts, while beauties abound in this world, so this fondness is deeply ingrained; upon seeing any beautiful woman, he does not immediately comment but first evaluates her.

For example, among the beauties of this Tian Long world, what interests him most is not the Fairy Sister Wang Yuyan, but the Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum quadruplets.

Such a marvel—he has never seen it in any of his lifetimes, and besides, they are four beautiful sisters!

As for not following Murong Fu and going on his own, that simply won't work.

Because the meeting place of the Thirty-Six Caves and Seventy-Two Islands, and where the Tian Shan Tong Lao was taken, are not specifically known.

To go looking for them in the vast world would be a mere daydream—there is only one direction, and that is pure fantasy.

Therefore, for this important matter, Feng Yi could only abandon his in-laws and flee; there's no time to lose, for if the Tian Shan Tong Lao were slain directly by those demons and monsters, the difficulty of dealing with the four sisters would multiply.

Thus the three proceeded at a steady pace toward that light.

Suddenly a faint voice flew over: 'Since you know the heretics and evil cultists are gathering here, why don't you few pathetic monsters come join the fun?'

The voice rose and fell, intermittent, soft and mysterious, grating on the ears, yet every word was crystal clear.

The voice rose and fell, intermittent, soft and mysterious, grating on the ears, yet every word was crystal clear.

Feng Yi heard from the other party's few voice transmissions that the speaker's internal energy cultivation was not shallow, but it was not truly first-rate kung fu.

Feng Yi grabbed the two and leapt forward; after a few jumps they were already nearby. It was a narrow valley, deep and dark, where sunlight hardly reached; if an ambush were set in the valley to lure the enemy, it would be an extremely dangerous place.

Yet Feng Yi ran toward the place where the light disappeared without any fear, and saw several figures walking toward them; although he could not make out their faces in the darkness, he could tell they were Murong Fu and his party.

Feng Yi lifted the two, leapt onto a large tree, and hid among the dense foliage.

The voice again said, 'You little beast, spouting such wild talk—do you really think you can escape with your tail between your legs? If you truly want to flee, you must first kowtow three hundred times to our ancestors.'

Feng Bo'e halted, unable to proceed, and whispered, "Young master, let me go teach that madman a lesson."

Murong Fu shook his head and said, "They don't know who we are; let them go."

Feng Bo'e said, "Yes!"

After walking another ten or so steps, the six heard the voice again: "If the male wants to flee, let him be; but this female chick must stay to keep our ancestors company and relieve their boredom."

Relying on the wit and martial skill of these five, they feared no sect or gang in the jianghu; they only refrained from causing trouble because they had Wang Yuyan with them, but when the other side insulted Wang Yuyan, everyone's faces changed, they all stood firm, and turned around.

All that was heard was the voice saying, "How about it? Quickly hand over the female, or else our anc—" He had just uttered the 'anc' character when—

Deng Bailchuan expelled qi from his dantian and shouted, "Zong!" His "zong" and the opponent's "zong" overlapped in sound, shaking the valley. Everyone's ears rang loudly, but they heard an "ah" cry of misery coming from the green light.

In the silent night, the echo of Deng Bailchuan's "zong" lingered, sound waves rippling through the valley, reverberations shaking the ears for a long time, mingled with screams, truly moving the heart and soul.

A Zi was greatly surprised and whispered, "I never expected that Deng to be so formidable."

She naturally understood that Deng Bailchuan's abrupt shout had injured the opponent with greater internal force; from that miserable cry, the injury was clearly serious, possibly even fatal.

Feng Yi said, "This is the principle of not seeing the high mountains, not showing the flat ground; compared to people like Ding Chunqiu, they are weak, yet in ordinary people's eyes they are already unattainably high."

A Zi said, "That's why you let me always hold reverence, so I won't suffer when encountering a master."

Feng Yi saw that she understood his intentions and nodded.

A Zi said, "All I know are rustic moves; Great Hero Feng, please teach me, lest I embarrass myself later."

But a hiss sounded, a green rocket shot into the sky and exploded with a bang, dyeing half the sky deep azure.

Only saw Feng Bo'e brandish his single blade and shout, "You damned wretch, even if I, a tiger fallen to the plains, would tolerate it, I won't stand for this pack of vicious dogs' insults; today I will either do nothing or see it through—I will sweep away the lair of these demons and monsters first!"

Wang Yuyan remained silent, while Murong Fu's brows revealed a chilling killing intent as he said, "We have yielded a step, originally seeking peace; since we have acted, we will see it through to the end."

(End of chapter)