Chapter 216

Murong Fu. Also possibly the Fang family used generically.

Azi pursed her lips, feeling he was putting on airs, Feng Yi sighed: "Azi, this is called not going too far, it's the bearing of a noble family!"

Azi did not understand the meaning of 'not going too far', and before she could ask, suddenly a wailing sound rang in her ears; in a blink she looked over and saw bright light flashing quickly, a golden light and a silver light already rushing toward Murong Fu, coming with the speed of lightning,

Murong Fu (assuming typo).

Thus we need entries for:

Murong Fu.

Murong Fu.

I'll decide to treat as same entity and list once.

Murong Fu appears as Murong Fu and Murong Fu; we list Murong Fu.

Now other names:

Only then did Azi see clearly that it was two old men each holding a long strap, one golden, one silver.

Neither of them was particularly tall or striking in appearance, yet their whole bodies seemed to exude a captivating, sinister aura,

Because the one wielding the golden strap wore a silver robe, and the one wielding the silver strap wore a golden robe, the gold and silver colors flashed brilliantly, extremely splendid, so that at a glance one could not help but have one's heart race and spirit be shaken.

Then the old man in the silver robe said, "Admirable, admirable, take another move from us brothers!" The golden light flashed, the golden strap came gliding from the left, while the silver strap was shaken upward and then fell from above, straight toward Murong Fu's upper body.

Relying on that recent strike, Murong Fu already knew these two men's martial arts were formidable; he hastily said, "Two seniors…" He had only spoken four words when suddenly a whooshing sound arose, and three more men wielding long sabers appeared, employing the Earth Hall saber technique, rolling toward him along the ground.

Azi said, "These people only know how to bully the few with the many."

Seeing Murong Fu's majestic and imposing bearing, this group of odd-looking fellows, who were bullying the few with the many, he naturally helped Murong Fu as well.

"They're not idiots!" Feng Yi said offhandedly, "These people, relying on single combat, could defeat the Murongs of Suzhou; would they then become someone's slaves?"

Deng Bai Chuan appears.

The three knife-wielders were kicked in the wrist by Murong Fu, their single sabers flying into the sky; at the same time, relying on "Shifting Stars Transfer", he entwined the gold and silver straps together, making them hard to undo for a moment.

These three men, having dropped their sabers, did not retreat; instead, they let out shouts and rushed straight at Murong Fu.

Murong Fu's martial arts were truly formidable; without even looking, he kicked three times, sending the three men flying ten feet away; their shouts cut off abruptly, they could no longer utter a sound, having been struck in their pressure points.

Feng Yi, You Tan Zhi, and Qiao Feng are mentioned, along with Murong Fu.

In the blink of an eye, a black-clad man leapt out of the crowd like a black eagle, striking a palm at Murong Fu; his move was steady and vicious.

Feeling the palm wind pressing upon him, Murong Fu instantly realized this person's martial arts surpassed the others, seeming like a leader; he needed to capture him before they could talk! Turning his body, he leapt directly over the three men lying on the ground and struck straight at the black-clad man with his right palm.

However, just as his palm was about to reach the man's body, a green light flashed, and the black-clad man suddenly had a thick-backed, thin-bladed, extraordinarily sharp ghost-head saber appear in his hand, the blade edge facing outward.

If Murong Fu struck down with his palm, it would slice off the man's wrist; he thought, "You want to rely on that steel saber in your hand to make me change my move, but you also underestimate me, Murong Fu."

Murong Fu did not withdraw his palm but continued the strike as usual; when his palm was about two inches from the blade's edge, he suddenly changed the strike into a glide, sweeping his palm downward along the blade to cut the black-clad man's fingers gripping the hilt—a marvelous technique, as if plucking a zither.

Moreover, he channeled his true qi to the edge of his palm, making it as sharp as the ghost-head saber, capable of severing fingers or arms.

Seeing his technique change swiftly and fiercely, the black-clad man could not help but utter an "eh", quickly released his grip on the saber, and turned his palm to meet the attack.

With a slap, the two palms met. Exactly how much stronger Murong Fu's inner power had become, this blow shook the black-clad man's body; despite that, he still leapt back more than ten feet, staring at Murong Fu in disbelief.

At the same time, Murong Fu backhandedly snatched the ghost-head saber; in an instant, a foul stench entered his nose, something he had not expected, nearly making him vomit; he realized the blade was coated with deadly poison, wicked and vicious to the extreme.

Desperate times call for desperate measures; Murong Fu's situation was no different from these wicked brigands, so he immediately waved his blade, leapt forward, charged into the crowd, and a bewitching, eerie green light shot out from his hand.

Wu Lao Da's Green Wave Fragrant Dew Blade appears.

Someone's expression changed drastically, and they could not help but cry out in alarm.

Murong Fu had originally wanted to resolve the grudge, merely yielding, but having just exchanged blows with the black-clad man, he already knew that although this person's skill was slightly inferior to his own, there was another strange aspect: having seized the steel saber, he had only attacked Murong Fu by surprise; in a genuine fight, it would not be won in a moment, and besides, there were hundreds of them here!

Murong Fu fully understood this situation; adopting a defensive-only, loss-averting strategy, he now rushed into the crowd, displaying both palm and blade.

This Green Ripple Fragrant Dew saber is not only a precious blade but also a poisoned one; it surprised not only Murong Fu, but this horde of demons and monsters as well.

Murong Fu's martial arts were formidable; now wielding the poisoned blade, wherever it passed a foul stench spread, the toxic gas increasing its force, becoming ever more unstoppable; everyone's faces showed fear as they slowly retreated backward.

Although Murong Fu knew they feared his poisoned blade, he also dreaded causing loss of life; hatred deepened and became impossible to resolve, so he merely swung his blade while striking with hands and feet to hit and topple his opponents.

But when these people saw that his blade's power was not great, they steadied themselves and launched another encircling attack.

In an instant, long swords, short spears, soft whips and hard shields surged from all directions, more than a dozen men encircling him at the center.

Murong Fu showed no fear whatsoever; his technique was calm and unrestrained. As he struck down a few, the enemy numbers increased; striking down a few more, another ten or so appeared; soon wave after wave of three to four hundred people surged around his periphery, encircling Murong Fu and making it hard for him to break free.

Seeing this, Murong Fu realized he had to unleash a killing move; he flicked his sleeve, clearing away several weapons, and his right-hand blade swooshed forward; those who encountered the foul-smelling blade wind all held their breath and stepped back.

Murong Fu turned his body, the saber hilt trembling repeatedly; several people were struck dizzy, and he felt pleased with himself. Suddenly Deng BaiChuan shouted, "Despicable wretch, do not disturb the lady!"

Murong Fu and Wang Yuyan appear; also "younger sister" generic.

But Murong Fu was surrounded by several hundred people, and Deng BaiChuan and the others were likewise unable to separate themselves.

"Despicable villain!" Bao Butong's curses rang even louder, shaking heaven and earth, yet this crowd remained unmoved, still reaching for Wang Yuyan; the harder he cursed, the more they seemed to rally, and soon two women seized Wang Yuyan, tapped her pressure points, rendering her immobile but still able to speak, intending to make her call for help to throw Murong Fu and the others into confusion.

But although Wang Yuyan was frightened in her heart, she remained silent.

A long-haired monk with a gold hoop on his head brandished a saber, placing it across Wang Yuyan's neck, and shouted, "Young Murong, if you do not surrender, I will cut down your beloved!"

Seeing that Wang Yuyan had been captured, the crowd felt victory was assured and burst into loud laughter.

Seeing this, Duan Yu's grief and indignation welled up uncontrollably; he could not help but say to Feng Yi, "What good is hiding and sneaking? With your skill, even if you are dissatisfied with Master Murong, why not confront him openly and speak clearly?"

Feng Yi casually pointed and said, "Look over there."

Duan Yu looks back and sees a figure leaping from treetop to treetop.

Duan Yu could not contain his surprise and delight, saying, "Is this helping Master Murong?"

Having finished speaking, he saw that person standing on a distant tree, rising and falling with the branches, merely observing everything in silence.

A hint of confusion appeared on Duan Yu's face. Then Feng Yi said, "In this world, people judge by worth; whether you are useful or not, whether you have genuine substance—that is the very foundation!"

Gathering so many people here is for rebellion; what does my going out signify? Have you thought about that?

Duan Yu vaguely understood that rebellion necessarily requires secrecy; even if Feng Yi went out, he would still receive the same treatment as Murong Fu and the others.

On what basis does he demand that Feng Yi risk his life to help him?

Then the monk shouted again, "Murong Fu, if you truly refuse to surrender, I will cut off this flower-like head of yours!" His saber trembled, its blade flashing a green light.

Murong Fu and his group, though angry, are restrained by fear of harming hostages and can only curse.

Murong Fu could not bear to see Wang Yuyan die at the hands of these wicked followers, yet the four characters "Gusu Murong" are supremely noble; he could not yield to threats, nor surrender to heretical sects, lest he become a laughingstock in the martial world.

Moreover, this surrender would likely cost him his life as well; he shouted loudly, "Thieving monk, you want Master to admit defeat? That would be extremely difficult. If you harm this maiden in the slightest, I will not let you die a thousand deaths—I swear I will not yield!" As he spoke, he lunged toward Wang Yuyan, but over twenty men brandished their weapons, thrusting left and right, blocking front and rear, making it impossible for him to break through at once.

The monk angrily replied, "I will kill this little girl anyway; let's see what you can do about it, Old Buddha!"

Suddenly with a whoosh, a person jumped out from the bushes, raising both hands, shouting while running: "Don't cut, don't cut, I surrender, I surrender."

He moves with swift body technique, sometimes staggering, sometimes agile with a hundred turns; the crowd's long swords and palm winds emit hissing strange whistles, blade shadows like waves and tides, and this person charges forward without pause.

(same as above? Actually line 75 is the translation we already gave; but we need to output translation for line 75? Wait line 73 is the Chinese, line 75 is the instruction to translate. Actually the pattern: after each Chinese block, there is a line number with English instruction? Let's examine: The prompt includes lines like:

The crowd's long swords and palm winds hissed strangely, blade shadows rose like waves and tides, and we saw this person charging forward without the slightest pause.

We'll output as one line.

Although Duan Yu had grasped a little, his eyes and heart held only Wang Yuyan; seeing the monk really about to brandish his blade and strike, he panicked and leapt forward to surrender.

Translate: "Although Duan Yu understood a bit, his eyes held only Wang Yuyan, his heart only Wang Yuyan; seeing the monk truly about to swing his blade to kill, he panicked and jumped out to surrender."

the monk

This sudden move actually startled the monk, causing him to retreat two steps, lift his vacant gaze, and look toward the newcomer.

Translate: "This sudden move instead frightened the monk back two steps; he lifted his dazed eyes and looked toward the newcomer."

Wang Yuyan had a steel blade held to her neck; though frightened, her mind remained clear. She gazed intently and saw Duan Yu with leaves on his head, his face clearly terrified, yet he disregarded the weapons and rushed toward her. Overwhelmed with surprise and joy, she blurted out, "Young Master Duan…"

Translate: "Wang Yuyan had a steel blade held to her neck; though frightened, her mind remained clear. She focused her gaze and saw Duan Yu wearing a leaf on his head, clearly terrified yet disregarding weapons, rushing toward her. Overwhelmed with surprise and joy, she blurted: 'Young Master Duan…'"

Young Master Duan

She knew Duan Yu's martial arts were hit-or-miss, yet now, risking his life for her sake, she felt a certain gratitude in her heart.

Translate: "She knew Duan Yu's martial arts were hit or miss, yet for her sake he risked his life, and she felt some gratitude."

Duan Yu exclaimed joyfully, "It's me, it's me!"

Translate: "Duan Yu exclaimed joyfully: 'It's me, it's me!'"

The monk cursed, "You… what are you?"

Translate: "The monk cursed: 'You… what are you?'"

Duan Yu replied, "I'm a person, how could I be a thing?" The monk then backhanded a palm strike aimed at Duan Yu's chin.

Translate: "Duan Yu said: 'I'm a person, how am I a thing?' The monk then backhanded a palm strike aimed at Duan Yu's chin."

Duan Yu knew no martial arts and could not dodge in time; Wang Yuyan's heart sank as the monk's palm descended—Duan Yu might not die but would surely lose his teeth. Unable to watch, she closed her eyes.

Translate: "Duan Yu knew no martial arts; seeing he could not dodge, Wang Yuyan's heart sank. The monk's palm would fall—if Duan Yu didn't die, he'd lose his teeth. Unable to watch, she closed her eyes."

Suddenly, a fierce wind whipped up around them, stinging their faces.

Translate: "At that moment, a sudden surge of strong wind swept around, scraping the skin of their faces raw."

Wang Yuyan felt something odd, opened her eyes and exclaimed, "Ah, it's him!" She saw Feng Yi in flowing green robes, Azhi in purple clothes fluttering, standing side by side, with Duan Yu beside her. She instantly realized that Feng Yi must have arrived just in time to save Duan Yu.

Translate: "Wang Yuyan felt something odd, opened her eyes and exclaimed: 'Ah, it's him!' She saw Feng Yi in green robes, carefree and unbound, and A Zi in purple clothes fluttering, standing shoulder to shoulder; Duan Yu stood beside her, and she instantly realized Feng Yi had arrived just in time to save Duan Yu."

Feng Yi sank his breath to his dantian and suddenly shouted sternly, "Everyone, stop!!"

Translate: "Feng Yi sank his qi into the dantian and suddenly shouted loudly: 'Everyone, stop!!'"

Infused with inner energy, his shout rang out long and resonant, like a dragon's cry over a great marsh, a thunderclap on level ground.

Translate: "This voice, issued with internal energy, had a prolonged tone like a dragon's roar in a vast marsh, like thunder on flat ground."

In an instant, everyone's hearts pounded, their ears rang, leaves fluttered down, lamps flickered, all were startled, and they immediately ceased fighting.

Translate: "In an instant, everyone's hearts pounded, their ears buzzed, leaves fluttered down, lamps flickered; none were not startled, and they immediately ceased fighting."

A look of joy spread across Wang Yuyan's tired cheeks as she turned her gaze toward her cousin.

Translate: "Wang Yuyan's weary pale cheeks flushed with delight; her gaze shifted as she looked toward her older cousin."

Hearing the sound, Murong Fu's heart jolted as well; the crowd looked at the two, some with bright eyes, others with doubtful uncertainty.

Translate: "Upon hearing that sound, Murong Fu's heart also jolted violently; seeing the two, some people's eyes brightened, others were doubtful and uncertain."

The man remained silent, yet Azhi's graceful form and vivid purple robes were like the moon breaking through clouds, lending a touch of brightness to the dark valley.

Translate: "The man said nothing; only A Zi's graceful figure, her bright purple clothing, seemed like the moon breaking through clouds, adding a touch of brightness to this gloomy valley."

From Feng Yi's perspective, whether it's Murong Fu or thirty... in any case, now that the Taoist has appeared, he will surely step forward to call a halt.

Translate: "In Feng Yi's view, whether Murong Fu was thirty or not, anyway, since that Taoist priest had come, he would surely step forward to call a halt."

However, Duan Yu was after all his own brother-in-law; if someone were to slap him, he too would lose face, so he had to step forward and rescue him.

Translate: "However, Duan Yu was after all his own maternal uncle's husband; if he were slapped, he too would lose face, so he had to step out and rescue him."

Since he has intervened, there's no point in watching the spectacle any longer; better to end it quickly.

Translate: "Since he had intervened, there was no point in watching the spectacle; better to end it quickly."

Feng Yi saw everyone scrutinizing him, yet he glanced at Duan Yu and sighed, "You shouting surrender was bad enough; if I had arrived a step later, you'd have gotten a hard slap—what face would a man have left?"

Translate: "Feng Yi saw everyone scrutinizing him, yet he glanced at Duan Yu and sighed: 'Shouting surrender would have been fine enough; if I had arrived a step later, you'd have gotten a slap—do men still have any face?'"

Everyone felt indignant upon hearing this—Duan Yu had come to cause trouble, yet slapping him would make him lose face? But Feng Yi's single shout shook their hearts and spirits, overawing them by his aura; despite their numbers, they dared not speak rashly.

Translate: "Upon hearing this, everyone felt indignant; Duan Yu came out causing trouble, yet getting slapped supposedly made him lose face? But Feng Yi's single utterance shook everyone's hearts and spirits, overawed by his aura; despite their numbers, they dared not speak rashly."

Duan Yu didn't realize he had nearly been knocked down, which would have left his head bloody; he also knew he couldn't dodge that slap, and calling for surrender in front of his sister-in-law was indeed embarrassing, so he forced a laugh: "I was just hot-headed; I didn't think much else about it."

Translate: "Duan Yu didn't realize he had nearly been knocked down, which would have split his head open; he also knew that slap couldn't be dodged, and calling surrender in front of his sister-in-law was indeed embarrassing, so he forced a laugh: 'I was just hot-headed; as for anything else, I didn't think much.'"

Feng Yi nodded and said, "What a hot-headed fellow—a true man of feeling!" Azhi retorted, "I'd say he's just stupid!" Then she told Wang Yuyan, "Little girl, your cousin is unreliable!"

Translate: "Feng Yi nodded and said: 'Truly hot-headed, a man of passion!' A Zi retorted: 'I'd say he's just stupid!' Then she told Wang Yuyan: 'Little girl, your cousin is unreliable!'"

Wang Yuyan bit her vermilion lips, her face turning deathly pale.

Translate: "Wang Yuyan bit her vermilion lips, her face ashen."

Murong Fu frowned and said, "You've misunderstood, miss. My cousin has grown up with me since childhood, she knows my nature; the Murong family would rather die than suffer disgrace!"

Translate: "Murong Fu frowned and said: 'Miss, you misunderstand. My younger female cousin has grown up with me since childhood, she knows my nature; the Murong family would rather die than suffer disgrace!'"

Wang Yuyan's eyes reddened, and she whispered hoarsely, "Cousin, if you die, I… I won't live either."

Translate: "Wang Yuyan's eyes reddened, and she whispered hoarsely: 'Older cousin, if you die, I… I will not live either.'"

Seeing her anguished expression, Duan Yu's heart seized with pain; he told Feng Yi, "Brother Feng, please quickly save Miss Wang!" and made an eager move to rush forward.

Translate: "Seeing her sorrowful expression, Duan Yu's heart clenched with pain; he told Feng Yi: 'Brother Feng, quickly save Miss Wang!' and made an eager move to step forward."

Seeing that Feng Yi had appeared, he naturally asked him to keep Wang Yuyan safe.

Translate: "Seeing that Feng Yi had appeared, he naturally asked him to keep Wang Yuyan safe."

Feng Yi reached out to stop Duan Yu, glanced at the monk, and said lightly, "Master, you heard that—could you perhaps grant me a little favor?"

Translate: "Feng Yi extended a hand to stop Duan Yu, glanced at the monk, and said lightly: 'Master, you heard that—could you grant me a little favor?'"

The monk grunted, "Are you trying to meddle and stir up trouble?"

Translate: "The monk grunted: 'You want to meddle and stir up trouble?'"

Feng Yi smiled, "Why speak so harshly? I just want to persuade them to stop fighting—is that not allowed?"

Translate: "Feng Yi smiled: 'Why speak so harshly? I just want to persuade a truce—is that not allowed?'"

The monk glanced at Feng Yi and Azhi, noting how Duan Yu had arrived, yet these two seemed to have appeared out of nowhere—or risen from the ground. Knowing they were not to be provoked, yet releasing them on his word alone would shame him as island lord; he suddenly asked, "Do you know who we are?"

Translate: "The monk glanced over Feng Yi and A Zi, noted how Duan Yu had arrived, yet these two seemed to have appeared out of nowhere or risen from the ground; knowing they were not to be provoked, yet relying on just one word to release the captive, he, as Island Lord, also felt embarrassed, and suddenly asked: 'Do you know who we are?'"

=9+ book ba

Translate: "=9+book_ba"

Feng Yi smiled and said, "I've already heard the great name of the Thirty-Six Caves and Seventy-Two Islands."

Translate: "Feng Yi smiled: 'The great name of the Thirty-Six Caves Seventy-Two Islands—I have just heard it.'"

The monk snorted and nodded, "At least you have some insight, but the Murong family has no face—what gives you the right?"

Translate: "The monk snorted and nodded: 'At least you have some insight, but even the Murong family has no face—what gives you the right?'"

Feng Yi said solemnly, "It seems you don't want to give face, then?"

Translate: "Feng Yi said solemnly: 'It seems you don't want to give face.'"

The monk's face turned cold as he asked, "What do you intend to do?"

Translate: "The monk's face turned cold, and he said: 'What do you intend?'"

Feng Yi nodded with a smile, "Very good, very good!" He flickered like a cloud and lightning, covering a zhang in an instant; before the monk could react, Feng Yi pressed a palm to Wang Yuyan's shoulder, channeling internal energy through her shoulder straight into the monk's palm.

Translate: "Feng Yi nodded with a smile: 'Very good, very good!' His body flickered like clouds and lightning, covering a distance of several zhang in an instant; before the monk could react, Feng Yi placed a palm on Wang Yuyan's shoulder, a stream of internal energy passed through her shoulder and struck straight into the monk's palm."

The monk's wrist grew hot as Feng Yi's internal energy struck, churning his chest's qi and blood; he let out a miserable groan, his iron staff clattered to the ground, he was flung over a zhang away, his organs compressed into a lump, gritting his teeth yet unable to make a sound.

Translate: "The monk's wrist grew hot; actually shaken by Feng Yi's internal force, his qi and blood surged, he let out a miserable groan, his monk's sword clanged to the ground, he flew back over a zhang, his five viscera and six bowels clenched together, grinding his teeth, yet unable to make a sound."

Meanwhile, Feng Yi had already seized Wang Yuyan and floated back a zhang.

Translate: "Meanwhile, Feng Yi had already seized Wang Yuyan and retreated several zhang."

At the same time, a sharp whistling rang out as hundreds of cow-hair needles shot through the air toward Feng Yi, Wang Yuyan, Azhi and the others, covering an area of a zhang radius.

Translate: "At the same time, a sharp whistling rang out; thousands of cow-hair needles shot toward Feng Yi, Wang Yuyan, A Zi and the others, covering an area of several zhang square."

Feng Yi gave a soft 'heh' and swept his right hand through the air in a half-circle, his inner energy flowing slowly yet tangible.

Translate: "Feng Yi gave a soft 'heh' smile, his right hand tracing a half-arc in the air, his internal energy flowing, intangible yet substantial."

At that moment the stars and moon gave no light, yet various lamps illuminated the surroundings brightly; to everyone's eyes, Feng Yi seemed to have erected an invisible barrier beyond a zhang away.

Translate: "At this moment the stars and moon lent no light, yet various lamps illuminated the surroundings brightly; to the eyes of the crowd, Feng Yi seemed to have erected an invisible barrier several zhang away."

These dark bluish-black cow-hair needles collided, sending forth brilliant sparks, yet they could not break free of control.

Translate: "These dark bluish-black cow-hair needles struck each other, sending forth brilliant sparks, yet they could not break free of control."

This situation was as if Feng Yi had lifted a shield of dark blue, red and black, holding it before the few people.

Translate: "This situation was as if Feng Yi had lifted a shield of dark blue and red, placing it before those few."

This scene was far more wondrous and eerie than their fireworks; everyone held their breath, as if exhaling a single breath could blow the cow-hair needles away.

Translate: "This scene was far more strange and wondrous than their fireworks; everyone held their breath, as if exhaling a single breath could blow the cow-hair needles away."

The battlefield naturally fell into utter silence, yet every face was ashen, with large beads of sweat oozing from their foreheads.

Translate: "The battlefield naturally fell into utter silence, yet every face was deathly pale, large beads of sweat oozing from the crowns of their heads."

Feng Yi had just entered and then retreated suddenly, coming like a light wisp and departing like a ghost; the monk was known for his fierce bravery, and this alone was already remarkable.

Translate: "Feng Yi had just entered and then vanished, coming like light smoke, departing like a ghost; while the monk was naturally fierce and brave, everyone knew this was already extraordinary."

If Sang Tu Gong's cow-hair needles were released and Feng Yi, like Murong Fu, deflected them elsewhere, that would be acceptable.

Translate: "When Sang Tu Gong's cow-hair needles were unleashed, if Feng Yi, like Murong Fu, could deflect them elsewhere, that would be acceptable."

Who would have thought he could actually control those hundreds of cow-hair needles together—such a divine technique is unprecedented, unheard of!

Translate: "Who would have thought he could actually control those thousands of cow-hair needles together—such a divine technique, simply unprecedented, unheard of!"

Murong Fu watched, feeling both envy and alarm; he gave a dry chuckle and said, "Brother Feng, with just a gesture you can gather Sang Dongzhu's cow-hair needles into one place—truly admirable."

Translate: "Murong Fu watched, feeling both envy and alarm; he gave a dry laugh twice and said: 'Brother Feng, with a mere gesture you can gather the Sang Cave Lord's cow-hair needles into one place—truly admirable.'"

Feng Yi smiled and said, "Gentlemen, if these needles were to be reflected outward, what then?"

Translate: "Feng Yi smiled: 'Gentlemen, if these needles were to be reflected outward, what then?'"

Everyone instantly stepped back, some seeking cover; Feng Yi gave a slight smile, waved his palm, and the cow-hair needles all shot outward.

Translate: "The crowd instantly stepped back, some seeking cover; Feng Yi smiled faintly, waved his palm, and the cow-hair needles all shot out."

Everyone turned to look, startled to see that the cow-hair needles were actually flying toward the Taoist perched on the treetop, watching the spectacle.

Translate: "The crowd glanced over, startled to see those cow-hair needles actually flying toward the Taoist priest watching the spectacle from the treetop."

At the same moment, Feng Yi darted out, swept his wide sleeve, and unleashed the "Dragon-Subduing Eighteen Palms" toward a rock in empty space.

Translate: "Feng Yi simultaneously shifted his body and shot out, sweeping his large sleeve as he unleashed the Subduing Dragon Eighteen Palms toward a rock in empty space."

These cow-hair needles had previously struck Feng Yi once; he knew this was Sang Tu Gong's doing, and with his keen eyesight he had early noticed the person holding the needles cradling a small cauldron, while the rock-like object was actually that person's spine. The palm strike employed clever force, returning again and again in an unbroken flow.

Translate: "These cow-hair needles had previously been shot at Feng Yi once; he knew this was Sang Tu Gong's doing, and with his keen eyesight he had early noticed the hairpin-wielder holding a small cauldron in his arms, while this rock-like object was actually the person's spine; this palm force used its subtle strength, circulating and unbroken."

Sang Tu Gong had previously refrained from firing when he saw Murong Fu's side outnumbered in a mêlée, fearing to injure his own allies; but facing Feng Yi, he had no such scruples.

Translate: "Sang Tu Gong had previously seen Murong Fu's many combatants tangled in melee and dared not fire, fearing to hit his own allies; but facing Feng Yi he had no such scruples."

Who would have expected the opponent to possess such means; after releasing his needles, he immediately hid, lying on the ground feigning a stone—yet a force sucked him straight off the ground.

Translate: "Who would have expected the other side to have such means; after the hairpin, he immediately hid, lay prone on the ground, feigning a stone—yet a force sucked him straight off the ground."

Sang Tu Gong possessed all kinds of strange and wondrous skills; he was not only skilled in concealed weapons but also adept at earth-travel technique. Yet as soon as he was sucked up, he hurriedly employed the Thousand-Jin Drop technique, but it was completely useless—just heard a bang and he had already fallen to the ground.

Feng Yi stepped forward, his right foot lightly tapping the man's back, toes pointing at the Spirit Terrace point; with a slight exertion, Sang Tu Gong went limp and collapsed to the ground.

He still wasn't resigned, propping himself up with both hands, trying to rise, but under Feng Yi's divine skill it felt as if a great mountain weighed on his back; even summoning all his strength he couldn't move an inch, and he shouted loudly, "I concede!"

Suddenly someone sighed softly, "What a master of dragon‑seizing and crane‑controlling!"

The Taoist holding the whisk flicked it sharply, stirring up a strong gust that slapped the ground, producing a recoil that made his body flutter down like a paper kite.

His lightness skill was already astonishing, but the recoil force of true qi on the whisk was even more formidable; in the blink of an eye he had landed on the ground, revealing a black‑whiskered Taoist about fifty years old, slender in build, with a rakish air.

Feng Yi sized him up briefly and asked, "Are you Bu Ping Dao Ren?"

"Exactly," Bu Ping Dao Ren replied with a slight smile, "May I ask your honored name?"

He had originally been just watching the fun, waiting for a suitable moment to step in and call a halt to the fight, doing a favor for both sides, but who would have thought Feng Yi would attack him with a cow‑hair needle; although at that distance it could not injure him, the opponent's inner strength and martial art were beyond imagination, and since this master could no longer feign ignorance, he was eager to learn Feng Yi's background.

Feng Yi chuckled, hadn't yet answered, when Feng Po'e interjected, "This is Feng Yi, the great hero Feng Yi, and you all are ignorant—truly benighted!"

"No, no, what benightedness? A frog in a well cannot see the vast world—isn't that only natural?"

Bao Bu Tong, seeing Feng Yi rescue Wang Yuyan, regarded it as helping them, and all the more regarded Bu Ping Dao Ren as an accomplice of those demons and monsters, thus also aiding Feng Yi.

Sometimes friends and enemies are separated by only a moment.

Feng Yi smiled, "Master Murong, we truly have fate; no matter where we go we keep running into each other."

Murong Fu fell silent for a moment, thinking, "My whole life has been treading on thin ice; I can't avoid him, and tonight I suffered a setback only to be seen by him again." He did not wait to answer.

Bu Ping Dao Ren raised his eyebrows, flicked his whisk, performed a salute, and said, "So you are Feng Yi, the great hero who exterminated the four evils of the world; I have long heard of your name, and seeing you today you are indeed extraordinary."

The crowd listened, growing more astonished, then suddenly fearful; the four evils of the world are notorious villains in the martial world, and he has slain them all—what about us?

Feng Yi gave a slight bow and said, "It's nothing."

Suddenly a voice rang out, "This is the territory of our Thirty‑Six Caves and Seventy‑Two Islands; no matter how strong your martial arts, who can you frighten?" His voice sounded like clashing swords—it was none other than Wu Lao Da, who had just fought Murong Fu.

Feng Yi replied lightly, "I am not intimidating!"

Bu Ping Dao Ren smiled and said, "Master Wu, everyone in the jianghu says I have already perished, so it's no wonder you doubt me, isn't that right?"

"Not at all!" Wu Lao Da bowed and said, "Your reputation, Daozhang, spreads across the four seas; we have long heard of you like thunder in our ears, but today it is they who are making things difficult for us."

Bu Ping Dao Ren smiled, "The conflict arose purely from a misunderstanding. Why not, out of respect for my modest standing, turn enemies into friends?" His tone was gentle, yet carried an inherent dignity that made refusal difficult.

Wu Lao Da said, "Out of respect for Daozhang Bu Ping's golden countenance, we must settle our accounts."

In fact, Murong Fu alone is already troublesome; adding Feng Yi and Duan Yu, Wu Lao Da would welcome someone to step in and smooth things over, so he could save face without losing dignity.

Bu Ping Dao Ren smiled and asked, "Master Wu, are the masters of the Thirty‑Six Caves and Seventy‑Two Islands gathered here for the sake of that person from Tian Shan?"

A flicker of something unusual crossed Wu Lao Da's eyes, his expression grew uneasy, then steadied, and he said, "Daozhang Bu Ping, I don't quite understand what you mean. Our brothers are scattered across the four directions; it's rare for us to meet, and we have gathered here simply to reunite, with no other purpose. I don't know why, but Master Murong of Gusu has sought us out, intending to oppose us."

Murong Fu said, "I merely passed through here; I truly did not know that all these masters were gathered, and I have offended them greatly—I apologize here." He performed a bow in all four directions, then added, "With Great Hero Feng Yi and Daozhang Bu Ping stepping forward, I am prevented from letting disaster escalate, and I am deeply grateful. Farewell until we meet again."

He knew that the various heterodox figures of the Thirty‑Six Caves and Seventy‑Two Islands had gathered here, and there must be a major secret.

He did not wish to see Feng Yi, and upon hearing Bu Ping Dao Ren mention that person from Tian Shan, Wu Lao Da immediately changed the subject, clearly a great taboo; if he did not withdraw now, he would seem overly oblivious, almost as if he were deliberately prying into others' privacy, so he clasped his fists and turned to leave.

Wang Yuyan wanted to follow, but recalling that her acupoints had been sealed, her heart leapt like a startled deer and her cheeks flushed crimson; she whispered, "Master Feng, can you release my sealed acupoints?"

She knew that to release her sealed acupoints she needed to stimulate blood flow at the Spirit Seal point on her chest beside the breast; apart from her cousin, others would hardly be appropriate to undo her seal.

Yet Feng Yi's astonishing divine skill can release acupoints from a distance; as for him taking advantage of the situation, Wang Yuyan knew that a master of his stature would not stoop to such impropriety.

Seeing her expression, Feng Yi understood at once; with a casual flick of his hand, a soft hiss, his fingertip wind released her seal. Though she was in extreme anguish, she still faced Feng Yi, performed a salute, and said, "Thank you, Master Feng, for your rescue."

Feng Yi waved a hand and said, "Don't mention it; if you must thank someone, thank your family." He glanced at Duan Yu as he spoke.

A Zi gave a sly smile and said, "Miss Wang, you'd be better off as my sister‑in‑law; with such a brother‑in‑law you can turn danger into safety, whereas your cousin and the like are unreliable."

Duan Yu and Wang Yuyan stared, then instantly understood: if Wang Yuyan married Duan Yu, Feng Yi would become her brother‑in‑law.

Feng Yi also found it amusing; setting aside the relationship of Duan Yu as his elder brother‑in‑law, considering only his tie to A Zi, he too had indeed become Wang Yuyan's brother‑in‑law, just as Qiao Feng had. Moreover, A Zhu seemed not older than Wang Yuyan.

This is really fucked up, but fortunately no one knows.

Wang Yuyan nodded and smiled at Duan Yu, then lowered her head and walked toward her cousin.

Seeing Wang Yuyan nod and smile at him, Duan Yu felt light as if weightless, and his mind began to wander.

Wu Lao Da bowed and said, "Master Murong, Great Hero Feng Yi, I am honored to have met heroes like you today. May the green hills endure and the waters flow long—farewell." His implication was clear: he did not want them to linger.

Feng Yi gave a slight smile and said lightly, "I follow my nature, letting all things follow my will; even if you bought the land, I would not leave if I did not wish to, or do you, Master Wu, intend to instruct me what to do?"

(End of chapter)