Chapter 224

As soon as A Zi said that, Duan Yu couldn't help but blush, his handsome face heating up,

"Be careful, cousin, that's Feng Yi's move just now!"

Wang Yuyan's voice was soft and gentle, revealing a hint of concern.

Duan Yu glanced over, and saw Wang Yuyan's pretty face turn pale, her eyes filled with sorrow, merely staring at Murong Fu.

Murong Fu felt a surge of heat in his chest, as if all the blood in his body were pounding against his heart.

Who could fail to hear the hidden meaning in A Zi's words?

This meant that her brother Duan Yu liked Wang Yuyan, and by tidying herself up she was helping her brother.

Wang Yuyan, still reminding herself in front of everyone, felt a surge of pride in Murong Fu's chest, and she thought to herself: 'If I don't show some skill, won't people look down on me!'

Although Murong Fu knew that matching himself against a little girl was not an honorable victory, he did not hold back; turning his body, he swept his hands, and A Zi felt her palm power like a river flowing into the sea, with nowhere to land.

Murong Fu well knew that A Zi was not a great master of Feng Yi's fame; once he struck, he could not afford to lose, for the reputation of the Gusu Murong clan was at stake, and this strike was his deepest cultivation, his signature skill 'Dou Zhuan Xing Yi'.

Amid the dazzled eyes of the crowd, he neutralized A Zi's three consecutive palms altogether, while drifting back three zhang.

The 'Dou Zhuan Xing Yi' technique redirects the opponent's moves, turning them back against them; however, A Zi's three palms were struck with vigorous force, so Murong Fu could only neutralize them and could not counterattack.

Seeing that he could easily dispel those three palms, he actually exerted a level of skill unattainable in his usual practice, and he felt reassured, thinking: 'Fortunately my master gave me guidance, my strength has improved; otherwise I doubt I could have dispelled them so easily.'

A Zi's palm struck empty, her momentum dissipated, and she was startled; just as she was about to follow up with another move, a green shadow flashed—Duan Yu lunged from the side, shouting: 'A Zi, don't fight!'

A Zi stamped her foot in anger: 'What do you mean don't fight? I must kill him……'

Before Duan Yu could speak, Bao Butong couldn't help but shout: 'You little girl, daring to say such big talk—aren't you ashamed?'

A Zi sneered: 'The Gusu Murong clan truly lives up to its reputation, actually needing my brother to save his life—could this be the famed 'Dou Zhuan Xing Yi' that fills the martial world with renown?'

Duan Yu spread his arms to block A Zi, urging: 'A Zi, brother appreciates your intent, but if you kill Murong Gongzi, Wang Yuyan will surely hate me to death.'

Murong Fu felt both shame and anger; isn't this saying A Zi could kill him? He shouted sharply: 'Brother Duan, step aside—I want to see how your sister will kill me!'

A Zi waved her hand and said: 'All right, I'll tell you the truth—my martial arts were taught by the Old Lady of Tian Shan, the Tong Lao, who let me strike and spare Murong Fu, saying that others who rebel do so merely to survive, which is also reasonable.'

But you, little Murong brat, what weight do you have to dare interfere in the affairs of Miaofeng Peak? That's why she let me kill you.

As soon as those words left her mouth, Murong Fu and the others were shocked and angry; if A Zi weren't so young, Bao Butong would have already hurled abuses.

Everyone in the Lingjiu Palace, up and down, was astonished—this girl was actually sent by Tong Lao?

Tong Lao's nature is most stubborn and competitive; for decades her words have been law, and none of her servant maids dare to contradict her, while the eccentric heroes of the Thirty-Six Caves and Seventy-Two Islands all revere her as a deity.

Yet Murong Fu and his gang actually dared to challenge her; if her power had not yet recovered, and she did not wish to meet these living outsiders in her dwarf form, she would have already struck personally.

From the moment A Zi made her move, Feng Yi sensed she would not intervene for Duan Yu's sake—it turned out to be Tong Lao's order.

After a moment's thought, the people of the Thirty-Six Caves and Seventy-Two Islands have now left; though afflicted with the 'Life and Death Talisman,' Tong Lao has plenty of time to deal with them, but Murong Fu is different—he has fled, where could one find him?

Murong Fu looked around, trying to locate Tong Lao, not realizing that the child he had seen that day was none other than the Tian Shan Tong Lao; then he turned to A Zi and said with a snort: 'Very well, I too wish to witness the divine skills of the Tian Shan Tong Lao; since she prefers not to show herself, sending you will do, Brother Duan, step aside!'

Duan Yu, however, looked toward Wang Yuyan.

Wang Yuyan's face flushed, and she whispered: 'Lord Duan, my cousin's martial arts are superb; please step aside.'

Duan Yu immediately nodded: 'A Zi, let's just spar, no hurting.' Then he stepped aside.

In front of everyone, Murong Fu seemed to need a girl and a young man to help him; he snorted and proclaimed loudly: 'The Murong name's skill is inferior to others; the blame lies with oneself—why should outsiders show mercy?'

Miss Duan, let's begin the exchange!

Wang Yuyan felt deeply embarrassed, thinking: 'I originally wanted to win your favor, but I ended up masking the vigor of a true man.'

A Zi gave a clear cry: 'Good!' She leapt forward, her movements suddenly swift, her hands waving, her momentum like a flying jade disc, unpredictable and ever-changing.

This 'Tian Shan Plucking Palm' wondrous skill poured forth like the Yangtze River bursting its banks.

Murong Fu likewise unleashed his lifetime's supreme art, attacking with all his might; his martial arts were consummate, his lightness skill exalted, his steps stirred the wind, his palms sometimes opening wide, sometimes closing lightly—also exquisite to the utmost.

Most of the onlookers around were Lingjiu Palace women; they all exclaimed in surprise, looking at each other in astonishment, for they saw that A Zi's displayed technique was also the Lingjiu Palace's own martial art; Yu Po immediately sent someone up the peak to deliver a message.

At this moment, A Zi facing Murong Fu likewise left him and his disciples feeling greatly puzzled.

Since following Feng Yi, A Zi's martial arts have improved each time she appears, each time stronger than the last, and her rate of progress is even more extraordinary than usual.

After all, Murong Fu roams the Jianghu, rarely meeting an equal; a girl of sixteen or seventeen, in less than a month, actually manages not to fall behind him within a dozen moves—surely this is astonishing.

Duan Yu naturally also wondered to himself: 'A few days without seeing her, my sister's martial arts have become formidable; if she causes trouble later, what can I do?' He then hurried to Feng Yi's side and said: 'You should persuade A Zi not to be so combative; she only listens to you.'

Feng Yi smiled: 'Brother Duan, the King of Xiang had a dream, the goddess had no heart—what can be done?'

Duan Yu's heart pounded; he loved Wang Yuyan, yet Wang Yuyan's heart belonged elsewhere—he himself knew this all too well.

Upon hearing Feng Yi's words, he shook his head and gave a wry smile: 'Brother Feng, I know; my affection is naturally like a flower in the mirror, moon in the water—never to be grasped; yet the one you like likes someone else—what can be done about that?'

Could it be that this feeling of love and longing can truly change one's heart?

The saying 'gains and losses follow fate, the heart neither increases nor decreases'—I am not ignorant of this principle, but how can we ordinary mortals cultivate to such a state where gains and losses follow fate and the heart remains unchanged?

Or perhaps if the other's heart is not with me, then love and longing would vanish—but that surely would not be true affection!

At first, Feng Yi thought Duan Yu was also a wise person, but why is he so obstinate? Yet the last sentence made him fall into deep thought.

He is not like Duan Yu, who has never experienced loving someone to the point of sacrificing his life; but suppose he were to love a woman so much that he would give up his life, and she does not love him back—this would indeed be the most embarrassing and awkward situation in the world; what then should he do?

Naturally, he would, like most people, choose to abandon such affection—how could one possibly hang oneself from a tree?

But we must ask, would that even count as genuine liking?

Probably not!

Just like A Zhu in the original story, who chose to die in place of Qiao Feng between him and Duan Zhengchun; many think that if A Zhu had simply told Qiao Feng directly that Duan Zhengchun was her father, letting him abandon his revenge, there would be no need for her to die and cause tragedy.

But they cannot comprehend A Zhu's love for Qiao Feng, which already cannot tolerate letting Qiao Feng suffer another grievance; she does not want her elder brother Qiao to encounter any difficulty, even if it stems from herself.

Such love could be called foolish, but if she were not foolish, it would be just like ordinary people's love—commonplace, so what is there to praise? How could it become an unresolved regret for countless people?

It is precisely because of one sincerity and one obsession.

If everyone were like him, Feng Yi, treating interactions with women as mere business.

What I give you, I get back!

Just a completely ordinary mortal, not worth mentioning at all.

Fortunately, Feng Yi likes being an ordinary person.

Because this way is more relaxed and carefree.

What heroes, champions, good men, sages — too fucking tired; from ancient times to now, such people never have a good ending.

Thinking this, Feng Yi glanced at Duan Yu, wanting to speak but stopping. Because Duan Yu's misfortune has already become a settled fact.

He has now fallen for Wang Yuyan; Duan Yanqing was killed by Feng Yi, losing the chance to seize Duan Zhengchun and Dao Bai Feng.

If Duan Yu were to marry Wang Yuyan and inform his parents, it would naturally not happen.

Because even Dao Bai Feng herself only knows that Duan Yu is not Duan Zhengchun's biological son; she only knows his real father is a stinking beggar from before the Heavenly Dragon Temple, but she doesn't know his identity. She also wouldn't reveal that Duan Yu isn't Duan Zhengchun's son.

Feng Yi is even less likely, for if these words were spoken, they would insult not only Duan Yu, Duan Zhengchun, and Dao Bai Feng's family, but the entire Dali Duan clan nation. Thus Duan Yu's myriad longings ultimately become a tragedy.

Feng Yi could only suppress it, making clear the thought that Wang Yuyan's mother had feelings for Duan Zhengchun. Let Duan Yu be infatuated for a while, just like his Six Meridian Divine Sword being sometimes effective, sometimes not — perhaps that is his unique trait.

Once everyone becomes clear-headed, it's no longer Duan Yu.

Thinking of this, Feng Yi sighed and said, 'Alright, don't panic, A Zi can't beat Murong Fu, let alone kill him; it won't make Miss Wang hate you, A Zi, you should also see the world.'

Duan Yu knew his martial arts were outstanding and his insight extraordinary, so he immediately put his mind at ease.

Then one saw the two advancing and retreating like the wind, their offense even more fierce. A Zi raised both hands, bringing forth a snowy white palm shadow that enveloped Murong Fu.

But Murong Fu swept left with his palm and pressed right, appearing casual yet lightly dissolving the incoming attacks.

Yet to the onlookers, A Zi seemed to have the upper hand; her body moved so fast it turned into a purple blur.

Feng Yi's eyesight was the keenest; he saw that Murong Fu handled things with ease, and A Zi could not overcome him.

For although A Zi possessed Wu Ya Zi's entire internal energy, naturally deeper than Murong Fu's, to wield the high-level martial art 'Heavenly Mountain Plucking Plum Hand' requires combining technique and internal energy to produce great power.

Thus Tong Lao's transmission of martial arts to A Zi was actually teaching her to effectively apply her own true qi.

At this point A Zi had only trained according to the method for a few days; this Northern Darkness True Qi was at about thirty to forty percent proficiency, and the Heavenly Mountain Plucking Plum Hand at twenty to thirty percent.

Although Murong Fu was no match for Feng Yi in a single strike, he is also a first-rate top talent in the martial world, with far more combat experience than A Zi, so they fought over a hundred moves with no clear winner.

Even so, this made everyone's hearts race, especially the ladies of the Spirit Vulture Palace; this Feng Yi, unknown where he came from, has martial arts that are miraculous and uncanny.

This girl A Zi looks younger than their youngest, yet her martial arts far surpass theirs; not only does she use the Spirit Vulture Palace's orthodox martial arts, she also claims to act on Tong Lao's orders. Could Tong Lao really have a successor, unknown to us?

Amidst everyone's varied thoughts, suddenly Murong Fu let out a soft whistle; the two separated on contact, A Zi floated several feet away, landed steady, while Murong Fu retreated more than a zhang.

It turned out Murong Fu, unable to defeat a woman in prolonged battle, could not suppress his rising anger; he immediately employed the Tiger Claw Technique, his right hand forming claws to thrust at A Zi's chest, this move extremely swift, his left hand storing power for release.

Originally, given Murong Fu's status, he wouldn't use such tactics against a woman, but after exchanging over a hundred moves with a female rival and still not winning, it was all the more embarrassing.

Who would have known A Zi's movement was also incredibly swift; she slightly turned her body and slapped her left palm toward Murong Fu's wrist.

If Murong Fu were struck by A Zi on the pulse gate, he would become fish and meat; but he had anticipated this, his left hand striking toward A Zi's waist and ribs with the speed of thunder before one could cover their ears.

Although A Zi's martial arts are not high, her disposition is clever; when Murong Fu went to grab her chest, she felt that with his arrogant nature, grabbing her own chest must be a feint, and besides Feng Yi always said not to exhaust one's strength, so she kept reserve and stayed on guard.

As Murong Fu's palm came in, his right palm followed the motion and slanted outward, just blocking the palm he subsequently sent over.

With a 'bang,' both bodies shook and retreated simultaneously; this time Murong Fu did not use Shifting Stars Transfer, but met force with force; his internal energy insufficient, he retreated several feet more than A Zi.

Feng Yi stepped forward, took hold of A Zi's hand, and smiled, asking, 'All right?'

A Zi's shock slightly settled, she laughed, 'I'm fine, but I actually couldn't take him down; Auntie will surely scold me.'

Feng Yi burst out laughing; Murong Fu has trained diligently for twenty years, yet can't handle a little girl — actually even more embarrassing.

Indeed, Murong Fu's handsome face flushed purple; he cupped his hands and said, 'Feng Brother, I take my leave!' He flicked his sleeves, turned, and was about to go.

Suddenly a clear female shout rang out: 'Hold it! The old lady wants to keep you; do you still want to leave?'

Murong Fu raised his brows, turned his head, and saw a group of Spirit Vulture Palace women already drawing their swords and surrounding him.

Naturally unafraid of them, Murong Fu stood tall and proud, speaking loudly: 'I came uninvited, indeed rash, but how I arrived here, Feng Brother knows full well; must we really be detained?'

Before Feng Yi could answer, a clear, sweet voice called from above: 'What exactly is the relationship between this young hero Feng and this Miss Duan and Elder Tong?'

Feng Yi turned his head to look, only to see four girls standing on several rocks along the mountain path.

As the words fell, the four girls leapt down, midair already each holding a longsword, fluttering downward.

One wore light red, one light cyan, one light blue, one light yellow; they leapt down together and landed together.

Feng Yi certainly stared dumbfounded, everyone else was also startled; even such beauties as Duan Yu, Wang Yuyan, and A Zi could not avoid it.

This was not because the four girls' footwork was exceedingly exquisite or their looks stunningly beautiful, but because they all had slender waists, wore deer-skin little sword boots on their feet, carried longsword sheaths on their backs, and stood lightly and gracefully.

Not only were their height and build exactly the same, their faces also showed no difference; all had melon-seed faces, cheeks faintly red, eyes like dark ink, cherry lips with angular edges, jade noses bridging the bridge, fresh and elegant.

The only difference was their clothing colors, which complemented their slender waists and well-proportioned figures; plus the four looked exactly alike and equally beautiful, truly astonishing, making one unwilling to glance away even a bit.

The girl in light red clasped her sword and said, 'Just now I heard the Vast Heaven Division sisters say that Young Hero Feng helped our Spirit Vulture Palace; thank you for that.'

Since you both claim to be sent by Elder Tong, and she has issued orders, this bunch of bold rascals cannot be let off — not a single one!'

These four girls are both beautiful and spirited; even a living bodhisattva with a heart of iron might be moved, let alone Feng Yi.

Although Feng Yi's internal energy is profound, he knows lust for the young is human nature; moreover he has long yearned for these four twins, so upon seeing them now, indeed identical in beauty, his heart swayed involuntarily, he felt great longing, thinking: 'Xu Zhu truly wasted heaven's bounty; which bastard cheapskate got them? If I let them go, wouldn't I be wasting this fortune?'

Even Murong Fu and the others, upon seeing the four with identical appearance, lovely features, gentle voices, all felt favorably inclined, each thinking: 'If we were to oppose them and truly hurt her, that would indeed be a sin.'

Unexpectedly, later on, the red-clothed girl actually said 'bold rascals,' simply the utmost rudeness.

Bao Bu Tong, with his stubborn temperament, having long regarded life and death as irrelevant, shouted loudly: 'Feng Yi, you too are a renowned figure; everyone can see that Miss Wang loves our Murong Master wholeheartedly, she is his person; your elder brother-in-law, the toad, wants to eat swan meat, and you not stopping his sister is also fine.'

Now moreover you work for a group of women, making things difficult for us; how could this be the deed of a hero or good man?

Feng Yi was just pondering the beauties when he heard Bao Bu Tong blasting off here; suddenly green light flashed repeatedly, and the Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, Chrysanthemum Sisters already shot out their swords.

They are sisters from the same womb; although Tong Lao is strict, she also raised them under her all-around care, so outsiders should pay them no heed. But hearing that a few dare to defy Tong Lao's orders and speak insolently, they immediately attacked.

In an instant, a cold gleam like lightning shot straight at Murong Fu and company.

Feng Bo'e also roared: 'Great! Today we'll have a hearty fight.'

As the words left his mouth, his single blade surged forth like a flying waterfall and spring; Deng Bai Chuan and the others also went forward to meet it.

They are all famous masters; by status, fighting a few girls would be unworthy of victory, they expected to knock away their weapons within three or five moves. Who knew the Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, Chrysanthemum Sisters, having received Tong Lao's true transmission, aside from insufficient proficiency, their sword techniques were exquisitely unmatched; eight of them exchanged over ten moves and still could not subdue them.

Murong Fu and Wang Yuyan saw the few girls, their sword changes unpredictable; given their insight, they actually could not discern any pattern.

A Zi saw Feng Yi acting foolishly, his expression just like her brother's, and she grew angry inside, suddenly grabbing Feng Yi.

Feng Yi then came to his senses, his thoughts just stirring, he shouted loudly: "Everyone stop." His body swayed, and he flicked his sleeve.

A strong gust of wind, like a river breaking its banks, made both sides of the fight feel the fierce wind pressing on them, and they each leapt back.

The girl in red clothes said in a clear voice: "Exactly whose side are you on?"

Feng Yi laughed heartily and said loudly: "Tong Lao, the Gusu Murong's Star-Shifting Battle technique is unrivaled in the martial world, so the Young Forest Temple has invited heroes from all under heaven to exchange martial arts on Laba Day."

This martial arts gathering is not far off; when the time comes, not only can we learn the Murong's supreme skills, but all the world's masters will certainly attend, giving us a chance to exchange skills—why rush?

Moreover, although Lord Murong aided the Thirty-Six Caves and Seventy-Two Islands, he actually never lifted a hand, harming none of the Spirit Vulture Palace's sisters; please, Tong Lao, show great compassion.

He did not care about Murong Fu's life or death,

but Ding Chunqiu and You Tanzhi are dead, and Murong Fu is gone too—what's left to play at the Young Forest Temple gathering?

Just like that, he has always kept them, and when he met Jiumozhi, Murong Bo, Xiao Xuanshan and others, he never thought of killing them.

Indeed, with his martial arts, if he were determined to kill, he could easily slay anyone he met.

That would lose its meaning.

=9+book, let's

It lost the liveliness it should have had.

Feng Yi felt that in this Heavenly Dragon World, there are far more important and interesting things than killing.

That is, to argue, to watch the excitement; in the end the other side can't keep up, and one makes a brilliant appearance, showing off before others.

So he didn't want to sneakily kill these important figures, for it would gain him nothing at all, not even any emotional satisfaction.

The Spirit Vulture Palace's women listened, not understanding why, yet they dared not interject randomly, fearing he was really speaking with Tong Lao.

Duan Yu loved to meddle, commenting on right and wrong, and he also said: "Yes, yes, the Thirty-Six Caves and Seventy-Two Islands are coming to attack Ethereal Peak; I've been following Miss Wang, and the Murong family hasn't lifted a hand against the Spirit Vulture Palace!"

Just as his words fell, an old woman's voice echoed all around: "If that's the case, then let it be so!"

Upon hearing this, the Spirit Vulture Palace's women all started in surprise; Tong Lao was indeed nearby, and they hurriedly knelt, crying "Venerable Lady!" and bowed to the ground, not daring to raise their heads.

Murong Fu and the others saw that they were all women, yet extraordinarily brave, not inferior to men; hearing only the voice, they felt such awe, each heart trembling.

Murong Fu looked around, clasped his fists, and said: "Thank you, Tong Lao; I take my leave." He flicked his robe sleeves and strode away proudly, with Wang Yuyan, Deng BaiChuan and five others following.

Wang Yuyan saw Duan Yu not following, turned back and said: "Lord Duan, farewell!"

Duan Yu shuddered, his chest felt sore, his throat seemed blocked, and he forced out: "Yes, goodbye… goodbye. I… I still want to be with you…" Seeing her receding figure, he didn't turn back, and all he heard was Bao Tong's words: "Miss Wang belongs to Lord Murong; I am a sickly toad that craves swan meat."

Indeed, Lord Murong's aura is formidable, what heroic bearing, what profound martial arts; with someone like me who can't even tie a chicken, making a fool of myself everywhere, how could I appear in her eyes?

At that time, Miss Wang looked at her cousin with eyes full of deep affection, both admiring and pitying; I… I Duan Yu am really just a sickly toad, and I've even dragged my sister and brother-in-law into embarrassment with me—what am I doing following her?

He stared at Wang Yuyan's retreating back, stunned; Feng Yi was the same, except he was looking at Mei, Lan, Zhu, and Ju, whom he liked more and more the longer he looked.

Suddenly someone tugged at his sleeve; he thought it must be A Zi, reached out instinctively, and indeed grasped a smooth little hand, feeling soft as boneless, smooth as jade, while an old voice sounded in his ear at the same time: "Someone wants the young lady, what are you spacing out about?"

Feng Yi recognized the voice—it wasn't A Zi, but Tong Lao; despite his thick-skinned old face, he couldn't help feeling his cheeks heat, and he hurriedly released his grip on Tong Lao's hand, stammering unable to speak.

Tong Lao laughed loudly: "These youngsters nowadays are all little lechers!"

Duan Yu turned toward the sound, saw Tong Lao, and exclaimed in surprise: "Ah, it's you, it's you!"

That night, Duan Yu had once tried to rescue the Heavenly Mountain Tong Lao and had seen her.

Tong Lao laughed: "You kid, your martial arts are lacking, but your intentions are good!"

That night, when Duan Yu tried to save her, Tong Lao certainly hasn't forgotten.

Feng Yi collected himself and said: "Tong Lao, hurry and tell them to rise."

As it turned out, the Spirit Vulture Palace's women were still lying on the ground, afraid to move; Mei, Lan, Zhu, and Ju were no different.

Tong Lao snorted: "You all think I'm dead, don't you? No one has kept this old lady in mind."

"No one comes to manage you anymore; you all live freely and lawlessly."

When she said that, the women all knocked their heads heavily on the ground, saying: "We dare not."

Tong Lao said: "What do you dare not? If you truly still thought of your grandmother, why have you not found her after all these days?"

Yu Po said: "Reporting to the Venerable Lady, since that night you left the palace, we subordinates have all been anxiously worried to no end……"

Tong Lao angrily shouted: "Nonsense, nonsense!"

Yu Po replied: "Yes, yes!"

Tong Lao grew more furious and bellowed: "You know it's nonsense, yet how dare you spout nonsense in my presence?"

Yu Po dared not speak, only kept kowtowing.

A Zi and Duan Yu watched, clicking their tongues—this truly is unreasonable!

A Zi has always been unreasonable, but today she witnessed someone even more unreasonable, and she greatly admired it, feeling that women ought to be like that.

Tong Lao still refused to let up: "You're anxious—so what? Why don't you hurry down the mountain to look for me?"

Yu Po said: "Yes! The Nine Heavenly Departments immediately went down the mountain then, splitting up to come serve the Venerable Lady."

Our Heavenly Department went east to greet the Venerable Lady, the Sun Heavenly Department went southeast, the Red Heavenly Department went south, the Vermilion Heavenly Department went southwest, the Accomplished Heavenly Department went west, the Dark Heavenly Department went northwest, the Profound Heavenly Department went north, the Phoenix Heavenly Department went northeast, and the Harmonious Heavenly Department guarded the palace.

It's our inadequacy that let this band of rebels block us; we deserve death, we deserve death!' he said, kowtowing repeatedly.

Tong Lao said: "Enough, I've seen all the hardship you've endured."

The women heard a hint of praise in her words, their faces instantly lit with joy, and Yu Po said: "If we can strive wholeheartedly for the Venerable Lady, to go through fire and water, we would gladly do so; this little labor is merely our duty."

Tong Lao said: "I barely escaped with my life; thanks to Feng Yi's rescue, the dangers in between are hard to put into words."

The Spirit Vulture Palace's women all turned to face Feng Yi and said: "Great hero, great kindness, great virtue; even if we were smashed to bits, we could hardly repay one ten-thousandth." They bowed low, kowtowing loudly, showing utmost respect.

Although Feng Yi was seasoned in battle, having many women kowtow to him at once was something he had never encountered; he hurriedly said, "Get up quickly," and with a flick of his sleeve lifted Mei, Lan, Zhu, and Ju together.

Tong Lao snapped: "You are the Sect Leader of the Carefree Sect, and they are my servants—how can you lower your status?"

Feng Yi spoke solemnly: "Granny, to speak frankly, my position as Sect Leader of the Carefree Sect is merely to have an identity so I can intervene between you and Li QiuShui. Moreover, I have a request of you, so when I rescued you, my intentions were not sincere—you must not say such a thing!"

Moreover, I also have a request of you, so when I saved you, my heart was not sincere; you must never say such a thing!

Upon hearing this, Lady Tong nodded slightly: "You can say that, and it truly shows the bearing of a true man."

But we need to keep punctuation? We'll produce English.

We must keep the colon and quotes? We'll translate naturally.

We need to keep the Chinese punctuation? Not required.

We'll output: 【181】 Tong Lao heard these words, nodded slightly: "You can say that, which also shows the bearing of a true man."

But note: The Chinese ends with a full stop inside quotes? Actually Chinese: "You can say that, and it truly shows the bearing of a true man." So we keep period inside quotes.

We'll produce: 【181】 Tong Lao heard these words, nodded slightly: "You can say that, which also shows the bearing of a true man."

Now 【182】 No matter what you say, you are still the head of the Xiao Yao Sect, and by rights you should also be the master of the Spirit Vulture Palace on Mount Piaomiao, a servant of the Nine Heavens Nine Divisions of the Spirit Vulture Palace; life and death are entirely up to you.

Translate: "No matter what you say, you are also the head of the Free and Easy Sect; by rights you should also be the master of my Ethereal Peak's Spirit Vulture Palace, the servant of the Nine Heavens Nine Divisions of the Spirit Vulture Palace; life and death are entirely up to you."

We need to keep "Nine Heavens Nine Divisions of the Spirit Vulture Palace" as "Nine Heavens Nine Divisions of the Spirit Vulture Palace". Good.

No matter what you say, you are also the head of the Free and Easy Sect; by rights you should also be the master of my Ethereal Peak's Spirit Vulture Palace, the servant of the Nine Heavens Nine Divisions of the Spirit Vulture Palace; life and death are entirely up to you.

Feng Yi shook his head and said: "Lady Tong, I act as I please; I am not suited to be a leader, and you, old lady, are in the prime of your life."

Translate: "Feng Yi shook his head and said: 'Tong Lao, I act as I please, unsuited to be a leader; you, old sir, are in the prime of your life…'"

Note: "in the prime of life" means "in the prime of life". We'll translate.

【183】 Feng Yi shook his head and said: "Tong Lao, I act as I please, unsuited to be a leader; you, old sir, are in the prime of your life..."

Lady Tong didn't let him finish, her eyes flashing like lightning, she swept a glance over all the women, and said coldly: "Alright, you didn't do your job well, failed to greet me early, causing me to lower myself into a sack, and I actually suffered the abuse and humiliation of such a scoundrel Wu Lao Da; it's not even proper for me to show myself, to personally kill someone, so let each of you chop off one arm!"

Translate: "Tong Lao didn't let him finish, her eyes flashing like lightning, she swept a glance over all the women and said coldly: 'Very well, you have been lax in your duties, failed to welcome the master early, causing me to lower myself into a cloth bag and suffer the abuse and humiliation of that dog Wu Lao Da; it's not proper for me to show myself and kill personally, so each of you shall cut off one arm!'"

We need to keep "Wu Lao Da" as pinyin: Wu Lao Da.

【184】 Tong Lao didn't let him finish, her eyes flashing like lightning, she swept a glance over all the women and said coldly: "Very well, you have been lax in your duties, failed to welcome the master early, causing me to lower myself into a cloth bag and suffer the abuse and humiliation of that dog Wu Lao Da; it's not proper for me to show myself and kill personally, so each of you shall cut off one arm!"

All the women trembled with fear, kowtowing and pleading: "We servants deserve death; please, Master, show mercy!"

Translate: "All the women trembled with fear, kowtowing and pleading: 'We servants deserve death; please, Master, show mercy!'"

【185】 All the women trembled with fear, kowtowing and pleading: "We servants deserve death; please, Master, show mercy!"

Feng Yi and Duan Yu hurriedly said: "No, no!"

Translate: "Feng Yi and Duan Yu hurriedly said: 'No, no!'"

【186】 Feng Yi and Duan Yu hurriedly said: "No, no!"

Lady Tong glanced askance at the women: "What? You don't want to chop?"

Translate: "Tong Lao glanced askance at the women: 'How so? You don't want to cut?'"

【187】 Tong Lao glanced askance at the women: "How so? You don't want to cut?"

All the women stretched out their arms, ready to chop, Mei Lan Zhu Ju included; Feng Yi urgently said: "I promise you, Lady Tong, please take back your order."

Translate: "All the women stretched out their arms, ready to cut off their hands—Mei, Lan, Zhu, and Ju included—Feng Yi urgently said: 'I promise you, Tong Lao, please withdraw your order.'"

We need to keep Mei Lan Zhu Ju as pinyin: Mei Lan Zhu Ju? Or we could keep as "Mei Lan Zhu Ju". We'll do that.

【188】 All the women stretched out their arms, ready to cut off their hands—Mei Lan Zhu Ju included—Feng Yi urgently said: "I promise you, Tong Lao, please withdraw your order."

Lady Tong laughed and said: "Alright, if you don't listen to me, I'll chop off Mei Lan Zhu Ju's arms!"

Translate: "Tong Lao laughed: 'All right, if you don't obey my words, I will cut off the arms of Mei Lan Zhu Ju!'"

【189】 Tong Lao laughed: "All right, if you don't obey my words, I will cut off the arms of Mei Lan Zhu Ju!"

Everyone heard this and was bewildered, utterly perplexed, not knowing what it meant; why would Feng Yi not obey and want to chop Mei Lan Zhu Ju?

Translate: "Everyone heard this and was bewildered, utterly perplexed, not knowing what he meant—how could Feng Yi not obey, and want to cut off Mei Lan Zhu Ju's arms?"

【190】 Everyone heard this and was bewildered, utterly perplexed, not knowing what he meant—how could Feng Yi not obey, and want to cut off the arms of Mei Lan Zhu Ju?

Feng Yi, however, understood that his guilty heart had been seen through by Lady Tong.

Translate: "Feng Yi, however, understood: his guilty heart had been seen through by Tong Lao."

【191】 Feng Yi, however, understood: his guilty heart had been seen through by Tong Lao.

Lady Tong said: "Everyone, rise, return to the palace."

Translate: "Tong Lao said: 'All rise, return to the palace.'"

【192】 Tong Lao said: "All rise, return to the palace."

She then pointed to Duan Yu: "You come too; I have something to ask you."

Translate: "She then pointed at Duan Yu: 'You too, come; I have something to ask you.'"

【193】 She then pointed at Duan Yu: "You too, come; I have something to ask you."

Although Duan Yu didn't know why, he feared the Spirit Vulture Palace and dared not say more.

Translate: "Although Duan Yu didn't know why, he feared the Spirit Vulture Palace and dared not say more."

【194】 Although Duan Yu didn't know why, he feared the Spirit Vulture Palace and dared not say more.

All the women rose; Mei Lan Zhu Ju stuck out her tongue at Feng Yi, meaning you need to listen to Granny's words.

Translate: "All the women rose; Mei Lan Zhu Ju stuck out their tongues at Feng Yi, meaning you must heed Granny's words."

【195】 All the women rose; Mei Lan Zhu Ju stuck out their tongues at Feng Yi, meaning you must heed Granny's words.

Everyone immediately set off toward Mount Piaomiao; at the base of the peak, amidst vast expanses of white snow, tender green grass sprouted, a most wondrous sight.

Translate: "The crowd immediately set off for Ethereal Peak; beneath the peak, amid the vast white snow, sprouts of green grass appeared—a most wondrous sight."

【196】 The crowd immediately set off for Ethereal Peak; beneath the peak, amid the vast white snow, sprouts of green grass appeared—a most wondrous sight.

Along the way, the women remained silent; Ah Zi and Duan Yu, seeing how solemn they were, also dared not speak.

Translate: "Along the way the women remained silent; A Zi and Duan Yu, seeing their solemnity, also dared not speak."

【197】 Along the way the women remained silent; A Zi and Duan Yu, seeing their solemnity, also dared not speak.

Feng Yi occasionally glanced at Mei Lan Zhu Ju; the more he looked, the more he liked her. Having four such sisters accompanying him, even a deity wouldn't trade for them; as the master of the Spirit Vulture Palace, he could just sit there, but thinking this, he secretly cursed himself for lacking prospects.

Translate: "Feng Yi occasionally glanced at Mei Lan Zhu Ju; truly, the more he looked, the more he liked them—having these four sisters accompany him, even a deity wouldn't trade for them; as the master of the Spirit Vulture Palace, he could just sit there, but thinking this, he secretly scolded himself for lacking prospects."

We need to keep "master of the Spirit Vulture Palace" as "master of the Spirit Vulture Palace". Good.

【198】 Feng Yi occasionally glanced at Mei Lan Zhu Ju; truly, the more he looked, the more he liked them—having these four sisters accompany him, even a deity wouldn't trade for them; as the master of the Spirit Vulture Palace, he could just sit there, but thinking this, he secretly scolded himself for lacking prospects.

For the sake of beauty, he also bears a responsibility.

Translate: "For beauty's sake, he also had to bear a responsibility."

【199】 For beauty's sake, he also had to bear a responsibility.

But although Feng Yi cursed in his heart, he still liked her. In a glance, he saw Lady Tong furrowing her brows, deep in thought, and asked: "Lady Tong, what are you thinking about?"

Translate: "But although Feng Yi cursed in his heart, he still liked them. In a glance he saw Tong Lao furrow her brows, deep in thought, and asked: 'Tong Lao, what are you thinking about?'"

【200】 But although Feng Yi cursed in his heart, he still liked them. In a glance he saw Tong Lao furrow her brows, deep in thought, and asked: "Tong Lao, what are you thinking about?"

Lady Tong sighed slowly and said: "I, Granny, have not descended from Mount Piaomiao for decades; I never expected martial arts in the world to advance so quickly."

Translate: "Tong Lao sighed slowly: 'Granny has not descended from Ethereal Peak for decades; I never expected martial arts in the world to advance so swiftly.'"

【201】 Tong Lao sighed slowly: "Granny has not descended from Ethereal Peak for decades; I never expected martial arts in the world to advance so swiftly."

When Murong Fu defused Ah Zi's palm strike, he used the technique of borrowing force to counter force, four ounces deflecting a thousand pounds; it was truly sublime.

Translate: "When Murong Fu defused A Zi's palm strike using the 'borrowing force to counterforce, four ounces deflect a thousand pounds' technique, it was truly miraculous."

【202】 When Murong Fu defused A Zi's palm strike using the 'borrowing force to counterforce, four ounces deflect a thousand pounds' technique, it was truly miraculous.

Ah Zi said: "Granny, you don't know, this Murong Fu is renowned in the martial world, paired with Northern Qiao Feng, dividing north and south; he is the most famous master of the Central Plains martial arts."

Translate: "A Zi said: 'Granny, you don't know—Murong Fu is renowned in the martial world, paired with Northern Qiao Feng, dividing north and south; he is the most famous master of the Central Plains martial arts.'"

【203】 A Zi said: "Granny, you don't know—Murong Fu is renowned in the martial world, paired with Northern Qiao Feng, dividing north and south; he is the most famous master of the Central Plains martial arts."

Lady Tong nodded: "At his age, to have such skill in martial arts is truly rare. Your Xiao Yao Sect's techniques you've only learned a little; to be invincible under heaven, you must fully master the Xiao Yao Sect's divine skills, or there is no hope."

Translate: "Tong Lao nodded: 'At his age, to attain such skill in martial arts is truly rare. You have only learned a little of the Free and Easy Sect's arts; to be invincible under heaven, you must fully master the Free and Easy Sect's divine skills, or there is no hope.'"

【204】 Tong Lao nodded: "At his age, to attain such skill in martial arts is truly rare. You have only learned a little of the Free and Easy Sect's arts; to be invincible under heaven, you must fully master the Free and Easy Sect's divine skills, or there is no hope."

Ah Zi laughed and said: "As long as Granny teaches, I will learn."

Translate: "A Zi giggled: 'As long as Granny teaches, I will learn.'"

【205】 A Zi giggled: "As long as Granny teaches, I will learn."

"Strange!" Lady Tong also said: "How could that Miss Wang resemble that despicable scoundrel so closely?"

Translate: "'Strange!' Tong Lao also said: 'How could that Miss Wang resemble that despicable scoundrel so closely?'"

【206】 "Strange!" Tong Lao also said: "How could that Miss Wang resemble that despicable scoundrel so closely?"

"Not strange!" Feng Yi sighed softly: "She is the granddaughter of Master Wuya and also the granddaughter of Li Qiu Shui."

Translate: "'Not strange!' Feng Yi sighed softly: 'She is the granddaughter of Master Wu Ya Zi and also the granddaughter of Li Qiu Shui.'"

【207】 "Not strange!" Feng Yi sighed softly: "She is the granddaughter of Master Wu Ya Zi and also the granddaughter of Li Qiu Shui."

Lady Tong was stunned, but fortunately she had previously known that Master Wuya and Li Qiu Shui had a daughter; upon reflection, she wasn't so flustered.

Translate: "Tong Lao stared blankly, but fortunately she had previously known that Wu Ya Zi and Li Qiu Shui had a daughter; upon reflection, she was not so astonished."

【208】 Tong Lao stared blankly, but fortunately she had previously known that Wu Ya Zi and Li Qiu Shui had a daughter; upon reflection, she was not so astonished.

But Duan Yu said: "What? Miss Wang is the granddaughter of the Goddess Sister?"

Translate: "But Duan Yu said: 'What? Miss Wang is the granddaughter of the Fairy Elder Sister?'"

【209】 But Duan Yu said: "What? Miss Wang is the granddaughter of the Fairy Elder Sister?"

Lady Tong snorted: "What Goddess Sister?"

Translate: "Tong Lao snorted: 'What Fairy Elder Sister?'"

【210】 Tong Lao snorted: "What Fairy Elder Sister?"

Feng Yi smiled; Ah Zi, being talkative, chattered on, relaying to Lady Tong what she had heard from Master Wuya about Duan Yu's description of the Dali Wuliang Mountains, and then repeated it all to Lady Tong.

Translate: "Feng Yi smiled; A Zi, quick-tongued, chattered on, relaying to Tong Lao what she had heard from Wu Ya Zi about Duan Yu's account of the affairs in Dali's Boundless Mountain, and then repeated it all to Tong Lao."

【211】 Feng Yi smiled; A Zi, quick-tongued, chattered on, relaying to Tong Lao what she had heard from Wu Ya Zi about Duan Yu's account of the affairs in Dali's Boundless Mountain, and then repeated it all to Tong Lao.

Lady Tong nodded slightly and said sharply: "I was wondering how you could know our Xiao Yao Sect's 'Lingbo Microstep'; it turns out it was left to you by that despicable scoundrel!"

Translate: "Tong Lao nodded slightly and said sharply: 'I was wondering how you could know our Free and Easy Sect's Lotus Light Step—it turns out the despicable scoundrel left it to you!'"

【212】 Tong Lao nodded slightly and said sharply: "I was wondering how you could know our Free and Easy Sect's Lotus Light Step—it turns out the despicable scoundrel left it to you!"

That scoundrel first gave Master Wuya a daughter, then ran to the Western Xia imperial palace to bear a son for someone, yet claimed to have slaughtered all Xiao Yao Sect disciples; heh, his plans are quite beautiful.

Translate: "That scoundrel first bore a daughter for Wu Ya Zi, then ran to the Western Xia Imperial Palace to bear a son for someone, yet claimed to have slaughtered all the Free and Easy Sect disciples—hmph, what a beautiful fantasy!"

【213】 That scoundrel first bore a daughter for Wu Ya Zi, then ran to the Western Xia Imperial Palace to bear a son for someone, yet claimed to have slaughtered all the Free and Easy Sect disciples—hmph, what a beautiful fantasy!

This statement truly exceeded Duan Yu and Ah Zi's expectations—bearing a son in the Western Xia imperial palace?

Translate: "This remark truly exceeded Duan Yu and A Zi's expectations—bearing a son in the Western Xia Imperial Palace?"

【214】 This remark truly exceeded Duan Yu and A Zi's expectations—bearing a son in the Western Xia Imperial Palace?

But when Duan Yu heard her curse the Goddess Sister as a despicable scoundrel, he wanted to tell her not to speak ill behind people's backs, yet seeing Feng Yi shake his head, he had no choice but to keep silent.

Translate: "But when Duan Yu heard her curse the Fairy Elder Sister as a despicable scoundrel, he intended to tell her not to speak ill behind people's backs; seeing Feng Yi shake his head, he had no choice but to shut his mouth."

【215】 But when Duan Yu heard her curse the Fairy Elder Sister as a despicable scoundrel, he intended to tell her not to speak ill behind people's backs; seeing Feng Yi shake his head, he had no choice but to shut his mouth.

He still had a question he couldn't ask: why, knowing early on that Wang Yuyan was Master Wuya's granddaughter, did Feng Yi not let them meet when Master Wuya was on his deathbed? That's too inhumane.

Translate: "He still had another question he couldn't ask: why, when Feng Yi early on knew that Wang Yu Yan was Wu Ya Zi's granddaughter, did he not let them meet when Wu Ya Zi was on his deathbed—it was too inhumane."

【216】 He still had another question he couldn't ask: why, when Feng Yi early on knew that Wang Yu Yan was Wu Ya Zi's granddaughter, did he not let them meet when Wu Ya Zi was on his deathbed—it was too inhumane.

If he asked, Feng Yi would only reply: "Wang Yuyan doesn't like me, and she's not my woman, so what's it to me?"

Translate: "If he asked, Feng Yi would only reply: 'Wang Yu Yan doesn't like me, and she's not my woman—what's it to me?'"

【217】 If he asked, Feng Yi would only reply: "Wang Yu Yan doesn't like me, and she's not my woman—what's it to me?"

The group passed the Broken Soul Cliff, Shattered Bone Rock, and Hundred-Zhang Gully, traversing one heavenly peril after another; Feng Yi could see at a glance that attacking Mount Piaomiao was truly difficult, yet in the original plot they still managed to fight their way through. The forces of the Thirty-Six Caves and Seventy-Two Islands are indeed formidable.

Translate: "The crowd passed Soul-Breaking Cliff, Bone-Shattering Rock, and Hundred-zhang Ravine; each heavenly peril they traversed, Feng Yi could see at a glance that assaulting Ethereal Peak was truly difficult, yet in the original plot they still fought their way through. The forces of the Thirty-Six Caves and Seventy-Two Islands are indeed formidable."

【218】 The crowd passed Soul-Breaking Cliff, Bone-Shattering Rock, and Hundred-zhang Ravine; each heavenly peril they traversed, Feng Yi could see at a glance that assaulting Ethereal Peak was truly difficult, yet in the original plot they still fought their way through. The forces of the Thirty-Six Caves and Seventy-Two Islands are indeed formidable.

Thinking this through, he said: "Granny, will those demons and monsters still come up the mountain? How do you plan to deal with them?"

Translate: "Having thought this far, he said: 'Granny, will those demons and monsters still come up the mountain? How do you plan to deal with them?'"

【219】 Having thought this far, he said: "Granny, will those demons and monsters still come up the mountain? How do you plan to deal with them?"

Lady Tong snorted: "You've already thought it all out, why ask me?"

Translate: "Tong Lao huffed: 'You've already thought it all out, why ask me?'"

【220】 Tong Lao huffed: "You've already thought it all out, why ask me?"

Feng Yi's actions were all seen by her, so she naturally knew his thoughts.

Translate: "Everything Feng Yi did, she saw clearly, naturally knowing his thoughts."

【221】 Everything Feng Yi did, she saw clearly, naturally knowing his thoughts.

Feng Yi smiled and said: "Please don't blame me for overstepping; it's just that these people all fear the death talisman, and precisely because of that, they no longer fear death."

Translate: "Feng Yi smiled: 'Don't blame me for overstepping; it's simply that these people all fear the Life and Death Symbol, and thus they no longer fear death.'"

【222】 Feng Yi smiled: "Don't blame me for overstepping; it's simply that these people all fear the Life and Death Symbol, and thus they no longer fear death."

If they don't solve the death talisman, they will surely still choose to fight to the death; even if we are unafraid,

Translate: "If they do not undo the Life and Death Symbol, they will surely still choose to fight to the death, even if we are unafraid."

【223】 If they do not undo the Life and Death Symbol, they will surely still choose to fight to the death, even if we are unafraid.

but one desperate man can withstand ten thousand; even if we kill them all, my Spirit Vulture Palace sisters may still suffer losses.

Translate: "Yet one man fighting desperately can withstand ten thousand; even if we slaughter them all, my Spirit Vulture Palace sisters may still suffer losses."

【224】 Yet one man fighting desperately can withstand ten thousand; even if we slaughter them all, my Spirit Vulture Palace sisters may still suffer losses.

To be honest, even if we lose just one, I feel heartbroken.

Translate: "Frankly, even if we lose just one, I feel heartache."

【225】 Frankly, even if we lose just one, I feel heartache.

It would be better to wait for them to come to you; you don't need to show yourself, just say a word, and I will remove their death talismans for them.

Translate: "It would be better to wait for them to come to you; you need not show yourself, only need to speak a word, and I will remove their Life and Death Symbols for them."

【226】 It would be better to wait for them to come to you; you need not show yourself, only need to speak a word, and I will remove their Life and Death Symbols for them.

Later, if there are any changes, we can divide and transform them, annihilating them; why not?

Translate: "Later, if there are any changes, we can divide and transform them, then annihilate them—why not?"

【227】 Later, if there are any changes, we can divide and transform them, then annihilate them—why not?

Lady Tong gave no answer; soon the group arrived at the Bridge to Heaven, seeing only an iron chain bridge connecting two sheer cliffs, several zhang long; without lightness skills, one could not possibly cross.

Translate: "Tong Lao gave no reply; soon the crowd arrived at the Bridge to the Heavens, where between two sheer cliffs hung an iron-chain bridge several zhang long—without lightness skills, one could not cross it."

【228】 Tong Lao gave no reply; soon the crowd arrived at the Bridge to the Heavens, where between two sheer cliffs hung an iron-chain bridge several zhang long—without lightness skills, one could not cross it.

Fortunately, here everyone knows lightness skills, so they all crossed one by one; however, as Mei Lan Zhu Ju crossed the bridge, Feng Yi stared without blinking, fearing something might happen to them, which made Ah Zi involuntarily feel a twinge of jealousy.

Translate: "Fortunately, no one here lacked lightness skills, and they all crossed safely; but as Mei Lan Zhu Ju crossed the bridge, Feng Yi stared unblinking, fearing they might meet with mishap, which made A Zi involuntarily feel a twinge of jealousy."

【229】 Fortunately, no one here lacked lightness skills, and they all crossed safely; but as Mei Lan Zhu Ju crossed the bridge, Feng Yi stared unblinking, fearing they might meet with mishap, which made A Zi involuntarily feel a twinge of jealousy.

Lady Tong, experienced in worldly affairs, seeing her expression, realized it was just like her own past, and thus said: "Seventeen years ago, I was gathering herbs on the snow mountain when I heard crying; I saw four baby girls who looked alike, found it interesting, and brought them back to the Spirit Vulture Palace to raise, teaching them martial arts." Saying this, she glanced at the four women.

Translate: "Tong Lao, experienced in worldly affairs, seeing her expression, knew it was just like her own past, and said: 'Seventeen years ago, I was gathering herbs on the snow mountain when I heard infants crying; I saw four baby girls of identical appearance, found it amusing, and brought them back to the Spirit Vulture Palace to raise, teaching them martial arts.' As she spoke, she glanced at the four women."

【230】 Tong Lao, experienced in worldly affairs, seeing her expression, knew it was just like her own past, and said: "Seventeen years ago, I was gathering herbs on the snow mountain when I heard infants crying; I saw four baby girls of identical appearance, found it amusing, and brought them back to the Spirit Vulture Palace to raise, teaching them martial arts." As she spoke, she glanced at the four women.

The girl in the light red shirt said: "We four sisters were born from the

Translate: "The girl in the light red shirt said: 'We four sisters were born from the same womb; Granny Tong gave me the name Mei Jian, and these three sisters are Lan Jian, Zhu Jian, and Ju Jian.'"

【231】 The girl in the light red shirt said: "We four sisters were born from the same womb; Granny Tong gave me the name Mei Jian, and these three sisters are Lan Jian, Zhu Jian, and Ju Jian."

Feng Yi laughed and said, "If it weren't for Granny's kind heart, who in the world would know the Four Gentlemen of Flowers? There would be a day when someone lives up to their name; Granny is truly noble."

Translate: "Feng Yi smiled: 'If not for Granny's kind heart, who would know the four gentlemen among flowers, and that one day someone would bear their names? Granny, you are truly noble.'"

【232】 Feng Yi smiled: "If not for Granny's kind heart, who would know the four gentlemen among flowers, and that one day someone would bear their names? Granny, you are truly noble."

Lan Jian laughed and said, "Granny is the kindest to us sisters."

Translate: "Lan Jian laughed: 'Granny treats us sisters best.'"

【233】 Lan Jian laughed: "Granny treats us sisters best."

The four maidens—Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum—are poor girls from beneath the Great Snow Mountain. Their mother had already borne seven children, then gave birth to another four daughters, and she simply could not afford to raise them, so she abandoned them in the snow after they were born. Granny Tong found the situation amusing, so she took them in and raised them. They are lively and spirited, and besides never having descended from Mount Piaomiao or ever seen a man, if Granny Tong weren't usually so strict in her discipline, they would have already caused an uproar.

Translate: "These four Mei Lan Zhu Ju maidens were impoverished daughters beneath the Great Snow Mountain; their mother had already borne seven sons and daughters, and adding another four girls made it impossible to support them, so upon birth they were abandoned in the snow; Tong Lao found it interesting and thus brought them back to raise; they are lively in character, and besides never having descended from Ethereal Peak nor seen a man, if not for Tong Lao's strict rule over her subordinates, they would have long since caused chaos."

【234】 These four Mei Lan Zhu Ju maidens were impoverished daughters beneath the Great Snow Mountain; their mother had already borne seven sons and daughters, and adding another four girls made it impossible to support them, so upon birth they were abandoned in the snow; Tong Lao found it interesting and thus brought them back to raise; they are lively in character, and besides never having descended from Ethereal Peak nor seen a man, if not for Tong Lao's strict rule over her subordinates, they would have long since caused chaos.

Granny Tong laughed heartily and said, "Feng Yi, these four attendants—Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum—are seventeen years old. They are pure, elegant, and beautiful, without equal. Will you take them as your wives?"

Translate: "Tong Lao laughed heartily: 'Feng Yi, these four attendants Mei Lan Zhu Ju of mine are seventeen this year, pure and elegant, peerless; if you take them as wives, do you want them or not?'"

【235】 Tong Lao laughed heartily: "Feng Yi, these four attendants Mei Lan Zhu Ju of mine are seventeen this year, pure and elegant, peerless; if you take them as wives, do you want them or not?"

(End of chapter)