Chapter 233

Kumarazhi's martial arts are superb, he is crafty and sinister, he rarely meets an opponent in his life; that defeat at Feng Yi's hands he regards as an extraordinary affinity, a peerless master, not to blame for the loss.

So even if A Zi repeatedly says he lost to Feng Yi, he tells himself that whoever it is, it's still a loss, as if nothing had happened.

Today, knowing Feng Yi is here, he only wants to use Shaolin's supreme technique to overwhelm all Shaolin disciples. But if the Minor Formless Skill is cultivated to perfection, its power is originally tremendous; however, since this skill is called "Minor Formless", the "minor" indicates it is merely the initial stage of the profound Daoist internal art. Using it to drive Daoist techniques is certainly effective, but applying it to other schools' techniques is inevitably mismatched, unable to fully attain its marvel.

Especially, Kumarazhi's practice of the Minor Formless Skill lacks the seventh volume, so the technique is flawed; it lacks the smooth, effortless ease Xiao Feng shows when employing Shaolin martial arts.

Therefore, Kumarazhi's attempt to defeat him with Shaolin's supreme technique is hopeless; he had no choice but to unleash the Flame Blade divine skill, the secret art of his sect that he had painstakingly trained for years.

A Zhu had once seen Kumarazhi snap a tree with a palm strike, and had redirected Duan Yu's Six Meridian Divine Sword left and right, piercing holes all through the door and window panels; the internal energy divine skill is truly extraordinarily formidable, fearing Xiao Feng might come to harm, she urgently warned him.

Although Xiao Feng had heard a few words about Kumarazhi from A Zhu and Duan Yu, only by being on the scene did he realize how truly sharp and unmatched the Flame Blade is.

Yet he is naturally godlike in martial prowess; since his skills reached perfection, Kumarazhi has been his strongest foe in life, his fighting spirit soared, he laughed heartily and said, "Good!" then thrust out both palms.

The monks saw this, each astonished, someone shouted, "Twenty-Eight Dragon-Subduing Palms!"

Xiao Feng's move is the "Dragon Seen in the Field" from the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms.

Facing such a master as Kumarazhi, Xiao Feng had already brought out his signature skill, exerting himself fully; knowing Shaolin arts alone could not contend, he also employed his own most accomplished technique.

He was already skilled in the Twenty-Eight Dragon-Subduing Palms, and Feng Yi imparted the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms in full; this incorporates the Carefree Sect's martial principles. Having studied the Nine Yin Scripture, a Daoist supreme learning, he could analogize and thus his internal energy and martial arts both greatly improved.

At that moment, as he thrust out both palms, there was truly the might of flying clouds and shifting winds, splitting stone and collapsing mountains, indeed awe-inspiring in all directions.

No sooner spoken than done, the two men's utmost yang and rigid palm forces collided with a thunderous boom; energy scattered, scorching heat caused pain.

Kumarazhi smiled and said, "I have long heard of the Beggars' Sect's supreme skill; I am honored to learn it."

With both hands employed together, palms waving sleeves, the Flame Blade techniques flowed forth continuously, emitting a "hissing" sound, possessing the momentum of gloomy clouds and mournful winds, ghosts wailing and gods howling.

Xiao Feng likewise roused his spirit, both palms dancing like dragons and phoenixes, wind howling with each strike, every palm carrying the power to split stone and crack steles.

This fierce battle differed from the earlier Shaolin-versus-Shaolin clashes; each displayed his lifetime supreme skill, palm forces clashing, the booming sound unceasing to the ears, truly heart-pounding and soul-stirring.

In an instant, hot vapor rose on the stage, filling the area with white mist.

Kumarazhi's Flame Blade is formed by condensing internal energy; its internal force is scorching hot, its manifestations manifold. Xiao Feng's Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms, though simple in form, are utterly rigid and yang, with tremendous force, overwhelming and unstoppable.

After exchanging nearly a hundred moves, the heat on the Great Heroic Hall surged upon one's face, making one feel as if inside a steamer.

Kumarazhi and Xiao Feng's complexions changed as well, from rosy to flushed, then to crimson; beads of sweat emerged only to instantly evaporate into wisps of white smoke.

The onlookers were horrified; the Shaolin monks felt a mix of emotions, thinking that Kumarazhi possesses such divine abilities, if not for Qiao Feng's intervention, who could oppose him? Among the monks present, eight or nine out of ten had once cursed Qiao Feng; now recalling the past, they all felt deep regret, fearing that Qiao Feng might suffer a mishap.

Feng Yi also pondered: "If they keep fighting like this, even if Xiao Feng wins, he will surely suffer greatly. Moreover, if Kumarazhi logs off now, once the Xiao father-son and Murong father-son face off, the Xiao side will certainly triumph, and the sweeping monk may not appear."

At this moment, Feng Yi had personally witnessed the martial prowess of those five individuals, and thus naturally affirmed his view of the Xiao father-son pair in the original storyline.

In the original plot, when the Xiao father-son faced Murong Bo and Kumarazhi together, they deemed victory or defeat uncertain; upon Murong Fu's appearance, Xiao Feng believed his revenge could not be fulfilled, and that he and his father would die here, yet his spirit remained bold and courageous, for his mother's sake he did not fear dying here.

One could also say that if the sweeping monk does not appear, Xiao Feng's revenge would be equally impossible to achieve.

The Xuan-generation monks also saw this; seeing the two fight to such an extent, even if Xiao Feng could win, at best he would end up injured or ill; they wanted to call a halt, but dared not speak up casually, fearing they might instead harm Xiao Feng.

After all, if Xiao Feng were to stop on cue, Kumarazhi would not cease; a single strike would kill him outright, leaving no hope.

If many people rushed forward to forcibly separate them, the purpose of Xiao Feng's intervention would be lost.

After all, the essence of this duel lies in single combat.

But seeing Xuan Ci press his palms together and step forward, he thought that since he no longer cared for reputation today, he would step in to aid Xiao Feng.

Suddenly a girl's voice giggled, "How laughable, how laughable! The Shaolin Temple is famed as a martial arts authority, yet its abbot wants to win by numbers—doesn't that make him a shameless petty person?"

Everyone hearing these words was startled, seeing that these sentences clearly came from A Zi's mouth.

The one locked in life-and-death combat with Kumarazhi before her eyes is her brother-in-law Xiao Feng; she knows this full well, so how could she utter such mockery?

A Zhu, whose heart was already set on her lover, could no longer restrain herself, she snapped angrily: "A Zi, you don't know—this great monk is vile and shameless; back at Tianlong Temple he seized the Six Meridian Divine Sword, the Tianlong monks all swarmed up at once; today he flaunts his might at Shaolin Temple, so what's wrong with everyone rushing him together?"

A Zi laughed, "Elder sister, your words are pure unreasonable obstinacy. If this brother-in-law of mine is a hero and a fine man, I will acknowledge him."

"If he is a disgraceful wretch who needs others to help him fight, then this brother-in-law is better off not existing!"

By this point in the fight, Kumarazhi and Xiao Feng were fully devoted to circulating their internal energy for the clash, paying no heed to her words.

But everyone else heard it clearly; the Shaolin monks stared at each other, utterly unable to fathom what this little girl's thoughts were, or which side she favored.

A Zi looked toward Feng Yi and said, "Big brother, I think this brother-in-law can't take down that monk; he's somewhat undeserving of his reputation—perhaps you should go up instead."

Feng Yi understood her intention; she wanted him to show off. He pinched her nose lightly and said, "You truly don't know the height of heaven and depth of earth—this Kumarazhi is a rare martial arts genius, the foremost expert of Tubo. He encountered strange fortune, also acquired many Shaolin supreme techniques and the Minor Formless Skill, adding wings to a tiger; nowadays, there is not a single person who can be confident of defeating him, not even a finger joint. Xiao Feng is at least twenty years younger than him, with twenty years less cultivation, yet able to fight to this extent—he is practically a divine being!"

(Note: The original text had no separate 【43】 line; the content was part of 【42】.)

(Note: The original text had no separate 【44】 line; the content was part of 【42】.)

A Zi pursed her lips and snorted, "Hmph, if this monk is so formidable, why aren't you his equal? I see you as thirty years younger than him, with thirty years less cultivation."

Feng Yi smiled without speaking, thinking: "If I had not undergone system cultivation, granting me innate pure yang Divine Illumination internal force and Blood Blade strength, harmonizing righteous and evil, plus the support of Nine Yin Divine Skill cultivation, how could I have achieved today?"

But A Zi's remark made A Zhu instantly understand; she realized her heart leaned toward Xiao Feng while her sister favored Feng Yi, so she urgently urged Feng Yi: "Brother Feng, seeing your relationship with A Zi, you and Brother Xiao are now family—please lend him a hand."

Abbot Xuan Ci said, "Amitabha, Hero Feng, today things have come to this; the benefactor is not a Shaolin member, and is also Xiao Feng's brother-in-law. To intervene would be improper and damage reputation, but please separate the two—this would not be against reason. I, the old monk, also have some matters to declare publicly, to clear Xiao Feng's name!"

(Note: The original text had no separate 【49】 line; the content was part of 【48】.)

"Good!" Feng Yi immediately rose: "Today Shaolin is the host, we are guests; how could we not obey the master's edict?" He stepped forward, floated out several feet, his robes and hair fluttering without wind.

Everyone was immediately startled.

It turned out Feng Yi had actually arrived directly at the point where Xiao Feng's and Kumarazhi's true forces collided.

This also meant he would have to bear the attacks of both.

In an instant, the Flame Blade tore through the air, the Dragon-Subduing Palm roared angrily; Feng Yi seemed unaware, he split his palms, forming a barrier that followed the momentum, turning his body.

In a flash, Xiao Feng's and Kumarazhi's hearts sank sharply.

Xiao Feng's Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms and Kumarazhi's Flame Blade are both supreme arts of unmatched power in the present age, unbeatable by anyone.

If they joined forces, they could nearly be invincible under heaven; yet who would have thought that their palm strength, when meeting him, would be like a gentle breeze brushing the body, a soft silk stroking the flesh.

Xiao Feng and Kumarazhi further felt their heavy palm strength as if striking an invisible yet substantive soft wall; as Feng Yi turned with carefree ease, their entire bodily force and true qi drained away, flowing to one side; in a moment, grand energy surged upward, and the onlookers' breath was taken away.

Xiao Feng and Kumarazhi felt a tremendous reactive force rebound; both arms went numb, Xiao Feng's body swayed as he retreated three steps, while Kumarazhi staggered and fell back three steps.

Feng Yi laughed, "What a fine Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palm, what a formidable Flame Blade!"

Everyone saw him forcibly block two supreme skills, yet while speaking he remained full of spirit and qi, his vital energy not weakened in the slightest; the surrounding crowd all gasped in astonishment: "Feng Yi, at such a young age, possesses such internal strength—who knows what heavenly treasure he has eaten to boost his power?"

Ah-Zhu rushed forward to Xiao Feng's side and asked, "Big Brother, are you alright?"

Xiao Feng shook his head and regulated his internal breath.

Kumozhi, however, staggered like a drunkard, swaying, then suddenly sat cross-legged, panting heavily, his eyes bloodshot as he glared at Feng Yi.

Feng Yi stood with his hands folded in his sleeves and said lightly, "Your Minor Formless Skill has a flaw; using it to activate Shaolin's supreme skill is marvelous, but until you have fully understood it, it's best to use it sparingly."

It turned out that Feng Yi's move merely received the two men's palm forces, and the force was mutual; Xiao Feng was in good health, while Kumozhi already harbored a hidden ailment. Earlier he had used the Minor Formless Skill to activate Shaolin's supreme art, then fought Xiao Feng bitterly, and afterwards exerted his full strength to unleash the Flame Blade.

Feng Yi's internal energy was far deeper than his; a slight surge of his power made several of Kumozhi's acupoints feel greatly uncomfortable, making it appear as if Feng Yi had struck him harder, causing him to seem to have lost a move to Xiao Feng.

Kumozhi's face darkened as he said, "My humble skill is hardly worth the notice of a great hero like you, Sir Feng."

Saying this, he glanced around at the assembled monks and chuckled, "Hehe, I merely regret that after tomorrow, the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song will be utterly ruined."

He referred to himself as a humble monk when speaking to Feng Yi, but as "this seat" when referring to the Shaolin, putting on the airs of a Tibetan imperial preceptor. The monks, seeing two laymen intervene to lift the siege, naturally all broke into a sweat.

Feng Yi smiled and said, "Imperial Preceptor, you first used Shaolin martial arts and couldn't even defeat a lay disciple of Shaolin; then you unleashed your signature Flame Blade, while Brother Xiao also employed the Beggars' Gang's supreme skill—what business does Shaolin still have?"

Moreover, martial artists differ in strength, but martial arts themselves have no hierarchy; even if you were to defeat all the Shaolin masters today, as well as Brother Xiao, you would have only beaten them personally, not Shaolin itself—don't you understand this principle?

Kumozhi, hearing this, panted heavily, lowered his head and remained silent.

Feng Yi laughed and said, "Could it be that you don't believe me?"

He continued, "Imperial Preceptor, your astonishing talent is rare in the martial world; you should know that since the founding patriarch Bodhidharma established Shaolin Temple, its fame has been resounding throughout the martial world for hundreds of years without decline. You wish to destroy Shaolin with the power of a single person—tell me, what face do the eminent monks present have to meet the patriarchs of ages past?"

As a national preceptor, you should know that under oppression, there has never been a lack of dissenting hearts. Even if Brother Xiao does not come today, you insist on disbanding Shaolin; this group of monks, though vegetarian, surely still possess a fiery nature?

If Abbot Xuanci were to set aside his personal reputation and seize the opportunity to strike at you, or engage you in single combat to the death in defense of the Dharma, then his thirty-plus fellow disciples would immediately have cause to avenge their abbot elder brother, swarm you in attack, and you would have no chance of survival." His eyes flipped open, light flashing forth, awe-inspiring and formidable.

"Exactly!" Ah Zi laughed and said, "When people are pushed to the extreme, they will rebel and cause chaos; how could the high monks of Shaolin lack a resolve to perish together? Just now, if I hadn't called out to Master Xuanci, he would have sneaked a palm strike to your back, and you'd already be dead!"

Kumozhi knew Feng Yi's words were sound; not counting Xiao Feng, if only Abbot Xuanci and he exchanged moves, even if he himself harbored no murderous intent, should Xuanci be defeated and choose suicide, the monks would instantly have a pretext for revenge, and facing over thirty monks of the Xu generation, how could he have any chance of survival?

Kumozhi's chest rose and fell as he muttered, "Your Excellency is invincible under heaven; my skills are inferior, so I naturally have nothing to say."

"Too kind." Feng Yi said lightly, "There are higher mountains beyond the mountains, and greater people above people; in this Shaolin Temple I dare not claim those four characters."

Kumozhi smiled and said, "Your Excellency's humility is like a valley, bearing the demeanor of a great family, but this is not the mindset a young person should have."

Feng Yi chuckled and said, "What thoughts should a young person have? They ought to be vigorous and full of vigor, considering themselves the greatest under heaven?"

Hehe, you shouldn't think I'm feigning modesty; who knows if there isn't someone in Shaolin who could surpass me?

Kumozhi sneered, "Apart from winning by numbers and relying on outsiders, what use is Shaolin? Or are there still any remarkable figures?"

"Amitabha—" Abbot Xuanci pressed his palms together and said, "The Ming King's divine skill is extraordinary; this poor monk admires it."

Kumozhi suddenly flicked his sleeve and rose, saying, "Things have come to this point; there's no need for many words—I can only say that Shaolin's fortune is not yet exhausted." He abruptly fell silent, as if realizing something, his eyes flickering in contemplation. Xuanci also felt a stir in his heart, uttered a Buddhist invocation, and the faces of the other Shaolin monks changed simultaneously; they too were wondering who the person Feng Yi mentioned who could defeat him might be.

Kumozhi chuckled and then said, "The Shaolin Temple's Master Xuanzheng was once the foremost person of the Shaolin sect, acclaimed as the number one martial artist of the past two hundred years; I naturally know of him."

But now his meridians are completely severed, he has been in seclusion for many years, just like me; the number of people who can still recall him ought to be few.

His claim to being the greatest martial artist of the past two hundred years is undoubtedly self-praise; the friends of the martial world may not agree, so why should Hero Feng be overly modest?

"Amitabha!"

The Shaolin monks of the Xu generation, thinking of Xuanzheng, inevitably felt sorrowful, and they all pressed their palms together.

Feng Yi sighed and said, "How could they know that the person I spoke of is merely the sweeping monk, not Xuanzheng? You are already this old, still a senior Buddhist monk, having learned the Minor Formless Skill, yet you remain rash and belligerent; the day of great calamity may not be far off!"

Kumozhi snorted, strode out toward the main hall's exterior, and indeed no one in Shaolin tried to stop him.

Feng Yi also did not.

Who would have thought that as Kumozhi had just reached the main hall's gate, a sudden azure light flashed, and four long swords thrust simultaneously at his throat.

These four swords were aimed at the same direction; their swordplay was astonishingly fast and ruthlessly vicious, yet hearing the four shout, "You shameless thief of martial arts, still trying to leave!" their voices were delicate, sounding like those of girls.

=9+book bar

Upon hearing it, Feng Yi and Ah Zi immediately recognized it as Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum.

Although Kumozhi had suffered great internal energy loss in his fierce battle with Xiao Feng, his martial prowess remained extraordinary; catching sight of the incoming swords, he swept his right palm outward, unleashing the Flame Blade divine skill with a series of clangs, and the four long swords were snapped in midair.

The four maidens were greatly startled, retreating several zhang; upon looking at their hands, each sword was reduced to half its length. Kumozhi stepped forward, flicked his left sleeve, and secretly exerted the Controlling Crane Skill, causing the Plum Sword to fly forward involuntarily.

Feng Yi swayed slightly and shouted, "No!" He flicked his left sleeve, sending a warm current surging forward; Kumozhi blocked with his turned-back sleeve, immediately drifting back several zhang, his lips trembling and his eyes revealing a look of despair.

Everyone was awed by Feng Yi's divine skill, shocked beyond measure.

But then they saw that the ones who had attacked Kumozhi were four girls who looked exactly alike, bright-eyed and lovely.

Kumozhi, having been flung aside by Feng Yi's sleeve, suffered a great loss of face, but his dejection lasted only an instant before he laughed heartily and said, "Hero Feng, you are indeed quite the ladies' man!"

Feng Yi paid him no heed and asked, "Weren't you supposed to just stare blankly?"

Kumozhi revealed a faint bitter smile, then suddenly turned, his feet not touching the ground, and drifted away.

He understood that in Feng Yi's eyes he was merely a character easily defeated with a casual gesture, not even as important as a few girls, and he had no wish to invite boredom upon himself.

The Chrysanthemum Sword cried out, "Bald monk, you've stolen martial arts—what are you running for?"

Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum knew that the Minor Formless Skill was Li Qiu Shui's exclusive divine art; their grandmother had died because of it, so they came to hate Kumozhi.

However, Feng Yi had never intended to deal with Kumozhi on the grounds that he possessed the Minor Formless Skill, considering himself the master of the Free and Easy Sect.

Because the Free and Easy Patriarch had stolen the Eternal Spring Skill from the Valley of No Aging in Spring in Dali, and the stone-wall martial arts of the Spirit Vulture Palace were already several hundred years old—obviously not his creation. Since he could pilfer books and occupy a magpie's nest, why couldn't others do the same?

Moreover, Feng Yi currently has a copy of the Shaolin Sanskrit Yijing Classic in his possession. Furthermore, he has left his own techniques in the nameless valley, unafraid of being seen—this is simply to blend with the world and return to mundanity.

Whether it be the Shaolin sect or the Free and Easy sect, the Dao is boundless and the Buddha-nature vast; to insist on dividing them would surely be the greatest form of attachment.

Thus, Kumozhi's ability to steal the Minor Formless Skill is, in Feng Yi's view, merely a matter of personal affinity; he pays it no heed at all.

Moreover, before the sweeping monk makes his appearance, an opponent like Kumozhi still has utility, so he must be kept around.

When the time comes to deal with him, any excuse will do; there's absolutely no need to make a pretext of what martial arts he has learned.

Seeing that Feng Yi would not retain Kumozhi, Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum dared not speak further.

The Plum Sword said, "Master, we sisters have come down the mountain without permission to attend to you; please don't blame us."

The Orchid Sword said, "However, this monk who has stolen the Minor Formless Skill, not knowing good from bad, truly deserves a beating!"

Ju Jian said: "Master, this damn Shaolin Temple has an undeserved reputation; the Heroes' Gathering is surely just a bunch of incompetents. What's good about dealing with them? We might as well go back to Mount Piaomiao and have fun together!"

Zhu Jian pointed at Xuan Ci and said: "Old monk, I think besides chanting 'Amitabha', you, as abbot, are utterly useless. Without our honored master today, how will you wrap up? Quickly kowtow and give thanks; otherwise, you'd better be careful, for my four sisters won't be polite with you."

They seemed to speak one by one, but in fact the four of them were quick-tongued, you saying a word, I saying another, chattering away, actually treating venerable monks like Xuan Ci as nothing; moreover, the Mahavira Hall, originally a solemn Buddhist sanctuary, instantly turned into a place of girls' warbling and scolding.

The Shaolin monks looked at each other in alarm, seeing them lively and playful, utterly lawless, and had no idea where they came from.

Xuan Ci said: "Except for the fellow monks of the Xuan generation, the rest of you return to your quarters." The monks answered in unison and, according to seniority, filed out.

In a moment, only over thirty elderly monks of the Xuan generation remained in the Mahavira Hall, together with Shan Shan, Shen Yin, Guan Xin, Dao Qing, Jue Xian, Rong Zhi, plus Xiao Feng, A Zhu, A Zi, and the four sisters Mei, Lan, Zhu, Ju.

Xuan Ci said: "Esteemed elder brothers, this Xiao once studied at Shaolin; my junior fellow disciple Xuan Ku was killed over two years ago, and some say he did it. Moreover, Xiao himself admitted that he killed the couple Qiao Sanhuai and his wife, as well as Xuan Ku."

"What?" Master Shan Shan and the other monks rose together: "If so, why not purge the sect now; what more are we waiting for?"

Xiao Feng felt a secret alarm, seeing these old monks each with piercing eyes, and moreover there were over thirty Xuan-generation monks here; he thought they would all attack together, and he, Xiao Feng, would surely die here today. He lowered his voice to Feng Yi: "Brother Feng, if anything changes later, please be sure to look after A Zhu!"

Feng Yi whispered: "Don't worry, this is to suppress before raising."

Only hearing Xuan Ci with a compassionate face say: "Esteemed elder brothers, the leader who killed Xiao's parents outside Yanmen Pass back then was none other than this humble monk, Xuan Ci!" Everyone hearing it couldn't help but tremble all over.

Xuan Ci's expression changed, and he said sternly: "I once sent my junior disciples Xuan Gou and Xuan Shi to follow Qiao Feng, but at that time no news returned to the monastery, and rumors spread in the martial world that all sorts of bloody cases were Xiao Feng's doing. I, together with my fellow brothers Xuan Du, Xuan Yin, Xuan Zhi, and Xuan Shan, hastily went down the mountain and made a decision: if we discovered that Xiao Feng was indeed the murderer, we five would join forces to eliminate him, not only to avenge Xuan Ku's blood, but also to rid the martial world of a source of calamity."

"Amitabha!" The monks put their palms together: "That is how it should be."

A Zi chuckled: "Again, bullying the few with the many, five against one."

Lan Jian also said: "The Shaolin Temple is truly..."

Feng Yi's face turned stern: "Don't talk nonsense."

The few girls stuck out their tongues, daring not to speak further.

Xuan Ci said: "However, we met Hero Feng in the north of the river, heard him recount some of the events, and learned the truth."

Moreover, I happened to meet Xiao, and we exchanged palms; I used the "One Emptiness to the Bottom" move of the Prajna Palm. Just as my palm force was completely emptied, Xiao's palm force also suddenly vanished; my strike was thus a lure, and I seized the moment to exert force—his ribs would inevitably be broken.

At that time Xiao already knew I was the leader, yet he willingly took great risk, completely withdrawing his palm force; with such a heart, how could he harm the master who taught him his skills? How could he harm his adoptive parents?

Today, at the moment of Shaolin's survival or demise, Xiao not only set aside past grudges but threw his full strength into the contest; before the eyes of the elder brothers, this humble monk wonders: Is Mister Xiao that sort of person who extinguishes humanity and exhausts heavenly goodness?

"Amitabha!" The six monks Xuan Du, Xuan Yin, Xuan Zhi, Xuan Shan, Xuan Gou, and Xuan Shi said in unison: "The abbot's words are without error!"

Monks Shen Yin, Guan Xin, Dao Qing, Jue Xian, and Rong Zhi all looked toward Master Shan Shan.

Master Shan Shan lowered his brows and closed his eyes, rose, and knocked three loud bows before the Buddha statue; then he slowly rose, put his palms together, and said: "It is my petty anger that has caused trouble, my rash actions have offended Shaolin; do not blame me."

A Zi giggled: "Old monk, I think you see my brother-in-law is formidable, you can't beat him, so you're just sliding down the slope."

As the saying goes, "He who knows the times is a true talent"; I think you should join the Star Xia Sect—you're certainly material for greatness, and being a senior elder would be no problem.

Xiao Feng and A Zhu exchanged a glance; one thought, her sister is even more mischievous and unruly than she; A Zhu thought, my sister is even more lawless than I.

Master Shan Shan heard A Zi's words, but said nothing, completely ignoring them.

Xuan Ci turned to Xiao Feng and said: "Mister Xiao, we are saying this today not to curry favor with you, but to explain to Master Shan Shan and the other venerable monks that our Shaolin disciples did not wrongly kill the innocent, and that our Shaolin sect does not have improper precepts. If you have come today to take revenge, then please go ahead and strike."

Xiao Feng let out a long sigh: "I understand the master's heart, but I, Xiao Feng, am foolish and muddled; in the past I have been entangled in grudges, unable to free myself, thus causing many casualties."

The chief culprit of the Yanmen Pass incident was Murong Bo, who spread false information; although he is now dead, and though it leaves people uneasy, in the end everything is settled, so there's no need to say more.

"Amitabha!" Seeing his magnanimity, the monks all put their palms together.

Xuan Ci said: "I know you harbor a compassionate thought; based on this single thought, you can already accumulate merit."

Xiao Feng said: "I dare not seek more merit; I only hope to commit fewer wrongdoings."

Xuan Ci said: "For us martial artists, constantly keeping in mind the thought of committing fewer wrongdoings is itself merit."

Xiao Feng said: "Thank you, Master, for your instruction."

Xuan Ci sighed and said: "I dare not accept the title of instructor; it is only the Buddha's compassionate protection that has prevented this Shaolin foundation from being destroyed in my hands, for which I am truly grateful."

Feng Yi smiled: "Brother Xiao, your heroic spirit and benevolent heart are admirable, but it sounds like you're not preparing to avenge your grudge against the Murong family."

A Zhu's dark brows furrowed in response, her mind dazed; Xiao Feng seemed to sense something, shook his head and said: "As a son, how can one not avenge the murder of one's mother? Yet Murong Bo has been dead for many years; during the Yanmen Pass battle, Murong Fu had not yet been born, so seeking revenge on him would be unjust, and thus we can only leave it as is."

Saying this, he took hold of A Zhu's both hands,

A Zhu's peach cheeks flushed crimson as she said: "An eye for an eye leaves no end; I and my elder brother are now very happy, moreover my young master is entirely innocent, Brother Feng, why must you still stir up his hatred?"

Feng Yi gave a faint smile: "What you think is indeed good, but worldly affairs never go as one wishes; in the end it's merely a luxury."

The monks all felt this made great sense.

Xiao Feng and A Zhu were deeply saddened by this matter; it had taken them a long time to get over it, and hearing these words left them greatly displeased, though they could not say so openly, so they remained silent.

A Zi said: "Sister, who is the young master you spoke of?"

A Zhu said: "Naturally, it is the Murong young master."

A Zi snapped: "Just that Murong Fu—does he deserve to be called your young master?"

A Zhu retorted: "Since childhood I was brought back to the Murong household by the Murong patriarch to serve as a maid; what else should I call him if not young master?"

A Zi was about to speak when she heard Xuan Ci say: "Esteemed guests, you have come far and endured hardship; please go to the guest quarters to partake in the meal."

Master Shan Shan and the others put their palms together in salute: "Sorry for the trouble."

Xuan Ci returned the salute.

Feng Yi and Xiao Feng also rose together; the guest monk then escorted each person into the guest quarters to provide the meal.

Only then did A Zi tell A Zhu about her background, and Xiao Feng also explained to Feng Yi the reason for his earlier departure.

Only then did Feng Yi understand why the Heroes' Gathering is on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, while Xiao Feng had arrived more than ten days earlier.

(End of chapter)