Chapter 242

~37 min read 7,351 words

The crowd of eminent monks and martial heroes watched as the nameless old monk, who had been expounding the Dharma, turned into an obedient person, and what A Zi said was just arguing with the old monk; fortunately she was spirited and her voice clear, so it wasn't tedious.

Moreover, they gradually came to feel that what A Zi said made a lot of sense.

Isn't this old monk and Feng Yi just attacking their hearts?

Everyone saw that Xiao Yuanshan, Jiumo Zhi, and Murong Bo were already terrified by what they said, Xiao Feng could not escape either, and he even bowed his head to the Sweeping Monk.

One could see the Sweeping Old Monk's eyes flashing with light, fixed on Feng Yi's face, as if seeing this handsome young man for the first time; noticing the faint, meaningful smile on his lips, he slowly said: 'Everyone says Feng the lay practitioner is a dragon among men, his martial arts shake ancient and modern, unrivaled in the present age. Today, upon meeting him, his renowned reputation is without the slightest falsehood; the old monk sighs in admiration and awe.'

Feng Yi laughed: 'Divine Monk, you need not praise me; in terms of eloquence, we are hardly different, but the recent battle is fresh in my mind, and I am thinking about how to respond to your moves in order to have a chance of victory.'

The old monk's eyes brightened, he stared at Feng Yi, gave a slight nod, closed his eyes, and said: 'So you, wishing the old monk's inner power to be unavailable and his techniques to cease, used this female benefactor's mouth to attack the old monk's heart.'

Feng Yi let out a long sigh: 'Not bad; speaking of martial arts, not to mention you and me, even the Xiao father and son, the old benefactor Murong, and the Great Wheel Bright King have all reached the pinnacle of perfection; the only difference lies in their inner strength.'

When wind and rain are about to come, heaven and earth will surely make it known through stillness.

The Great Master clearly pointed out the weaknesses of the others, but in fact was gathering strength to strike; once he moved, not only could none of them stop him, even I had little confidence, so for the sake of a chance to win, I could only hope the Great Master would excuse me.

Others hear only nonsense; only Feng Yi and the Sao Di Seng, masters who stand at the pinnacle of the present age, can comprehend this language that contains the mysteries of martial arts.

Because in martial arts duels, those who strike first destroy their opponents with a thunderous force; those who strike second wait for an opening during the opponent's attack to counterattack and win.

However, when two masters of equal rank meet, it is impossible to overwhelm the opponent with a thunderous force; the way to victory lies in finding the opponent's flaw, which is the first problem.

Yet when it comes to action, careful thought is required; only a master whose martial arts have reached the pinnacle and whose inner power is pure and refined—how could there be any opening left for the opponent?

Such an opening must be created by oneself, and it is extremely difficult; therefore Feng Yi and the Sao Di Seng, by means of Xiao Yuanshan, Kumozhi, and Murong Bo, initiated a duel of methods.

The Sao Di Seng wanted Feng Yi to agree with his words, to speak at length about the path of compassion; Feng Yi disagreed, believing that people should do what they do, follow nature, and fulfill their true heart.

Because when martial arts are practiced to their level, each has their own belief; if one is overwhelmed, doubt arises in oneself, and psychologically one has already lost a point.

Take Feng Yi or the Sao Di Seng, for example: just now, if they had acted against Xiao Yuanshan, Kumozhi, and Murong Bo, a single move would have sent them to the Western Paradise, because their minds have already been disturbed.

Likewise, Feng Yi also wanted to disturb the Sao Di Seng's mind.

Feng Yi's irrelevant remark shocked everyone, yet it made the old monk's eyes light up; after pondering for a long time, he finally said, 'It seems the layman already knows all that I think!'

Feng Yi took a deep breath and slowly said, 'Xiao Yuanshan is ill, and Murong Bo is no different!'

Saying this, he looked at Murong Bo: 'You say that as long as Xiao Feng agrees to lead troops south to invade, you would give A Zhu to him and willingly die; but if you had no ailment causing you restlessness and sleeplessness, would you still do so?'

Murong Bo exclaimed in surprise, forcing himself to say, 'What are you saying? I, old man, do not understand!'

Yet just hearing his tone is enough to prove that Feng Yi's words are not off the mark.

The old monk's dull gaze turned to Murong Bo: 'Yes, Murong elder, the suffering of myriad needles piercing the Yangbai, Lianquan, and Fengfu acupoints three times each day—at morning, noon, and midnight—if I could relieve it, what then?'

Upon meeting his gaze, Murong Bo's body shuddered involuntarily. Even if a thunderclap suddenly rang in his ears, a martial artist of his caliber would not be startled in the slightest; yet the words of Feng Yi and the old monk filled him with heart-pounding dread.

Because what Feng Yi said was true, the Sao Di Seng even pointed out his pain.

When it flares up, no matter what elixirs one takes, there is no effect at all; when one circulates inner energy, the needle-like pain penetrates even to the marrow, occurring three times a day—what joy could there be left in life?

This pain has worsened in recent years; that is why he is willing to die in exchange for Xiao Feng's promise to raise troops and attack Song, ostensibly for the great cause of restoring Yan, but also because he suffers from this nameless malignant illness, which is truly unbearable, and he wishes to die.

The Xiao father and son, together with the assembled eminent monks, were greatly astonished: could this martial artist of noble bearing truly endure such agony?

Moreover, the old monk even got the acupoints and the times exactly right?

Could it really be the Buddha himself descending to expound the Dharma?

A Zhu was especially concerned and could not help but call out, 'Sir, is it really true?'

A Zi said, 'What else could be false? This old monk is just playing mysterious, but my elder brother would never do that!'

Murong Bo's body trembled twice, his face turned ashen, his expression instantly showing pain; everyone felt astonished: 'Could the old monk have been mistaken? It is not morning, noon, or midnight now.'

As it turned out, the needle-like severe pain in Murong Bo's Yangbai, Lianquan, and Fengfu acupoints suddenly flared up again. Although this was not the time for pain, his agitated mind caused the pain to arise suddenly.

Feng Yi knew this was the Sao Di Seng's heart-attack tactic; whether or not to strike is another matter, first frighten you half to death, then talk.

Just as when I first entered the Sutra Pavilion, he uttered a single 'You've come,' which set my mind racing; if he wanted to kill me and seize the chance for a sneak attack, that would be terribly disadvantageous.

Murong Fu, knowing his father's stubborn and competitive nature, would rather kill him than suffer shame in public; he also did not wish, like Xiao Feng, to kneel before that old monk begging for his father's sake. He clasped his hands toward Xiao Feng and his son and said, 'Green hills remain unchanged, green waters flow forever; for now we part. If you wish to avenge yourselves against my father and me, we await you at the Zhuhe Villa in Yanziwu, Gusu.'

He reached out and took Murong Bo's right hand, saying, 'Father, let's go!'

The old monk said, 'How can you be so heartless as to let your father endure this excruciating, bone-deep agony?'

Xiao Feng shouted, 'You just want to leave? Your father is ill; a true man does not take advantage of another's danger. You have no illness or pain—let the two of us settle this first!'

A Zhu shivered and cried out, 'Elder brother, just let the young master go!'

Xiao Feng exhaled in relief, lowered his hands, and said, 'It is what he just said: to contribute his share to the heroes of the Central Plains, even in death it would be honorable.'

'Pfft—' A Zi burst out laughing, 'Brother-in-law, are you telling a joke? He can't even beat me!'

Upon hearing this, Murong Fu, though ashamed, felt a surge of stubborn pride and cried, 'Fine, Xiao Feng, we have long been renowned equals; today let us determine who is superior!'

Hearing those words of equal fame, Xiao Feng's face flushed with anger, and then his breath surged into both palms.

'Amitabha!' the Sao Di Seng said, pressing his palms together: 'You two benefactors, do not recklessly move against the Nameless!'

Xiao Feng's heart jolted; he knew that the old monk before him far surpassed his own strength. Having just intervened, today's revenge could not be had. Thinking of his father's internal injury, he bowed and said, 'I am but a humble rustic, ignorant of etiquette; I have offended the divine monk, and I beg your forgiveness.'

The old monk smiled and said, 'Very well, very well…'

Feng Yi laughed and said, 'I don't think that's good at all; look at these people—either obstinate and self-willed, or arrogant and proud, all wishing to devour each other; even if the master forcibly intervenes, it's thankless effort.'

The Sao Di Seng gave a slight smile and said, 'Having devoted myself to the study of Buddhist principles in this Sutra Pavilion for decades, I have come to understand that all things in the world possess their own reason and condition; what our temple's patriarch and successive eminent monks sought was to use this to ferry and transform sentient beings, averting harm and avoiding disaster; if I could resolve the obsessions of these two, it would also be a merit for the world's people and all beings—why would I need to curry favor?'

Feng Yi calmly said, 'You, not being a fish, how can you know the joy of fish?'

This is a famous line from Zhuangzi; although everyone present is a Buddhist, most are well-versed, they know the meaning of this saying, yet feel that using it here is utterly inappropriate.

The old monk said, 'The layman is indeed a contemporary adept; only then does he know that everything proceeds as one wishes.'

Feng Yi gave a slight smile and said, 'Not bad, the master is indeed a high monk of the present age, naturally having his own intentions.'

Xiao Yuanshan has excessive yang energy, with empty fire rushing upward; Murong Bo, however, has excessive yin, with cold wind trapped inside. To resolve their bodily issues, they need to transform yang into yin and supplement yang with yin, only then can they eliminate the root of illness.

The divine monk first wanted to point out the cause of their ailment, to stir their hearts, then use great supernatural powers to let them undergo death and rebirth, so that their deep grudges and imperial ambitions would return to dust, and they would wholeheartedly take refuge.

Treating the injury is easy, subduing them with force is even easier, yet their deep-seated obsessions are not necessarily so.

Everyone listened half-believing, half-doubting: what does this mean? How can one go from life to death, from death to rebirth, and wholeheartedly take refuge?

Could this old monk really be a descent of gods and Buddhas?

【61】 Could this old monk really be a descent of gods and Buddhas?

Then I saw the old monk's features blurred and indistinct, as if shrouded in shadow; he spoke in a deep voice: 'Layman, you should know what is meant by "can be understood but not expressed in words".'

【62】 Then I saw the old monk's features blurred and indistinct, as if shrouded in shadow; he spoke in a deep voice: "Layman, you should know what is meant by 'can be understood but not expressed in words'."

At this moment, Murong father and son were not in a hurry to leave.

Translation: "At this moment, the Murong father and son were also not in a hurry to leave." We'll translate.

【63】 At this moment, the Murong father and son were also not in a hurry to leave.

Feng Yi gave a slight smile and said: "Don't blame me, Master, but once I met two people; one had killed the other's family, and their hatred was irreconcilable. I killed the murderer, letting the other vent their hatred, and then revived him. As for this grudge, they no longer mention it. But do you know what the final outcome was?"

Translation: "Feng Yi smiled slightly and said: 'Don't blame me, Master; once I met two people—one killed the other's family, their hatred was irreconcilable, so I killed the murderer, letting the other vent her hatred, then revived him; they no longer mention that grudge. But do you know what the final outcome was?'" We'll translate.

【64】 Feng Yi smiled slightly and said: "Don't blame me, Master; once I met two people—one killed the other's family, their hatred was irreconcilable, so I killed the murderer, letting the other vent her hatred, then revived him; they no longer mention that grudge. But do you know what the final outcome was?"

"What?" Azhi asked.

Translation: "'What?' A Zi asked."

【65】 "What?" A Zi asked.

Feng Yi said: "They say I rely on my high martial arts, pretend to be divine, recklessly control their lives, making me a martial-world swindler who doesn't treat them as people!"

【66】 Feng Yi said: "They say I rely on my high martial arts, pretend to be divine, recklessly control their lives, making me a martial-world swindler who doesn't treat them as people!"

"Pfft—" Azhi burst out laughing: "They couldn't possibly be girls, could they?"

Translation: "'Pfft—' A Zi laughed, saying: 'They couldn't be girls, could they?'" We'll keep the dash.

【67】 "Pfft—" A Zi laughed, saying: "They couldn't be girls, could they?"

Feng Yi said: "This has nothing to do with gender." His gaze shifted: "Old Hero Xiao, if Murong Bo were to die now and then come back to life, and you could heal his wounds, could you and he become good friends?"

【68】 Feng Yi said: "This has nothing to do with gender." His gaze shifted: "Old Hero Xiao, if Murong Bo were to die now and then come back to life, and you could heal his wounds, could you and he become good friends?"

Xiao Yuanshan recalled his wife's tragic death, his forehead flushed with blood, he clenched his fists, his knuckles crackling, his eyes blazing, he glared at Murong Bo and gritted his teeth: "This old bastard killed my beloved wife, ruined my life; I wish to cut him into mincemeat with a thousand cuts, how could I heal his wounds and be friends with him?"

【69】 Xiao Yuanshan recalled his wife's tragic death, his forehead flushed with blood, he clenched his fists, his knuckles crackling, his eyes blazing, he glared at Murong Bo and gritted his teeth: "This old bastard killed my beloved wife, ruined my life; I wish to cut him into mincemeat with a thousand cuts, how could I heal his wounds and be friends with him?"

Xiao Yuanshan was once a bold and honest hero of the frontier, having been childhood sweethearts with his wife, deeply in love, but after the upheaval at Yumen Pass, his heart filled with hatred, becoming increasingly vicious. After living in seclusion near the Shaolin Temple for decades, hiding by day and moving at night, diligently practicing martial arts, he hardly spoke a word to others for a year, his temperament changed drastically; in his scheming, even masters like Xuan Ku and Qiao Sanhuai and his wife died at his hands.

Translation: "Xiao Yuanshan was originally a bold and sincere hero of the northern frontier; he and his wife were childhood sweethearts, loving each other, but due to the upheaval at Yumen Pass, his heart filled with hatred, becoming increasingly vicious. After living in seclusion near Shaolin Temple for decades, hiding by day and moving at night, diligently practicing martial arts, he hardly spoke a sentence or two with others in a year, his temperament changed drastically; painstakingly scheming, even Master Xuan Ku and Qiao Sanhuai's couple died at his hands." We'll translate.

【70】 Xiao Yuanshan was originally a bold and sincere hero of the northern frontier; he and his wife were childhood sweethearts, loving each other, but due to the upheaval at Yumen Pass, his heart filled with hatred, becoming increasingly vicious. After living in seclusion near Shaolin Temple for decades, hiding by day and moving at night, diligently practicing martial arts, he hardly spoke a sentence or two with others in a year, his temperament changed drastically; painstakingly scheming, even Master Xuan Ku and Qiao Sanhuai's couple died at his hands.

He first took the son of Xuan Ci and Ye Erniang from Ye Erniang's hands, causing both to suffer the pain of losing a child, just like himself, all so that one day he could openly avenge this blood feud with ruthless means.

Translation: "He first took the son of Xuan Ci and Lady Ye from Ye's hands, making them both suffer the loss of a son just like him, in order to one day openly avenge this blood feud with vicious means." We'll translate.

【71】 He first took the son of Xuan Ci and Lady Ye from Ye's hands, making them both suffer the loss of a son just like him, in order to one day openly avenge this blood feud with vicious means.

And this Murong Bo, who spread false rumors and caused the tragedy, was actually hiding near the temple alongside him, having crossed swords with him three times.

Translation: "And the Murong Bo who spread false news, causing the tragedy, was actually Yan Longyuan, who hid near the temple with him and fought him three times." We'll translate.

【72】 And the Murong Bo who spread false news, causing the tragedy, was actually Yan Longyuan, who hid near the temple with him and fought him three times.

This fury and deception made him wish to eat his flesh and sleep on his skin, to extract his tendons and burn his bones, and yet talk of resolving hatred and becoming friends—just hearing these words made Xiao Yuanshan's face twist.

Translation: "This anger and deception made him wish to eat his flesh, sleep on his skin, extract his tendons and burn his bones; and yet speaking of resolving hatred and being friends just made Xiao Yuanshan's face twist." We'll translate.

【73】 This anger and deception made him wish to eat his flesh, sleep on his skin, extract his tendons and burn his bones; and yet speaking of resolving hatred and being friends just made Xiao Yuanshan's face twist.

Feng Yi smiled and said: "Divine monk, you have seen all this; your ideas may not be what others hope for. Moreover, with your great supernatural powers, you could let these two old ones let go of their deep-seated hatred, even achieve imperial ambitions—but what about the young ones?"

Translation: "Feng Yi smiled and said: 'Divine monk, you've seen all this; your thoughts may not be what others wish; besides, your great supernatural powers could let these two old ones let go of their blood-deep feud and achieve imperial ambitions, but what about the young one?'" We'll translate.

【74】 Feng Yi smiled and said: "Divine monk, you've seen all this; your thoughts may not be what others wish; besides, your great supernatural powers could let these two old ones let go of their blood-deep feud and achieve imperial ambitions, but what about the young one?"

If Murong Sir truly awakens and abandons his quest to restore the kingdom, what then of Murong's son?

Translation: "If Murong Sir truly awakens and gives up restoring the state, what will become of Murong's heir?" We'll translate.

【75】 If Murong Sir truly awakens and gives up restoring the state, what will become of Murong's heir?

He had been educated since childhood to restore the kingdom, but his father suddenly gave up; being young and shallow in skill, his mindset would inevitably collapse—if later the proud and arrogant Southern Murong becomes a ruthless martial-arts scoundrel for the sake of restoration, what then?

Translation: "He was educated from childhood to restore the state, but his father suddenly gave up; he is young, his strength shallow, his mindset bound to collapse; if later the proud southern Murong becomes a martial-world scoundrel who stops at nothing to restore the state, what then?" We'll translate.

【76】 He was educated from childhood to restore the state, but his father suddenly gave up; he is young, his strength shallow, his mindset bound to collapse; if later the proud southern Murong becomes a martial-world scoundrel who stops at nothing to restore the state, what then?

And what about the innocents who died because of these two troublemakers—are they, in the master's eyes, merely fleeting clouds?

Translation: "And what about the innocents who died because of these two troublemakers—are they, in the master's eyes, merely fleeting clouds?" We'll translate.

【77】 And what about the innocents who died because of these two troublemakers—are they, in the master's eyes, merely fleeting clouds?

Feng Yi's words left Murong father and son deeply puzzled—where does this even begin?

Translation: "Yet Feng Yi's words left the Murong father and son deeply puzzled—where does this even begin?" We'll translate.

【78】 Yet Feng Yi's words left the Murong father and son deeply puzzled—where does this even begin?

But the sweep‑old monk's cloudy eyes suddenly shone like sparks, their light awe‑inspiring, making one dare not stare; Feng Yi's eyes also grew brighter, like cold stars.

Translation: "But the sweeping old monk's murky eyes turned bright as sparks, his light awe-inspiring, making one dare not stare; Feng Yi's eyes also grew brighter, like a cold star." We'll translate.

【79】 But the sweeping old monk's murky eyes turned bright as sparks, his light awe-inspiring, making one dare not stare; Feng Yi's eyes also grew brighter, like a cold star.

Most of those present were experts; a mere glance made them feel a prickling on their backs, and a sudden gust rose from the ground, blowing people's clothes and hair; in an instant this airflow seemed to solidify, so that onlookers could no longer see the two clearly.

Translation: "Most on the scene were experts; a brief gaze caused a prickling sensation on the back, and a sudden gust rose from the ground, blowing people's clothes and hair; in an instant this airflow condensed as if tangible, making it impossible for others to see the two clearly." We'll translate.

【80】 Most on the scene were experts; a brief gaze caused a prickling sensation on the back, and a sudden gust rose from the ground, blowing people's clothes and hair; in an instant this airflow condensed as if tangible, making it impossible for others to see the two clearly.

This strange sensation was as if an invisible, thick wall had risen around them, blocking everyone's sight; such marvels left everyone feeling awestruck and uneasy.

Translation: "This strange feeling was as if an invisible thick wall had risen around them, blocking everyone's sight; such miraculous events left everyone feeling startled and uneasy." We'll translate.

【81】 This strange feeling was as if an invisible thick wall had risen around them, blocking everyone's sight; such miraculous events left everyone feeling startled and uneasy.

Feng Yi and the sweeping monk each knew the other's formidable skill—one excelled in youthful vigor, the other in deep, steady mastery.

Translation: "Feng Yi and the sweeping monk each knew the other formidable; one had youth and vigor, the other deep and stable skill." We'll translate.

【82】 Feng Yi and the sweeping monk each knew the other formidable; one had youth and vigor, the other deep and stable skill.

Feng Yi mastered the Soul‑Moving Great Art, which can disturb people's hearts and minds; from the outset he opposed every move of the sweeping monk, seeking to dissipate his momentum, test his substance, charge his emptiness, then guide with the momentum—a product of exhaustive deliberation, launching all‑out attacks on the sweeping monk. Yet the sweeping monk's profound cultivation made him as immovable as a stone in the middle of a river—though shaken, he could not be swayed.

Translation: "Feng Yi mastered the Soul-Moving Great Art, which can disturb people's hearts and minds; from the start, his every action toward the sweeping monk was more obstructive, aiming to dissipate his momentum, probe his substance, charge his emptiness, then guide him along—this was the result of painstaking thought, launching all kinds of attacks on the sweeping monk. However, the sweeping monk's cultivation was profound, like a unified whole, like a boulder in the river's midst; though shaken, he remained unmoved." We'll translate.

【83】 Feng Yi mastered the Soul-Moving Great Art, which can disturb people's hearts and minds; from the start, his every action toward the sweeping monk was more obstructive, aiming to dissipate his momentum, probe his substance, charge his emptiness, then guide him along—this was the result of painstaking thought, launching all kinds of attacks on the sweeping monk. However, the sweeping monk's cultivation was profound, like a unified whole, like a boulder in the river's midst; though shaken, he remained unmoved.

Yet he could not withstand Feng Yi's myriad schemes of disturbance, which aroused in him a fire of ignorance.

Translation: "Yet he could not withstand Feng Yi's myriad schemes of disturbance, which aroused his fire of ignorance." We'll translate.

【84】 Yet he could not withstand Feng Yi's myriad schemes of disturbance, which aroused his fire of ignorance.

After all, he had long planned the fate of Xiao Yuanshan and Murong Bo, but Feng Yi insisted on stirring the waters—even a clay figure has a spark of fire.

Translation: "After all, he had long planned the fates of Xiao Yuanshan and Murong Bo, but Feng Yi insisted on stirring the muddy water—even a clay figure has some fire." We'll translate.

【85】 After all, he had long planned the fates of Xiao Yuanshan and Murong Bo, but Feng Yi insisted on stirring the muddy water—even a clay figure has some fire.

Though this clash of the two supreme masters lacked the violent aura that shattered tables when Xiao Feng and others fought, everyone knew they were secretly channeling divine power, contending with internal energy and will; the slightest mistake would be fatal, making it far more perilous than a physical fight.

Translation: "The battle between these two top masters, though lacking the violent aura that shattered tables when Xiao Feng and others fought, everyone knew they were secretly exercising divine skill, contending with internal skill and mental strength; a slight mistake meant no hope, far more perilous than physical combat." We'll translate.

【86】 The battle between these two top masters, though lacking the violent aura that shattered tables when Xiao Feng and others fought, everyone knew they were secretly exercising divine skill, contending with internal skill and mental strength; a slight mistake meant no hope, far more perilous than physical combat.

Gradually, everyone felt the entire Sutra Pavilion beginning to heave and tremble—even its pillars and beams groaned, dust sifting down, yet none of it fell on Feng Yi or the sweeping monk.

Translation: "Gradually, everyone felt the Sutra Pavilion beginning to sway and vibrate; even its pillars and beams groaned, dust sifting down, yet none fell on Feng Yi or the sweeping monk's heads." We'll translate.

【87】 Gradually, everyone felt the Sutra Pavilion beginning to sway and vibrate; even its pillars and beams groaned, dust sifting down, yet none fell on Feng Yi or the sweeping monk's heads.

Suddenly the sweeping monk gave a self‑mocking chuckle, murmuring to himself: "Heaven's will is hard to fathom; I am but an ordinary mortal, and some things may be beyond change, yet I still wish to give it a try—this is the meaning of practice, isn't it?"

Translation: "Suddenly the sweeping monk gave a self-mocking smile, muttering: 'Heaven's will is hard to fathom; I am but an ordinary mortal; some things may be unchangeable, yet I still wish to try my best—this is the meaning of cultivation, isn't it?'" We'll translate.

【88】 Suddenly the sweeping monk gave a self-mocking smile, muttering: "Heaven's will is hard to fathom; I am but an ordinary mortal; some things may be unchangeable, yet I still wish to try my best—this is the meaning of cultivation, isn't it?"

Feng Yi laughed heartily: "Master, those words are good."

Translation: "Feng Yi laughed heartily: 'Master, your words are sound.'" We'll translate.

【89】 Feng Yi laughed heartily: "Master, your words are sound."

"However, I have a bad premonition..." He paused slightly, then continued: "But my likes and dislikes follow my heart; if I follow your thoughts, I fear I might truly lose!"

Translation: "'But I have a bad feeling…' He paused slightly, then continued: 'Yet my likes and dislikes follow my heart; if I follow your thoughts, I fear I might truly lose!'" We'll translate.

【90】 "But I have a bad feeling…" He paused slightly, then continued: "Yet my likes and dislikes follow my heart; if I follow your thoughts, I fear I might truly lose!"

The old monk calmly said: "Isn't that why you came to see me?"

Translation: "The old monk lightly said: 'Isn't that why you came to see me?'" We'll translate.

【91】 The old monk lightly said: "Isn't that why you came to see me?"

"Oh?" Feng Yi frowned, saying: "Please enlighten me, Divine Monk."

Translation: "'Oh?' Feng Yi frowned, saying: 'Please enlighten me, Divine Monk!'" We'll translate.

【92】 "Oh?" Feng Yi frowned, saying: "Please enlighten me, Divine Monk!"

=9+book_ba

Translation: keep as is.

【93】 =9+book_ba

The old monk said: "You have defeated all under heaven; isn't it that you hope to feel a threat from me, to arouse your desire to win, so that on the thorn‑strewn path of martial arts you can advance further?"

Translation: "The old monk said: 'You've defeated all under heaven; isn't it that you hope to feel a threat from me, to ignite your desire to win, so that on this thorny martial path you can advance further?'" We'll translate.

【94】 The old monk said: "You've defeated all under heaven; isn't it that you hope to feel a threat from me, to ignite your desire to win, so that on this thorny martial path you can advance further?"

Feng Yi pondered briefly, then smiled: "In any case, the divine monk has indeed bested me by one move! Thank you for the instruction."

Translation: "Feng Yi pondered briefly, then smiled: 'No matter what, Divine Monk truly has the upper hand; I accept your teaching!'" We'll translate.

【95】 Feng Yi pondered briefly, then smiled: "No matter what, Divine Monk truly has the upper hand; I accept your teaching!"

As he spoke, he flicked his sleeves; the aura wall between them turned into a gust that swept outward, leaving several people breathless.

Translation: "As he spoke, his sleeves brushed lightly; the qi wall between them turned into a swift wind, sweeping outward, causing several people to hold their breath." We'll translate.

【96】 As he spoke, his sleeves brushed lightly; the qi wall between them turned into a swift wind, sweeping outward, causing several people to hold their breath.

The old monk's gaze also dimmed, he resumed the appearance of someone at death's door, his eyes slightly closed, palms together before his chest, and said: "If the layperson can understand, that would be best; sorry, sorry!"

Suddenly, he took a big step, covering several zhang, raised his hand and slapped down toward Murong Bo's head.

Murong Fu had been exerting all his strength to resist the intense bodily pain, but who would have thought this old monk moved like a ghost, striking toward him; realizing it was bad, he hastily raised his hand to block, his thoughts scattered, yet his strike came without hesitation; as soon as he raised his hand, his body floated backward.

This raising of the hand, this floating of the body, appeared ordinary, but in fact his defensive posture was both strict and graceful; it could truly be said to have reached the utmost limit, nothing could be added.

Everyone in the pavilion were martial arts masters; upon seeing him execute these two moves, they all silently exclaimed in admiration, even Xiao Yuanshan and his son could not help but be impressed.

Who would have expected that with a soft "pu", the Sweeping Monk's palm struck Murong Bo's forehead; Murong Bo's whole body shuddered and he fell backward.

Those inside the pavilion couldn't help but startle, and then their faces all turned ashen.

Murong Bo's family martial arts had already shaken the martial world, and over the past thirty years he had also studied Shaolin's supreme techniques, yet before this old monk he had no power to retaliate; the shock to their hearts was like a thunderclap from the heavens.

Especially Jiumozhi, who knew he had just brushed past the gates of hell, had still wanted to test the opponent's high-level moves; if not for the old monk's lack of intention to fight him, he would truly have faced death and disgrace; thinking of this, he broke out in a cold sweat, his lingering fear unabated.

Murong Fu trembled all over, his grief beyond measure, he stumbled and fell to the ground, lying on his father's body, crying out loudly: "Father, father!"

Ah Zhu stared at Murong Bo's corpse, dazed as if foolish, tears streaming incessantly.

Xiao Feng and the others felt utterly bewildered, unable to understand how this monk of vast supernatural powers and profound Buddhist learning could deal such a vicious blow.

Moreover, how exactly did he accomplish this?

As for what Feng Yi said about "life from death," they didn't understand it, after all there is no reason to first beat someone to death then treat his injuries; they thought the two were just putting on a deep show, and no one believed it.

Feng Yi had just been matching internal energy and mental strength with the old monk, but he not only failed to disturb the opponent's mind, he felt as if he were lost in an endless wilderness, utterly unfathomable; naturally he knew he could not prevail over the opponent, as the old monk said, he could only hope to win through technique, perhaps under pressure he could truly make progress, so he withdrew his strength and let the old monk display his might.

Knowing he was about to strike Murong Bo, he stared unblinkingly, trying to discern the old monk's depth.

In his view, Murong Fu's advance and retreat, though exquisite, always had that instant of a gap when connecting the moves; for an ordinary person, that gap would not give the opponent an opportunity.

But the Sweeping Monk seized that gap, his arm trembling, his palm seeming to lengthen by two feet, rendering Murong Fu's advance and retreat completely futile.

Feng Yi also understood, the Sweeping Monk's cultivation had reached the point where he could adjust himself according to the opponent's speed; although his strike seemed not particularly fast, in reality it was like someone suddenly attacking an ordinary person. Even if he had no martial arts, he would involuntarily make a natural conditioned response.

Such a method is truly the marvel hidden in the mundane.

This made Feng Yi feel that he might truly not be a match for the Sweeping Monk; if he wanted to win, his only advantage would be physical strength.

The Sweeping Monk knocked down Murong Bo, shocking everyone, yet he himself acted as if nothing had happened, slowly walking toward Xiao Yuanshan.

Xiao Feng suddenly thought: "Feng Yi said the two go from life to death; if he struck Murong Bo, does that mean his father too?"

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel alarmed, his internal energy spreading throughout his body to guard against any sudden change.

Feng Yi also circulated his qi throughout his body; he wanted to see, under the Xiao family father and son's full defense, how the sweeping monk could succeed.

In the original plot, after being beaten, was it that he genuinely respected Xiao Feng's demeanor and deliberately yielded, or was he simply unable to match his strength?

Seeing the old monk step toward Xiao Yuanshan, each step seemed to strike the heart; Xiao Yuanshan stood dazed, not knowing whether it was because the enemy he had longed for had been killed by someone else, leaving him bewildered, or what.

"You old bald thief!"

Murong Fu checked his father's nostrils—no breath, heartbeat stopped; his grief fell silent, he leaned the corpse against the pillar, let out a fierce shout, leapt out, and lunged at the old monk like a mad tiger.

Murong Fu thought his father was already dead, but to his shock he was still alive—only to die again in an instant at the hands of this old monk who spoke of mercy, causing heart-rending pain; knowing he could not defeat the old monk, he still resolved to fight to the death, his advance extremely fierce.

Yet the old monk heard and saw nothing, ignoring him completely; Murong Fu thrust both palms forward to within two feet of the monk, suddenly feeling as if he had struck an invisible qi wall, or been caught in a fishing net—his palm force was fierce but found no purchase, rebounding off the wall and slamming him into a bookshelf behind.

Everyone saw Murong Fu's fierce charge and expected the rebound to be equally fierce, yet who would have thought his back hit the bookshelf— the shelf did not collapse, nor did a single volume of the scriptures stacked upon it fall.

Murong Fu was merely a little out of breath.

Such a method is simply shocking to the world, making one's heart tremble at the sight; this move is far harder than just killing Murong Bo moments ago.

Little did they know Murong Fu's panting was feigned; he was very alert, though grieving his father's death, he knew the old monk's martial skill exceeded his own by more than tenfold, and even with all his strength he could not prevail; thus he leaned against the bookshelf, pretending to pant continuously while secretly plotting how to launch a surprise attack—after all, as a son he must avenge his father!

A Zhu hurried over and asked, "Master, how are you?"

Murong Fu gave no reply, deliberately panting heavily, his breath unceasing.

"Hard Extreme Reverses Soft!" Feng Yi said softly: "Since I left the mountains, this is the first time I've seen anyone display such a technique on a top-tier master— truly, one in the world!"

The phrase "one in the world!" spoken by him carries a weight beyond words.

The God Mountain Elder could not help but ask: "May I ask, Sir Feng, what is Hard Extreme Reverses Soft?"

Feng Yi smiled: "Although Murong Fu's palm strength is not equal to yours, it is not small; to neutralize his palm and send him rebounding, one must possess fierce, vigorous strength.

But if one had only sheer strength, rebounding him would surely injure him and even break the bookshelf.

Yet Murong Fu was sent flying in a smooth, round motion, as if someone had placed him gently at the edge of the bookshelf— he suffered not the slightest injury, and the shelf bore not a crack; compared to shaking him so hard as to collapse the shelf, this is ten times harder, and this power is what is called Hard Extreme Reverses Soft!

The crowd listened, dazed, and A Zi said: "Elder brother, can you do it?"

Feng Yi smiled and said: "No!"

Feng Yi has the ability to shake Murong Fu out from a distance of one or two feet, but to do it just right is beyond him.

Because this technique requires precise control— that is, extremely pure internal energy; he has abundant strength but lacks purity.

For internal purity depends entirely on years of gradual refinement; he has only trained a few years at most, so even the sweeping monk, let alone anyone else present, surpasses him.

The old monk said calmly: "Elder Xiao, Murong the elder killed your wife, but you killed our temple's Master Xuanku; let me collect this blood debt as well!"

Saying this, he struck with a palm like a mountain covering the top.

Xiao Feng shouted: "Stop!"

He had been gathering strength, and knowing the old monk could kill Murong Bo he could also kill his father, he thrust both palms forward to strike the monk's chest— the Dragon Subduing Palm held back nothing, it was a full-force strike, hoping to force the monk to defend himself with a palm.

The old monk extended his left palm to block Xiao Feng's incoming double palms, while his right palm continued to strike Xiao Yuanshan's head.

Xiao Yuanshan had not thought to defend, but at the instant the old monk's right palm touched his forehead, the monk suddenly shouted and redirected his right palm to strike Xiao Feng.

Xiao Feng's double palms were locked against the monk's left palm; seeing the right palm turn to attack him, he immediately withdrew his left palm to block, shouting at the same time: "Father, hurry, hurry!"

Who would have known the monk's right palm changing direction mid-move was merely a feint, meant to draw away one of Xiao Feng's palm forces to lessen the push against himself.

Once Xiao Feng's left palm withdrew, the monk's right palm turned and struck Xiao Yuanshan's forehead with a soft "thud."

At that moment Xiao Feng's palm was about to strike the monk's chest,

Feng Yi gave a clear shout: "Stop!"

Xiao Feng shuddered violently, a flash of disbelief in his eyes; in an instant, Feng Yi's palm flashed like lightning to meet Xiao Feng's palm aimed at the sweeping monk's chest.

With a "boom," Feng Yi and Xiao Feng were each shaken back.

Feng Yi shook his hand and said: "Brother Xiao, your Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms are truly hard!"

The sweeping monk smiled slightly: "Both of your palm strengths are truly excellent!"

Xiao Feng heard this, startled, and hurried to look at his father.

Feng Yi laughed: "Master truly treats Brother Xiao exceedingly well— willing to suffer injury himself rather than let him come to any harm; truly utmost compassion!" (End of chapter)

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