Chapter 250: Those who live are followers of death; those who die are the beginning of life

Everyone headed west again, walking for most of the day, when A Zhu suddenly said, 'Feng Yi, what exactly did you do to the young master?'

She thought that since Deng BaiChuan and the others weren't dead, Murong Fu should also be alive, but Feng Yi surely hadn't done nothing, so unable to contain her curiosity, she asked.

Feng Yi said softly, 'Those who live are followers of death; those who die are the beginning of life!'

A Zhu asked strangely, 'What do you mean?'

Feng Yi said lightly, 'From now on, Murong Fu will be just like his father.'

A Zhu was startled, her expression quite odd, and Huang Wan'er hesitantly asked, 'Could you have used the Soul-Moving Great Method?'

Feng Yi nodded slightly and said, 'Exactly, I used the Soul-Moving Method to confuse his will.'

'What?' A Zhu was furious, 'How can you do this?'

She knew that for Murong Fu, this would practically make him an idiot; such a drastic change, even if heaven collapsed and earth split, would be hard to compare.

Feng Yi said, 'In life, one cannot avoid being obstinate; for example, martial artists want to be the best in the world, scholars want to be top scorers, and some, upon seeing a beautiful woman, want to possess her. In short, it's an obsession with winning and losing.'

The best and highest things in the world should belong to me, but once one can see through victory and defeat, even transcend life and death, whether heaven collapses and earth splits or there is utter silence, in his heart it remains as still as a calm lake, without a ripple—that is what a true master of the Dao is!

A Zhu wondered, 'What does this have to do with how you treat the young master?'

Feng Yi said, 'Murong Fu has always been arrogant, not putting anyone in the world in his eyes; even Brother Xiao, who is his equal in fame, he never truly regarded. But once he entered the jianghu and suffered a major setback, even his father left him, his lifelong pursuit collapsed, and without realizing it, his nature changed greatly.'

The notion that everyone is hateful and deserves to die has already sprouted, and he cannot escape it no matter what.

Given his abilities, even Brother Xiao and I together cannot subdue him; to give him liberation and also a good outcome for some, the only way is to change his mindset and let him choose anew.

A Zhu murmured, 'Choice?'

A Zi wondered doubtfully, 'Why go through all this trouble? Since you'd rather kill mistakenly than leave future troubles, what would killing him change?'

'That said!' Feng Yi sighed with a bitter smile, 'But Murong Fu is also a pitiful person; what he obsesses over is something Brother Duan had from birth, while what Brother Duan longs for is easily within Murong Fu's grasp.'

He pointed a hand to the sky: 'Everything is under the sole control of the high heavens. Of course, it's not just them—kings and ministers, merchants and laborers, even beasts and livestock—all things in this world are under its gaze.'

Looking across history, upward thousands of years, downward thousands of years, who has not once borne proud bones? Yet reality is too cruel; faced with the world's collapse and sudden sorrow, one is powerless.

Indeed, the more one looks, the more heartbreaking it feels, and the more one feels that Murong Fu's fate is no different from our own.

Toiling away, laboring a lifetime, striving a lifetime, in the end all turn to dust!

He emphasized each word: 'Many can understand this principle, yet to still strive and struggle for one's goals—this attitude toward life is worthy of respect and affirmation.'

He then eased his tone: 'But Murong Fu is also a source of trouble, especially since he might harm those close to me; naturally I must do something to guarantee safety, yet there's no need to take his life.'

A Zhu saw that although his face was calm, his actions were unpredictable, and she remained unconvinced, she said earnestly, 'If you say worldly affairs follow heavenly will, yet you intervene—what principle is that?'

Who else knows what the heavenly will is? Perhaps the heavens just want the young master to succeed in restoring his kingdom—hmph, you speak nicely, merely finding an excuse to make yourself feel at ease.

Feng Yi said calmly, 'I know you have deep feelings for Murong Fu, but have you considered that between people, everything is judged by one's own likes and dislikes.'

'Even if we say bad people do bad deeds, she herself might not see it that way—just as you love Brother Xiao to the point of death, does everyone share your perception?'

Who knows how many people wish him dead!

Including A Zi, many say she's vicious and ruthless, but I, as an executioner, say she's lively and lovable, daring and bold—what do I care what others think?

A Zhu half-understood, thought it over, and sighed, 'Alright, why do you think the young master would harm those close to you?'

Feng Yi said slowly, 'Murong Fu's ambition to restore his kingdom is deeply entrenched; today he could think of taking over the Beggars' Sect and making it his own,'

Tomorrow, if the Western Xia Emperor were to seek a prince consort for his daughter, Murong Fu would surely go to contend for it.

If he fails to become a prince consort, he would also think of using the Dali Duan Clan to fulfill his dream of restoring his kingdom.

In short, as long as the Murongs live, their resolve cannot be broken!

So, do you think the Dali Duan Clan is related to me?

A Zi clapped and laughed, 'Of course! You ought to relieve the worries of your father-in-law.'

Feng Yi chuckled, 'Actually, what I'm doing is both to prevent future trouble and for Murong Fu's own good.'

He keeps tossing and turning, but in the end he will end up as Brother Xiao said—defeated and disgraced.

Think about it: Murong Bo once plotted to harm Xiao Yuan Shan; one could say his aim succeeded, for war indeed broke out between Song and Liao, but peace soon returned, with no prolonged conflict to give Murong an opportunity.

Speaking somewhat mythically, the schemes of the Murong clan concern the fate of all under heaven; wanting to be emperor yet lacking heavenly mandate, aside from causing more deaths, it brings no benefit.

A Zhu, dazed by his words, blurted, 'What is heavenly mandate upon the body? You're just a charlatan.'

'Han Gaozu rose from the grassroots, he achieved a hegemonic enterprise—could it really be just because of heavenly mandate upon the body?'

Feng Yi smiled slightly and said, 'How do you know Liu Bang's rebellion lacked heavenly mandate upon the body, and that anyone in commoner's garb could attain imperial nobility?'

Put simply, Liu Bang and Qin Shi Huang were roughly the same age; if Qin Shi Huang had lived a few more years, had Liu Bang's lifespan, living to seventy, then Han Gaozu and the Western Chu Hegemon would be nothing more than ordinary subjects under the Qin emperor, unlikely to make any waves in history.

Furthermore, when Murong Fu heard of turmoil in the Beggars' Sect, he thought there was an opportunity, yet just as they were discussing it, we happened to meet—this is the heavens' hidden design.

Whether it's me or Brother Xiao, either we make him awaken, or we kill him to eliminate future trouble.

No matter what, he can never achieve good fortune!

This is Murong Fu's fate!

A Zhu stared, lost in thought.

Having grown up in the Murong household, she had a preconceived impression of Murong Fu, but hearing Feng Yi's words, she seemed to faintly grasp something.

Indeed, whether it's the old master or the young master, they've toiled hard all their lives, yet whatever they schemed always fell just short.

It seemed merely a matter of luck.

And blaming this luck on heavenly mandate is not improper.

Xiao Feng comforted her, 'A Zhu, in fact Murong Fu has also been driven to a dead end; he too ultimately seeks liberation.'

'A dead end?' A Zhu murmured, 'How is it a dead end?'

Xiao Feng said, 'Upon learning his father was still alive, Murong Fu's emotions should have boiled over, but Murong Bo abandoned everything and became a monk; his mood instantly plunged to freezing point.'

Furthermore, the Murong clan's schemes being exposed to the public—not just jianghu heroes, but the Song Dynasty court will soon know.

How could Murong Fu not know? He had long been utterly disheartened, hence he said that Swallow's Mound could no longer be returned to.

He appears proud but is actually lonely; when Brother Feng struck, he offered no defense, bent on seeking death—yet if he could forget the past and grow old with Miss Wang in the wilderness, perhaps that too would be a kind of happiness. As he spoke, his gaze shifted and fell on Duan Yu.

Duan Yu, since parting with Wang Yuyan, has not spoken a word, merely sitting on his horse, dazed.

Everyone knew his thoughts, so none dared to speak with him; only Zhong Ling exchanged occasional words, but Duan Yu paid no attention.

Ruan Xingzhu suddenly sighed, 'This Dali heir is really a bit foolish; but if all men in the world were like him, there would not be so many pitiful women in this world.'

Having said that, her gaze swept toward Duan Zhengchun.

Duan Zhengchun felt his heart warm, showing a sorrowful look, and sighed, 'Feng Yi, is that Miss Wang really that good?'

He knew his son had taken a liking to a girl, but had never met her and felt it improper to ask; thinking Feng Yi was as amorous as himself, he felt he had the right to speak on whether a woman was good or not.

Feng Yi glanced at him, then looked at Huang Wan'er, seeing her smile silently; he then looked at A Zi, whose eyes held reproach, and said, 'This Miss Wang comes from a prestigious family, is extraordinarily beautiful, and has deep ties with the Free and Easy Sect.'

'The Free and Easy Sect?'

'Deep ties?'

Duan Zhengchun and the Mei Lan Zhu Ju women all asked in unison.

Feng Yi nodded and said, 'This Miss Wang's maternal grandfather is the former sect leader of the Free and Easy Sect, Wu Ya Zi; he once secluded himself with his junior sister Li Qiu Shui in Mount Wuliang of Dali, where they had a daughter named Li Qing Luo!'

Duan Zhengchun exclaimed, 'Mount Wuliang? Li Qing Luo?'

Feng Yi slightly nodded, 'Yes, Li Qing Luo is indeed Miss Wang's mother.'

Duan Zhengchun, his feelings mixed, murmured, 'How old is this Miss Wang?'

Duan Yu's body trembled; suddenly recalling Feng Yi's story, he could not help but wonder, 'Could Miss Wang also truly be my sister? Lady Wang and Zhong Ling's mother are both like that with my father.' All these doubts surged into his heart.

Ruan Xingzhu's eyes shifted: 'So it's the Wang family's daughter from Gusu; heehee, didn't the elder sister of the Qin family once go with her daughter to kill her?'

Duan Yu suddenly understood; he knew Mu Wanqing had once said she and her master—i. e., her mother—had gone to Suzhou to kill a woman surnamed Wang, which is why her pursuers chased her to Dali; it turned out also because Lady Wang was his father's lover.

He could not help but recall Feng Yi's story: the one who likes him is his sister, and the one he likes is also his sister; Duan Yu had been rejoicing that his luck was better than his.

Who would have thought it would be the same as him?

Xiao Feng and A Zhu exchanged a glance, both feeling apprehensive, both thinking, 'Could Feng Yi truly foresee the future?'

What seemed like a story was actually their original fate.

'Father, could Miss Wang also be my sister?' Duan Yu shouted, 'Father, just how many lovers do you have?'

Seeing his son stare foolishly at him, eyes red, tears welling but not falling, his heart ached, Duan Zhengchun said, 'Yu'er, don't talk nonsense; how can you sully someone's purity?'

He knew he and Li Qing Luo were husband and wife in fact, but could not thereby confirm that Wang Yuyan must be his daughter; to be sure, he would need to know Wang Yuyan's birthday.

But when everyone saw Duan Zhengchun speak thus, they lifted their heads to the sky, faces showing excitement, as if recalling past events, their hearts filled with longing.

Duan Yu's tears flowed uncontrollably; this cruel reality was indeed true, he suddenly reined his horse and turned away.

'Yu...' Duan Zhengchun waved his hand, gazing at his son's desolate silhouette, wanting to call out, but his throat seemed blocked; he reached out uselessly toward the direction his son vanished, then let his hand drop limply. Everyone watched, their hearts bright; Wang Yuyan's love for Murong Fu is profound, unless forced by outside power, no matter what Duan Yu does, it remains a fleeting illusion.

Xiao Feng then called for Duan Yu to leave, knowing that if he continued to entangle with Wang Yuyan, it would still be an unsolvable situation.

Feng Yi naturally saw this as well; his reason for uttering Li Qing Luo's name was precisely to let Duan Yu know that Wang Yuyan is his sister.

Because he felt that love was inherently selfish,

If it were himself, with such adoration for Wang Yuyan, he would naturally kill Murong Fu, or sabotage him from within, tarnish his reputation, to win the beauty.

But Duan Yu is a love saint, or rather his mental realm is too high; his love for Wang Yuyan merely wishes her happiness, and this source need not necessarily be himself.

Feng Yi knows that in such a state, Duan Yu will never be able to be together with Wang Yuyan.

Because Wang Yuyan's heart holds only Murong Fu; despite Duan Yu's repeated self-sacrifices, she feels gratitude but no affection; even if they were together, they would eventually part due to incompatible interests; therefore speaking the truth, relying on this moral principle might perhaps sever his obsession.

Duan Yu is a proper gentleman, utterly unlike Feng Yi's petty nature that can switch freely; hearing that Wang Yuyan might be his own sister, his heart feels a bit relieved yet also aches immensely, so he can only go roam the vast heavens and earth.

Perhaps when his heart becomes like a calm lake, that will be his time to return.

Seeing Duan Yu depart, everyone fell silent; Xiao Feng suddenly burst into laughter and said, 'Brother Feng, are you a deity descended to earth, able to foresee everything?'

Feng Yi asked Ah Zhu, 'Miss Elder Sister, what do you say?'

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Ah Zhu gave him a sideways glance and coldly said, 'Just call me sister, why add "little"? Who would want that?'

Feng Yi laughed and said, 'According to Ah Zi, I should call you elder sister; but from my perspective, even Xiao Feng must call me big brother, so calling you Miss Elder Sister doesn't put you at a loss, right?'

Ah Zhu stared at Feng Yi and softly said, 'Feng Yi, without you, would I die?'

Feng Yi knew she was smart, naturally guessed a bit of the truth, yet answered off the point: 'Some things, whenever seen, feel like a dull knife cutting the heart, causing especial pain.'

Although everything is predestined by heaven, after making an effort, even a slight change can bring inner satisfaction; we should joyfully enjoy the present, regardless of the past—this perhaps is the meaning of life!

Ah Zhu sighed, 'Before I thought you were hard to judge as good or evil, everything had a clear purpose, not the conduct of a true man; but now I see you are also a person of utmost emotion and nature, Ah Zi having your favor is not wasted in this life.'

'Over-praised.' Feng Yi said with regret, 'Women are to be coaxed with sincerity, yet often some inner words must make women hurt.'

Women like you are all smart; even if you clearly know sweet lies are false, you still don't want to hear the truth.

Because the truth is too harsh to hear.

Sigh, I am like floating clouds; what I do, as you said, may not be good—let's go and see!

The more Feng Yi remains shrouded in clouds and mist, the more Xiao Feng, Ah Zhu, and others feel he is extraordinary.

Duan Zhengchun raised his head to gaze at the sky, his voice low and slow, filled with reminiscence and longing for the past: 'A single word awakens the dreamer!' He then suddenly burst into laughter.

Ah Zi said, 'Father, what are you laughing at?'

Duan Zhengchun smiled, gave Ruan Xingzhu a slight nod, and thought: 'Just this sentence—women are to be coaxed with sincerity; he has indeed inherited his father's true teachings, no wonder so many women like him!'

Ah Zi, not knowing what her father thinks, also looked at Feng Yi and said, 'I don't care whether it's harsh to the ear; if you don't speak your heartfelt words to me and dare to deceive me, I will dig out your heart.'

Feng Yi burst into laughter: 'Having you accompany me to dispel boredom, never leaving, is a fortune in my life; as long as someone wants to dig out my heart, how could they dare not obey!'

Huang Wan'er, Mei Lan Zhu Ju, and others in unison said, 'What about me?'

Feng Yi pointed at his chest and solemnly said, 'In its heart, you are all the same.'

Having walked for less than a month, they arrived at the Tian Shan Lingjiu Palace,

The maidens of the Nine Heavens Nine Divisions hurriedly arranged the consort's wedding; Ruan Xingzhu even suggested Feng Yi marry Ah Zi, Huang Wan'er, and Mei Lan Zhu Ju together, without distinction of seniority—Huang Wan'er was greatly embarrassed, while Mei Lan Zhu Ju was overjoyed.

Duan Zhengchun, Feng Yi naturally knew Ruan Xingzhu's intention—this was a demonstration against Duan Zhengchun.

However, Feng Yi, as a person of the jianghu, only looks out for himself, so it's naturally of no concern; Duan Zhengchun wanted to do this, which would challenge the common perception of the Dali Kingdom, after all, Dao Bai Feng is a Baiyi person who practices monogamy and does not allow concubines.

Within a month, the lords of the Thirty-Six Islands and the chiefs of the Seventy-Two Caves all came.

Huang Shang, accompanied by his wife, also attended; Feng Yi felt uneasy and said to Huang Shang, 'Feng Yi has actually made your uncle and aunt endure the dust and toil, and also with Wan'er...'

Huang Shang lightly waved his hand: 'No need for more words; to let things take their natural course is heavenly principle and human nature.'

Feng Yi saw his carefree attitude and said no more.

That night, a grand banquet was set up on Miaoxiang Peak to celebrate the newlyweds.

Indeed, goblets and cups clinked, plates and bowls scattered, and they celebrated straight for three days and three nights, the fine wine of the Spirit Vulture Palace almost completely drained.

Only then did Xiao Feng drink to his heart's content, enough to forget about entering the bridal chamber.

Feng Yi also enjoyed wine, but he enjoyed beautiful women even more.

He didn't want to wait even a moment.

Feng Yi not only experienced the differences between Huang Wan'er and A Zi, but also enjoyed the wonderful aspects of the quadruplets.

Having experienced it himself, he could responsibly say that teasing one of them would cause the other three to feel it as well.

This inevitably made Feng Yi think: in one's life, incessant struggle—isn't it all for today!?

To defeat the strongest, drink the finest wine, and sleep with the woman one loves.

After the marriage, Huang Shang and his wife, Xiao Feng, and A Zhu also remained on Miaoxiang Peak.

A few months later, the Spirit Vulture Palace learned the news; Yelü Hongji sent people everywhere to search for Xiao Feng's whereabouts. After several months with no word, he immediately issued an order declaring that Xiao Feng had betrayed the nation and clan, that anyone could kill him, and from now on he was forbidden to set foot in Liao.

Fortunately, Xiao Feng had heard Feng Yi's story and anticipated the consequences of his sudden departure.

Over these past few months, Feng Yi has been blissfully happy, with six beautiful concubines,

Time flew by; that day, the surrounding peaks embraced, mist swirled, ancient trees grew lush, a blanket was spread in the woods, Feng Yi rested his head on A Zi's leg, cradling Wan'er in his arms, sipping the fine wine fed to his mouth by Mei Jian, listening to the lingering waves by his ear, truly utterly content.

But suddenly a sound rang in his mind: '【Failed to kill Xiao Feng, system task not completed.】'

Feng Yi immediately recalled that, at Zhu Xian Manor that day, the system had once ordered him to kill Qiao Feng, but he had completely ignored it; who would have thought it would pop up on this day of his extreme ease.

With that sound, the several women also seemed to see a ghost in broad daylight, letting out an 'ah' as they all stood dumbfounded.

'What's wrong?' Feng Yi, too, was a person of great sensitivity; he stared blankly for a moment, quickly came to his senses, and hurriedly rose.

It turned out that, in the eyes of the women, Feng Yi suddenly became faintly visible, then invisible.

Miaoxiang Peak seemed already shrouded in a light mist; at this moment, Feng Yi's figure also seemed to turn into that light mist.

Lan Jian reached out to touch him, but felt only emptiness upon contact, exclaiming in surprise: 'Husband, you, you—what happened to you?'

'I may have to leave.' Feng Yi also took A Zi's and Huang Wan'er's hands, wanting to rub them back and forth, but found he had no sensation.

A Zi and Huang Wan'er were at first at a loss, but gradually understood, and without realizing it, tears began to flow.

A Zi said sadly: 'I understand now—you are not a person of this world, so you can change our fate.'

A Zhu had guessed the meaning of the story; how could she not have guessed it, she just had never asked.

But now she could not avoid asking, and suddenly felt time flying, years like shuttles, and a strange sensation of time and space intertwining welled up in her heart.

Huang Wan'er wiped her tears and said: 'This is the reason you originally rejected me, right?'

Feng Yi spoke bitterly: 'I had anticipated this day; my heart both longs for it not to come and does not want to lose all of this…' He said, closing his eyes: 'But I am a person, and also quite selfish; for your beauty, I truly do not want to let go!'

Suddenly circulating his qi in his dantian, he spoke loudly: 'Brother Xiao, we have shared a bond; today we part, not knowing when we will meet again—please protect them!'

No sooner had his words fallen than Xiao Feng, taking A Zhu's hand, came rushing in on a gust of wind, and the two momentarily felt dizzy.

At this moment, just as the sun was setting, the golden glow of the setting sun also draped a halo over Feng Yi's person, making him seem even more like he had stepped into a painting.

But the scenery before them left them somewhat dazed,

Then they saw Feng Yi's figure fade away into nothing; Xiao Feng suddenly felt a pang of sorrow: 'Indeed, in the jianghu one is helpless—even someone as divine as he has unavoidable circumstances!' He looked up to the sky, clasped his fists, and said: 'Brother Feng, may your journey be smooth; in my lifetime I will never betray your trust!'

His voice moved the heavens and lasted long.

A Zi suddenly laughed: 'Big Brother is actually an immortal; he will surely come back. If he doesn't, we'll go find another man and ditch him—see if he's afraid!'

Xiao Feng shook his head; A Zi is now married, yet still acts like a willful child.

Xiao Feng took out a wine pot, raised his head and drained it, laughing: 'To have made the acquaintance of a person like Brother Feng is one of life's great joys; wherever he may be, he is surely a first-rate hero, treading danger as if it were level ground—younger brothers and sisters, you need not worry.'

In his tone rose heroic fervor; recalling his past years in the jianghu, an awesome aura spontaneously emanated from his body, and in his gaze there naturally arose a spirit that looked down on the world.

Huang Wan'er murmured: 'When walking in the mountains, there was originally no rain, yet the verdant emptiness moistens the heart.'

Mei Jian smiled and said: 'This place is indeed an immortal mountain; my husband will surely return.'

Zhu Jian smiled and said: 'Grandma used to say that Miaoxiang Peak is the dwelling of immortals; I don't know if it's true, but from today on, this is indeed the immortals' abode!'

Lan Jian suddenly let out a 'wa' sound, held onto the tree root, and began to vomit.

A Zi laughed: 'Just because you're dissatisfied with your sisters doesn't mean you have to vomit, right?'

Before her words even finished, Huang Wan'er also let out an 'oh', feeling quite nauseous; in an instant, it seemed to trigger a chain reaction, and Ju Jian also began to vomit.

(End of chapter)