Chapter 255: with translation of chapter title

Feng Yi had just struck; it was truly too fast and too heavy, so that even Tian Boguang's lightness skill could not dodge it, naturally leaving everyone present utterly shocked.

Translation: Feng Yi had just made a move, it was truly too fast and too heavy, so that even Tian Boguang's lightness skill could not dodge it, naturally causing everyone present to be extremely shocked.

We need to keep it concise but include all info. Let's produce: Feng Yi had just struck; it was truly too fast and too heavy, so that even Tian Boguang's lightness skill could not dodge it, naturally leaving everyone present utterly shocked.

We have verified that we kept all translations: Feng Yi had just struck; it was truly too fast and too heavy; so that even Tian Boguang's lightness skill could not dodge it; naturally leaving everyone present utterly shocked.

Ok.

Especially Bujie the monk and Qu Yang.

Translation: Especially the monk Bujie and Qu Yang.

We must keep 'Bujie (monk)' for Bujie and 'Qu Yang' for Qu Yang.

These two are not comparable to Linghu Chong or the Taoist Tian Song; they are first-rate masters of the present age, with outstanding vision and knowledge.

Translation: These two are not comparable to Linghu Chong or the Taoist Tian Song; they are first-rate masters of the present age, with keen vision and broad knowledge.

We have verified that they are not comparable to Linghu Chong or the Taoist Tian Song, that they are first-rate masters of the present age, and that their vision and knowledge are both high.

One clearly knows in heart that this "drunkard" struck Tian Boguang, breaking his tendons and bones and freezing him, which is already a rare technique, but this is not the most difficult.

Translation: One clearly knows in heart that this "drunkard" struck Tian Boguang, breaking his tendons and bones and freezing him, which is already a rare technique, but this is not the most difficult.

One clearly knows in heart that this "drunkard" struck Tian Boguang, breaking his tendons and bones and freezing him, which is already a rare technique, but this is not the most difficult.

What is most terrifying is that when he strikes and shatters a person, he uses the Splitting the Void Palm to render the opponent utterly still, causing them to collapse like grass; this power is truly transcendent and saintly, shocking the world.

Translation: What is most terrifying is that when he strikes and shatters a person, he uses the Splitting the Void Palm to hit the opponent so that they remain utterly still, then collapse like grass; such power is truly transcendent and saintly, shocking the world.

We must keep the translations: Splitting the Void Palm, utterly still, collapse like grass, transcendent and saintly, shocking the world.

Moreover, Tian Boguang is dead here; the martial world certainly welcomes the news, but it will also cause an uproar.

Translation: Moreover, Tian Boguang's death here will certainly be welcomed in the martial world and will surely cause an uproar.

Yet the person who struck him seems to have done something trivial, and can even lie down on the table and fall into a deep sleep.

Translation: Yet the one who struck him seemed to have done a trivial little thing, and could even lie prone on the table and fall into a deep sleep.

This mindset is practically devilish.

Translation: Such a mindset is simply demonic.

Yi Lin seemed to just regain her senses, uttering an "aiyo" as she slumped to the ground, staring with her beautiful eyes, still bewildered.

Translation: Yi Lin seemed to have just regained her senses, uttering an "aiyo", she slumped to the ground, staring with her beautiful eyes, still dazed.

Linghu Chong then looked at Feng Yi, thinking to himself: "Could this person be the wandering immortal my master spoke of?"

Translation: Linghu Chong looked toward Feng Yi again, thinking to himself: "Could this person be the wandering sage my master spoke of?"

Upon close observation, I saw that even while sleeping his mind was full of thoughts, as if a sorrowful, melancholy emotion had overwhelmed him, causing him to slump limp on the table.

Translation: Looking closely, I saw that even while asleep his mind was full of thoughts, as if a sorrowful, melancholy emotion had overwhelmed him, causing him to slump on the table, utterly limp.

Linghu Chong, thinking this, felt as if he had fallen into an icy cavern.

Translation: Thinking this, Linghu Chong felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.

Recalling last night and this morning, Linghu Chong and Yi Lin had endured a life‑or‑death struggle, great hardship, yet could not escape Tian Boguang's control.

Translation: Recalling last night and this morning, I and Yi Lin have undergone nine-deaths-one-life experiences, endured great hardships, yet could not escape Tian Boguang's control.

But once he struck, everything was settled, as if all their painful efforts were just a joke.

Translation: But as soon as he acted, everything was settled, as if all my painful efforts were just a joke.

Moreover, Tian Boguang boasted of ruling the world; killing someone like him would not make one rule the world, so where does his sorrow and grief come from?

Translation: Moreover, Tian Boguang himself claimed to roam the world unchecked; killing someone like him would not make the world more lawless, so where does his sorrow and melancholy come from?

In the martial world, one cannot control one's own fate — Linghu Chong suddenly grasped the meaning of this saying, his heart surged, he lurched forward, and spat a large mouthful of blood.

Translation: "In the martial world, one cannot control one's own fate"—Linghu Chong suddenly grasped the meaning of this saying, his heart surged, he lurched forward and spat out a large mouthful of fresh blood.

Note: The source writes 'Linghu Chong' (a typo for the correct character). We'll keep it as Linghu Chong.

Seeing this, Yi Lin was startled and rushed over, saying: "Elder Brother Linghu, what's wrong with you?"

Translation: Seeing this, Yi Lin was startled and rushed forward, saying: "Senior Brother Linghu, what's wrong with you?"

The Five Mountains Sword Sect brothers and sisters treat each other as senior and junior martial siblings; Yi Lin, in her urgency, called Linghu Chong "big brother," showing that he holds a special place in her heart beyond just an allied senior brother.

Translation: The Five Peaks Sword School are brothers in arms, so they address each other as senior sisters and brothers; Yi Lin, in her urgency, called Linghu Chong "Senior Brother", already showing his place in her heart—not merely an allied senior brother.

Linghu Chong naturally felt nothing; he had fought Tian Boguang many times in the woods and caves the previous night, sustaining several cuts, losing too much blood, and then hastily pursued Tian Boguang, fearing that any delay would ruin Yi Lin's purity.

Translation: Linghu Chong naturally felt nothing; last night he had repeatedly clashed with Tian Boguang in forests and caves, sustaining several cuts, losing too much blood, then hastily pursued Tian Boguang, fearing delay would defile Yi Lin's purity.

Therefore he had no time to apply medicine and bandage his wounds; he has held on until now solely by the determination to save Yi Lin from danger. Now that Tian Boguang's threat is gone, he relaxes his breath and instantly becomes extremely weak.

Translation: Thus there was no time to apply medicine and bandage wounds; he has held on until now solely by the determination to save Yi Lin from danger, but now that Tian Boguang's threat is gone, he relaxed his breath and instantly became extremely weak.

Yi Lin quickly took out the Hengshan Sect's sacred wound‑healing medicine, "Tianxiang Duanxue Jiao," and applied it to Linghu Chong's wounds. Seeing the many places—five or six—where his flesh was torn and rolled, her eyes grew hot and tears flowed.

Translation: Yi Lin hastily took out the Hengshan Sect's sacred wound medicine "Heavenly Fragrance Continuing Glue" and applied it to Linghu Chong's wounds; seeing the places where his flesh was turned over, numbering five or six, her eye sockets heated and tears flowed.

Linghu Chong inhaled, then said softly: "Junior Sister, I'm fine; just pour me a bowl of wine."

Translation: Linghu Chong inhaled, then said softly: "Junior Sister, I'm fine; just pour me a bowl of wine to drink."

Yi Lin glanced at him but said nothing.

Translation: Yi Lin glanced at him but said nothing.

Linghu Chong understood her feelings and said: "Good junior sister, I have always loved wine; drinking it will help my wounds heal a bit faster!" Saying this, he drew in a cool breath.

Translation: Linghu Chong understood her feelings and said: "Good junior sister, I have always loved wine; drinking it will heal my wounds faster!" Saying this, he drew in a sharp breath of cool air.

Yi Lin had no choice but to get up, pour him a bowl of wine, and hand it over; Linghu Chong laughed loudly, raised the bowl, and drank it all in one gulp.

Translation: Yi Lin had no choice but to rise and pour him a bowl of wine, handing it over; Linghu Chong laughed loudly, raised the bowl and drained it in one gulp.

Qu Feiyan quietly spat: "Grandfather, why are all these talented men drunkards?"

Translation: Qu Feiyan spat softly: "Grandfather, why are all these talented men drunkards?"

Qu Yang gave a faint smile.

Translation: Qu Yang smiled slightly.

After drinking the wine, Linghu Chong rested a moment, wanted to thank Feng Yi, and hurried to Hengshan City to meet up with his fellow martial brothers.

Translation: Linghu Chong drank the wine, rested a moment, wanted to thank Feng Yi, then rushed to Hengshan City to meet up with his fellow martial brothers.

Suddenly footsteps sounded on the stairs, followed by laughter, as two people came up, both dressed in green robes with swords at their waists, about twenty years old.

Translation: Suddenly hearing footsteps on the stairs, followed by a burst of laughter, two people came up, both dressed in green robes with swords at their waists, about twenty years old.

Linghu Chong saw that they were dressed as Qingcheng Sect disciples, but did not know their names.

Translation: Linghu Chong saw that they were dressed as disciples of the Qingcheng Sect, but did not know their names.

The person was none other than Luo Renjie, one of the Qingcheng Sect's four great disciples known as the "Heroes and Outstanding." Seeing Tian Boguang's corpse, his expression changed slightly; upon seeing Linghu Chong covered in blood and sitting beside a beautiful nun, he felt shocked and suspicious, his eyes darting over Yi Lin's body.

Translation: The arrival was none other than Luo Renjie, one of the Qingcheng Sect's Four Great Disciples known as "Heroes and Outstanding"; seeing Tian Boguang's corpse, his face changed slightly, then seeing Linghu Chong covered in blood and sitting beside a beautiful nun, he felt suspicious, his eyes darting over Yi Lin's body.

Seeing his unpleasant gaze, Yi Lin whispered: "Senior Brother Linghu, do you know this person?"

Translation: Seeing his hostile gaze, Yi Lin whispered: "Senior Brother Linghu, do you know this person?"

Linghu Chong glanced at Luo Renjie, noticed his eyes wandering over Yi Lin, and asked: "Junior Sister, do you know what the Qingcheng Sect excels at?"

Translation: Linghu Chong glanced at Luo Renjie, seeing his eyes wandering over Yi Lin, and said: "Junior Sister, do you know what the Qingcheng Sect excels at?"

The martial world says, "Heroes and outstanding ones, the Qingcheng Four Beauties," but last year Linghu Chong, at a wine house in Hanzhong, encountered Yu Canghai's senior disciple Hou Renying and his junior fellow disciple; seeing their tyrannical behavior, he gave them a beating and coined the phrase "dog bear wild boar, the Qingcheng Four Beasts."

Translation: The martial world says, "Heroes and Outstanding, Qingcheng Four Beauties"; but last year Linghu Chong, at a wine house in Hanzhong, encountered Yu Canghai's senior disciple Hou Renying and his junior fellow, saw their tyranny, so he gave them a beating and coined the phrase "Dog Bear Wild Boar, Qingcheng Four Beasts".

For this incident, Yu Canghai wrote a letter of complaint to Yue Buqun,

Translation: For this, Yu Canghai wrote a letter of complaint to Yue Buqun; Linghu Chong was struck thirty times by Yue Buqun's board and could not get out of bed for a long time.

Yilin said, "I don't know, but I've heard that the Qingcheng Sect has many superb martial arts."

Translation: Yi Lin said: "I don't know; I've heard the Qingcheng Sect has many exquisite techniques."

Linghu Chong said, "Not bad; the Qingcheng Sect has many excellent techniques, but the finest one, heh heh, is meant to avoid hurting harmony—I might as well not say it." He then glared at Luo Renjie again.

Translation: Linghu Chong said: "Indeed, the Qingcheng Sect has many exquisite techniques, but its supreme move—hehe, 'Uninjured Harmony'—I need not say." He then glared at Luo Renjie again.

Luo Renjie rushed over and shouted, "What is the finest technique? Come on, tell me!"

Translation: Luo Renjie rushed over and shouted: "What is the supreme move? Come on, say it!"

Linghu Chong laughed, "I didn't want to say it, but you insist I do, right? It's the move called 'Buttocks Backward, Level Sand, Falling Goose Stance.'"

Translation: Linghu Chong laughed: "I originally didn't want to say it, but since you insist—yes, it's the 'Buttocks Backward Level Sand Landing Goose Style'."

With a "peng" sound, Luo Renjie, knowing the origin of those words, instantly felt ashamed and angry; he slammed his hand hard on the table and shouted, "Nonsense! What is this 'Buttocks Backward, Level Sand, Falling Goose Stance'? I've never heard of such a thing!"

Translation: With a "peng" sound, Luo Renjie, how could he not know the origin of this remark? Instantly ashamed and indignant, he slammed his hand heavily on the table and shouted: "Nonsense! What is called 'Buttocks Backward Level Sand Landing Goose Style'? I've never heard of it!"

His forceful slap on the table didn't affect Linghu Chong much, but it woke Feng Yi, who had been snoring loudly.

Translation: His heavy slap on the table did nothing to Linghu Chong, but it woke the soundly sleeping Feng Yi.

Feng Yi gulped down half a jar of nü'er hong wine without using internal energy to force the alcohol; anyone who drinks often knows that after waking from drunkenness, one's head will surely split with pain. Feng Yi, angry, opened his mouth and cursed, "Which bastard is yelling here?!"

Translation: Feng Yi had gulped down half a jar of Daughter's Red in one breath, without using internal energy to force the alcohol; anyone who drinks often knows that after waking from drunkenness one's head will surely split with pain, so Feng Yi, angry, opened his mouth and cursed: "Which bastard is yelling here?"

Luo Renjie shouted, "Get lost, you son of a bitch, I'm your—"

Translation: Luo Renjie shouted: "Get lost, you bastard, I'm your father……"

He hadn't finished speaking when there was a crash.

Translation: He hadn't finished speaking when there was a "hualala" sound.

In an instant, Luo Renjie tumbled down from the stairway entrance.

Translation: In an instant, Luo Renjie rolled and fell down from the stairway entrance.

Feng Yi felt dizzy and blurred vision, unable to tell directions, but in his haze he heard someone from Sichuan cursing him; he paid no heed, located the sound, and swung his hand, delivering a palm that sent the man to the Western Paradise.

Translation: Feng Yi felt dizzy and blurred vision, unable to tell directions, but in his hazy state he heard someone from Sichuan cursing him; he paid no heed, located the sound, and waved his hand, sending a palm that sent the man to the Western Paradise.

Luo Renjie died a most unjust death.

Translation: Luo Renjie died a most unjust death.

In the original story he died at Linghu Chong's hands, but here he was beaten severely, and even had a feel of Yilin's pretty face, giving the sense of 'dying beneath peonies, even as a ghost he remains flirtatious.'

Translation: In the original plot he died at Linghu Chong's hands, but this time he was also given a fierce beating, and even touched Yi Lin's pretty face, giving the sense of dying beneath peonies, a ghost still romantic.

This time, it was merely because he slapped the table and uttered a curse; even more aggravating, the other party also cursed him, so why would he resort to killing himself?

Translation: This time, it was merely because he slapped the table and uttered a sentence against a person; what's more infuriating is that the other party also cursed him, yet why would he kill himself?

Could it be that only officials are allowed to set fires while commoners are forbidden to light lamps?

Translation: Could it be that only officials are allowed to set fires while commoners are forbidden to light lamps?

At the final moment of his life, only such a thought could arise in him.

Translation: In his final moments, he could only entertain such a thought.

The disciple who came with him saw his senior brother silently being settled (i. e., killed) without a word, turned deathly pale, and trembled as he said, "Who are you, sir? I will report today's events in full to my master."

Translation: The disciple who came with him saw his senior brother silently meet his end, turned deathly pale, and trembled: "Who are you? I will tell my master everything that happened today."

"Going to sue?" Feng Yi rubbed his head and said, "Sure, if you have the ability, come find me; I, Feng, will accept the complaint in full."

Translation: "Want to file a complaint?" Feng Yi rubbed his head and said: "Sure, if you have the ability, come find me; Feng Mou will accept it all."

That disciple glared hatefully at Feng Yi, then turned and went downstairs.

Translation: That disciple glared hatefully at Feng Yi, then turned and went downstairs.

Feng Yi sneered, "If your master is so capable, he surely doesn't need to send a message!" Saying that, he waved his hand, and with a bang,

Translation: Feng Yi snorted coldly: "If your master is so capable, he surely needn't send a message!" Saying this, he waved his hand, and with a "peng" sound,

That disciple, like a kite with its string cut, was flung far away, spitting a mouthful of blood in midair; with a "peng" sound, he slammed heavily into the tavern wall, causing the entire wall, doors, and windows to shake, and dust fell from the rafters.

Translation: That disciple, like a kite with its string cut, was flung far away, spitting a mouthful of blood in midair, with a "peng" sound he slammed heavily into the wine shop's wall, causing the entire wall, doors and windows to tremble, and dust to fall from the rafters.

Feng Yi knew who he was when he killed Tian Boguang,

Translation: Feng Yi knew who Tian Boguang was when he killed him,

as for these two, he had no idea who they were at all.

Translation: as for these two, he had no idea who they were at all.

But having killed someone, he only felt the pent-up ill will in his chest somewhat relieved; as for the consequences of killing a person,

But having killed someone, he only felt the pent-up ill will in his chest somewhat relieved; as for the consequences of killing a person,

He doesn't care at all. Worst case, he'll kill me!

Feng Yi felt in his bosom, immediately a bit embarrassed, he laughed ha ha, staggered downstairs and left.

Ling Chong shouted, "Sir, wait, I haven't thanked you yet..." As he spoke he followed downstairs, and Yi Lin also followed.

But then an old voice said, "No need to thank me; encountering such a martial arts oddity, it's truly best to leave quickly."

Ling Chong and Yi Lin turned their heads and saw that it was indeed the grandfather and granddaughter who had been sitting nearby watching the show earlier.

Immediately after, the Taishan Sect people also followed closely behind; they moved all three corpses down, one disciple shivered from the cold, and a long-bearded Daoist even gave Ling Chong a cold snort, greatly displeased.

Ling Chong also didn't mind, thinking to himself: "As my master said, the wandering heroes of the jianghu often perform such acts of kindness in the dust of the world; although Tian Boguang is capable, to us it's a great favor, but he doesn't even notice it in his eyes; to run over and thank him for such a trifling effort would be overly sentimental."

Ling Chong said to Yi Lin, "Junior sister, I'm going to Hengshan City; what about you?"

Yi Lin's face flushed red, she lowered her head and said, "I, I also want to go to Hengshan City to find my master."

Seeing her blush again, Ling Chong felt quite puzzled, thinking: "I've heard that Master Dingyi's temperament is like fire; how could she take on a disciple so girlish, blushing just when speaking?"

He didn't know that Yi Lin actually didn't want to part from him just like that, but feeling that as a monastic she thought this was wrong, she silently recited who knows how many Amitabhas in her heart.

The shopkeeper also felt somewhat helpless.

Three lives have been lost; how should this be handled?

Reporting to the officials, the shopkeeper wouldn't dare even if he had ten times the courage.

Those who can run a tavern are all sharp people.

What kind of person haven't they seen?

The authorities have deterrent power over upstanding citizens with families and property, so their conduct naturally requires discretion.

But that is merely relative.

Once a sect loses its family and property, the authorities will also find it troublesome.

And for someone like the "Drunkard" who has no name or surname and possesses peerless martial arts, the authorities wouldn't even bother to provoke him; if they can't catch him, one wonders whether they'll suddenly lose their heads while sleeping at night.

As for the tavern keeper, he also fears that one day someone might burn his tavern down in a single blaze.

If practicing martial arts isn't prohibited, what martial arts are there left to practice?

……

Qu Feiyan seeing his grandfather lost in thought suddenly said, "Grandfather, is that person's martial arts very high?"

Qu Yang gave a slight nod and said, "Yes, it's too terrifying."

"Terrifying?" Qu Feiyan said incomprehendingly, "I find him rather amiable, like a spring breeze; Tian Boguang and the Qingcheng Sect people are no good, they deserved to die!"

Qu Yang shook his head: "You don't understand."

Qu Feiyan shook her grandfather's arm, acting coquettishly: "I don't understand; if you explain, will I then understand?"

Qu Yang doted on this granddaughter all the more; walking to a secluded spot, he then said, "Do you know what truly makes a master?"

Qu Feiyan lowered her voice: "Like Dongfang..."

Qu Yang said: "Not bad."

People like them have high martial arts and great fame, yet they give a feeling of lofty serenity,

This combination of temperament produces the effect of "the North Star dwelling in its place while all the stars gather around it."

Ordinary people seeing such a person will, at first impression, feel that he possesses such ability yet is so approachable, inevitably giving rise to a sense of fortune in being able to meet him in this life, filled with joy.

But others don't realize that their affability is merely a matter of bearing and cultivation; even if they truly call you brother, it doesn't mean you can truly stand as equals with them.

Especially, the higher one's martial arts, the more awe one feels in the presence of such people."

"Awe?" Qu Feiyan pointed her little finger at her cheek: "No wonder I don't have that feeling; it's simply because my martial arts aren't high enough!"

Qu Yang smiled faintly: "He is like a deep pool, unfathomable, while you are merely a shallow puddle, known at a glance."

Just think of Tian Boguang stirring up wind and waves in the jianghu; others who want to kill him must list his crimes, but this person merely flicks his hand lightly and erases him, as if it had nothing to do with himself!"

Qu Feiyan nodded: "That's right; he kills people and yet dares to sleep without even fleeing!"

Qu Yang said: "It's only because he resembles a deity looking down on all beings, and thus pays no heed to any grudges or emotions; to others, life and death are momentous, but to him it's as simple as a everyday meal."

He doesn't treat others' lives as important, and indeed not even his own; such a person possessing such martial arts—do you say it isn't terrifying?"

Qu Feiyan said half-understanding: "So Grandfather wants to leave, afraid that if he knows your origins he'll kill us?"

Qu Yang gave a bitter smile: "Silly girl, for that kind of person, killing needs no reason at all.

What the ten unpardonable sins, what righteous heroes—none of that matters compared to whether he finds you pleasing to the eye!"

……

Feng Yi was awakened by noise; he had originally wanted to eat a big meal, but when he reached for silver he discovered his purse was empty, so he had to walk; anyway he hadn't eaten yet, so the urgent priority is to get some money first.

Feng Yi's face showed a mischievous smile as he stopped before a gambling stall; the constant flow of patrons entering and exiting appeared to his eyes as ingots of silver rolling in.

Feng Yi immediately went inside as well.

He had no money, but for him betting opportunities were everywhere.

Feng Yi entered the hall and saw crowds of people packed tightly; it seemed every gambling house in the world was the same—smoky and hazy, occasionally mixed with women's shrill shouts and curses.

Surely some men, having lost money, wanted to take advantage of women, to squeeze out some oil and gain a petty benefit; they couldn't just come for nothing.

But the women appearing in the gambling house, heh, will let you know what it means to gain a small advantage and suffer a great loss!

At one large table surrounded by people, they were shaking dice to bet big or small, commonly called "shaking treasure."

Some gamblers beamed with smiles, obviously having won money; others were drenched in sweat, clearly having lost a lot.

It could be said that some rejoice while others worry.

Feng Yi, before a smiling gambler, silently slipped away a piece of broken silver and placed it as his bet.

Gamblers are almost all the same; they all think their luck is the best and that they can win this round.

Even if they have lost much, they still believe that in the next round they can recover principal and profit.

=9+book_ba

Therefore the next bet must be somewhat larger than the previous one; that's how doubling up arises.

If luck is good, one can indeed, at the crucial moment, as expected, win a little.

But then one would feel that today's luck is not bad, and should press the advantage to win a bit more.

Thus, in the end, they all became little boys who give away wealth.

So-called gambling actually blocks not probability but human nature.

It is that kind of lucky-minded psychology.

Even if someone really has good luck, bets big and wins a lot, this kind of easy money comes easily; they also treat money as not money, spend it quickly, and moreover, the purpose of those who run gambling houses is also to make a profit!

The God of Wealth may give you face, but others are unwilling.

Then one must think of ways to ruin your luck.

""Cheating" arises this way."

The saying 'ten gambles, nine cheats' probably appeared as soon as gambling existed.

Therefore Feng Yi came here not to gamble on luck.

But relies on cheating.

This cheating is originally a technical skill, like martial arts, and is hard to master.

Because it requires talent, your hands must be light and fast, hard to discern with the naked eye, and it also requires resolve; when it's time to act, you act, bold yet careful.

But Feng Yi has deep internal energy, his hearing and vision are extraordinarily keen, needing no deliberate practice; within several zhang, the sound of falling leaves fluttering down is heard clearly.

These dice have six faces, each with different numbers; when each face lands, the sound differs slightly, extremely subtle, but landing in Feng Yi's ears, he can easily distinguish them.

Therefore, whatever the number, Feng Yi can see through it as if with x-ray vision.

With this skill's support, using only one or two taels of silver, he won a thousand taels.

Even when the bet reached five hundred taels, the house tampered with the dice, played tricks; Feng Yi had bet big, but they changed it to small!

But Feng Yi had his elbow braced on the table; when he lifted the cup, it was still 'three-three-six' (big), and Feng Yi had bet correctly.

The casino realized they had met an expert; upon seeing him win a thousand taels, they stood up, said nothing, just watched him give a silver ingot to a certain gambler and swagger away.

The casino also profits from all directions, knows to shake down; the saying goes, 'no fierce dragon can cross the river'; although a thousand taels is not little, there's no need to turn hostile, for who knows what kind of person one might encounter.

Feng Yi won big at the casino, truly excited for a while, but after leaving the casino, the excitement faded, his stomach felt hungry again, he thought: 'I need to find a place to really eat.' He immediately strolled forward.

His footwork was astonishing; leisurely, he arrived at Hengshan City, but who would have thought that because Liu Zhengfeng's retirement ceremony was too grand, the inns in the city were all occupied by martial artists, leaving not even a place to rest.

Feng Yi walked on leisurely, suddenly hearing cheerful laughter; looking up, he saw a pavilion full of women in heavy makeup and bright attire, waving red scarves and green sleeves, calling out in coquettish voices.

Feng Yi turned his head and saw the signboard reading 'Group Jade Pavilion'.

Jade mostly refers to women; hence the term 'appraising jade' comes from this.

Group Jade, as the name suggests, is a group of women.

A place with a group of women naturally attracts many men; in this era, that is a brothel.

Feng Yi laughed heartily, thinking: 'The so-called eating, drinking, whoring, gambling—all in one!' He immediately went upstairs; the madam at once led over girls made up with powder and paint, dressed flamboyantly; Feng Yi, being rich and generous, immediately scattered all his thousand taels, demanding the most famous courtesan.

Those men who secretly hid banknotes and went to the Group Jade Pavilion all hated Feng Yi to death.

Because their banknotes were not as many as Feng Yi's.

Fortunately, here it's still as usual, with not many martial artists, and Feng Yi happily selected several beauties.

After all, martial artists most taboo the character for lust.

Those who are lustful are inevitably looked down upon, not considered true martial heroes.

When many people come to Liu Zhengfeng's retirement ceremony, even true martial artists who want to have fun won't seek pleasure here.

Feng Yi, in past and present lives, has drunk plenty of flower wine, and doesn't think much of it.

In these times, being able to drink flower wine to relax is precisely when he is not famous.

Feng Yi is drinking flower wine here, but elsewhere the pot has exploded.

……

North of Hengshan City there is a large manor; at the gate four large lanterns are lit, bearing the character 'Liu'; over ten people hold torches, some holding umbrellas, busy welcoming guests.

This is Liu Zhengfeng's manor.

Liu Zhengfeng has been famous for many years; although the retirement ceremony proper day has not yet arrived, the congratulatory guests are already many; the main hall alone has gathered over two hundred people, seated separately, chatting and laughing.

As for the flower hall, the five master's chairs are placed side by side at the head; four are empty, only the eastern chair is occupied by a burly red-faced Daoist.

These five master's chairs were set for the five heads of the Five Sacred Mountains Sword Sects; the heads of the Mount Song Sect, Mount Heng Sect (North), Mount Hua Sect, and Mount Heng Sect (South) have not arrived; that red-faced Daoist is the head of the Mount Tai Sect, Tianmen Dao Ren.

On both sides sit more than ten martial arts veterans; the main seat at the lower end is occupied by a middle-aged man wearing a brownish silk robe, short and stout, resembling a wealthy man—this is the host Liu Zhengfeng.

Three door planks are placed on the ground to the west; on one plank lies an ice sculpture, namely Tian Boguang; on the other two planks lie two corpses covered with white cloth, they are disciples of the Qingcheng Sect.

The three corpses laid out in a line add a sense of deathly stillness and horror; beside them squats a short person examining the corpses, muttering: 'What profound internal force, what fierce palm technique, what vicious methods!'

Only see a long-bearded Daoist saying: 'It's just like this; he didn't give his name, only said his surname is Feng!'

This person is the Tian Song Daoist, an eyewitness from Huiyan Tower, who truthfully recounts what he heard and saw.

At this moment the short person stood up; Liu Zhengfeng said in a deep voice: 'Abbey Master Yu, how is it?'

It turns out this short person is the Qingcheng Sect Sect Master Yu Canghai.

Although losing Tian Boguang is bearable, losing his two disciples in front of so many people made his complexion very bad.

Only see Yu Canghai's eyes flashing with sharp light, saying: 'Liu San'ye, my sect's disciple died in your Hengshan City; I don't know what your lofty opinion is?'

Liu Zhengfeng put on a solemn face and slowly said: 'But why would he kill your sect's disciple?' Then he looked toward the Tian Song Daoist.

They are all top-tier experts of the present age; no one can fail to see that the person who struck possesses the ability to reach heaven and penetrate earth.

In the eyes of experts, the Qingcheng Sect's Luo Renjie is not worth mentioning, but Tian Boguang is infamous as a flower-picking lecher, his reputation notorious; merely his lightness skill is superb, he is quick-witted, and the righteous sects have surrounded him several times, yet could not harm a single hair.

Yet he was killed offhandedly by someone; such a method is something nobody anywhere would dare to think of—how could it be good to associate with?

"How absurd!" the Tianmen Dao Ren snorted coldly: 'This person's martial arts may be high, but he is a lunatic who cannot distinguish right from wrong; Tian Boguang this evil scoundrel deserves to be killed by everyone; the Qingcheng Sect's orthodox disciples, he also killed them; hum, and yet he says people shout and cry—really outrageous!'

Yu Canghai slightly nodded and said: 'Not bad; this person so wickedly acting, and at Brother Liu's retirement ceremony, must be a demon cult member; likely he has some scheme, intending to be disadvantageous to all of us!'

Everyone shuddered; some knew Yu Canghai had realized the opponent was formidable. But a disciple had been slain—it couldn't be dismissed as nothing—so they wished everyone would join forces against this mysterious master, though they also thought it reasonable.

Shouting and killing people outright is indeed the way of the Demonic Cult.

At this moment, Chi Baicheng said: "I originally wanted to tell Tian Boguang clearly that he is a lecher, that everyone in the martial world wants to kill him and would be glad, before I acted against him."

Who would have thought that the man said nothing and just killed Tian Boguang? Heavenly Pine Uncle said this person is nothing but a brute who relies solely on force—indeed the way of the Demonic Cult!

He had originally intended to act against Tian Boguang, but Feng Yi slapped him to death with a casual palm, thinking Tian Boguang was nothing special; once this thought arose in his mind, the more he thought about it, the more indignant he felt, believing he himself could have killed Tian Boguang, only to have someone else get there first.

Heavenly Gate Daoist angrily said: "How dare the Demonic Cult scoundrel come to Mount Heng City to cause trouble, treating our Five Peaks Sword School as nothing! Humph, as martial artists we must stand opposed to such a demonic master!"

He has a violent temper, his master was killed by a Demonic Cult elder, and anyone associated with the Demonic Cult makes him lose composure immediately. His face flushed like blood, as if every hair in his beard wanted to stand on end.

Suddenly, a voice from outside the door said: "Master, disciple has a matter to report."

Heavenly Gate Daoist hearing it was his disciple's voice, said: "Come in! What is it?"

A man in his thirties entered the hall, first bowing to the host Liu Zhengfeng, then to the other elders, then turned to Heavenly Gate Daoist and said: "Master, Uncle Heavenly Cypress sent word: he led our sect's disciples in Hengyang and found no trace of Linghu Chong or that mysterious person, but heard that in Hengyang City's Wanli Gambling House he won a thousand taels of silver, and then went…" He glanced at Nun Evertranquil.

Heavenly Gate Daoist urgently asked: "And then what?"

The messenger said: "He went to the Jade Pearl Courtyard!"

Liu Zhengfeng frowned, looked at the person before him, and said in a solemn voice: "Are you sure it's the Jade Pearl Courtyard?"

The person replied: "Uncle Liu, with your discernment, according to Heavenly Pine Uncle, that person is young, with a strand of white hair on his forehead—a very obvious trait; we've inquired very clearly!"

Yu Canghai said: "Brother Liu, what sort of place is the Jade Pearl Courtyard?"

Liu Zhengfeng glanced at Nun Evertranquil, slightly bowed, and said: "That is a brothel!"

"A brothel?"

More than ten martial arts elders rose to their feet simultaneously and asked.

Including the White Cloud Nunnery's Abbess, Nun Evertranquil of the Hengshan Sect.

She also understood why the Tai Shan disciple was looking at her, wanting to speak but stopping.

A brothel is a place of suffering for women; as a woman, she indeed finds it hard to speak plainly.

Everyone felt that the attacker, whose martial arts were so high, would actually run to a brothel to patronize prostitutes, completely disregarding his status, which was truly beyond belief.

Yu Canghai laughed heartily: "Since this scoundrel is a member of the Demonic Cult, visiting prostitutes is hardly surprising; why must you all make such a fuss?"

"Let's go take a look!"

Nun Evertranquil flicked her sleeve and led the way out.

The other martial arts elders followed in single file.

Liu Zhengfeng furrowed his brows, thinking: "The winds and clouds are gathering; will my retirement conference still be able to proceed as scheduled?"

(End of chapter)