Chapter 259

What?

Mu Gaofeng's eyes also showed surprise: "This brat actually has the skill to rescue Miss Yue Lingshan?" He then glanced at Lin Pingzhi, his eyes darting, and clicked his tongue, laughing: "Maybe it's Miss Yue Lingshan's discerning eye that spotted a handsome lad?"

Before his words finished, Feng Yi burst out laughing.

His laugh was not for any other reason.

Because he felt this camel was just like Old Master Yue.

Amid his nonsense, he actually spoke the truth in a single sentence.

Think of Old Master Yue once, in the Dali royal palace before Duan Zhengchun, Duan Zhengming and others, saying Duan Yu was not his son; everyone thought he was talking nonsense, not knowing that was the truth.

When Mu Gaofeng said that, not only Yue Lingshan and Lin Pingzhi were startled, but Yue Buqun also frowned slightly.

As for Feng Yi's loud laugh, they all pretended not to care.

Although they had just met Feng Yi, from his ferocious killing of Tian Bogong and Qingcheng disciples they could tell his thoughts differed from ordinary folks; now, having drunk so much liquor, they feared he would use the wine as an excuse to go mad and bring misfortune upon the whole household.

Yu Canghai also gave a cold chuckle: "Mr. Mu, you're highly skilled and bold; Lin Pingzhi rescued Miss Yue's precious daughter, and Miss Yue also saved the handsome lad—what a fine tale in the martial world!"

Upon hearing that, Lin Pingzhi and Yue Lingshan both felt their faces flush.

That day outside Fuzhou City, Yu Canghai's son, seeing the disguised Yue Lingshan—though her looks were ugly, her figure was still fine—teased her; Lin Pingzhi couldn't stand it, they quarreled, and he accidentally killed someone.

But Lin Pingzhi, together with his parents, was seized by Qingcheng disciples Ren Hao, Fang Zhizhi, and Jia Rendá; Lin Pingzhi was rescued by Yue Lingshan, which is how he could arrive at Hengshan City.

Linghu Chong, unaware of this, naturally felt anger rise from his heart and laughed: "Master Yu, no matter how skilled one may be, it can't compare to the Qingcheng Sect's... uh... skill of dying with one's buttocks pointed backward..."

Yu Canghai raised his brows, killing intent flashing in his eyes.

Yue Buqun's face sank as he scolded: "Chong'er, you're just glib-tongued, speaking without propriety—how can you be a role model for your fellow junior brothers and sisters?"

Linghu Chong replied: "Yes!"

He had been raised by Yue Buqun since childhood, feeling like a son; though he revered his master, he was not overly strict, turning his head and sticking out his tongue at several junior brothers behind him.

Yue Buqun said: "In the jianghu, when fellow practitioners face trouble, everyone ought to extend a hand—sacrificing one's life counts as help, a single word of advice also counts as help; it doesn't matter how high one's martial arts are."

Seeing Yue Buqun's smile, devoid of malice, and noting his imposing bearing and righteous aura, Lin Pingzhi felt admiration arise; he gave a friendly glance, and if not for Feng Yi, he would have wanted to kneel and kowtow, begging him to uphold justice for him.

"Well said!" Mu Gaofeng laughed: "This Lin family lad lacks ability, heh, but he does have the so-called looks of Pan An, which counts as decent."

The martial reputation of the Northern Steppe's Bright Camel you know; so far I have not taken a single disciple. If you become my student, I will impart all my martial arts; then, whether seeking revenge or winning a beauty, I guarantee your wishes will be fulfilled.

Everyone knows Mu Gaofeng covets the Lin family's Evil-Resisting Sword Manual, but with many experts present, even Yue Buqun alone prevents him from taking Lin Pingzhi away.

But in the martial world, the master-disciple bond outweighs heaven; if Lin Pingzhi takes a master, per martial rules, outsiders must not interfere in their teacher-student affairs.

For a moment, everyone's gaze fixed on Lin Pingzhi.

Lin Pingzhi had long doubted Mu Gaofeng's sudden offer to take him as a disciple, thinking: "If he truly fancied me and wanted to take me as his disciple, why didn't he show up earlier, knowing my identity, only to appear now? It shows ulterior motives, ill intent."

"With so many experts here, if I were to take a master, I ought to seek an upright and virtuous person."

Lin Pingzhi thought of this, turned his gaze, and looked toward Feng Yi.

In his heart, he felt Feng Yi was the most formidable.

Also the most upright.

Because Feng Yi was the first to speak up for the Lin family's injustice.

If taking a master, he must also take him.

But seeing Feng Yi say nothing, the corner of his mouth bore a carefree smile, or perhaps a disdainful one.

Feng Yi deeply knew that injustice and unfairness in this world are as numerous as stars; Lin Pingzhi is unfortunate, yet also fortunate.

His misfortune lies in "an innocent man incurs guilt for carrying a jade."

His fortune lies in having at least enjoyed the benefits bestowed by the Fuwei Escort Agency—fine clothes and ample food for over a decade. After suffering misfortune, people also learned of the Fuwei Escort Agency's plight and the ruthlessness of the Qingcheng Sect.

Yet who knows how many people in this world, from youth onward, toil like oxen and horses their whole lives, sold by others, yet still help count money for them?

That is the greatest sorrow.

Moreover, the current scene of Yue Buqun, Mu Gaofeng, and Yu Canghai openly and secretly vying is more entertaining than a fight; even knowing Lin Pingzhi's thoughts, they would not readily reveal their stance.

He is still young, has no interest in taking disciples, or inheriting his own mantle.

Seeing Lin Pingzhi look toward Feng Yi, Yu Canghai's heart gave a jolt, fearing Feng Yi might speak; he immediately laughed: "Lin Pingzhi, just now you relied on Hero Mu's prestige to swagger about—this shows you look down on Hero Mu, wanting to seek a higher branch, to join Hero Feng's school? Changing your mind like that is despicable in the martial world!"

Yue Buqun calmly said: "Master Yu, your remark is mistaken!"

"This lad's parents are still in your hands; Elder Brother Mu, even if you wish to take him as a disciple, you must first let him pay respects to his parents, then become your student—only then is it proper and perfect."

Lin Pingzhi's mind stirred, and he said: "Hero Mu, my parents have fallen into the hands of the Qingcheng Sect, their fate unknown; I beg Hero Mu to rescue them. Then, I will gratefully repay and obey any instructions Hero Mu may give."

Mu Gaofeng originally intended to take Lin Pingzhi as a disciple, for the Evil-Resisting Sword Manual would surely be his sooner or later; who would have thought that, in front of everyone, he would haggle with himself? Yet Lin Pingzhi's words are reasonable—if he cannot rescue his disciple's parents, what qualification does he have to be a teacher?

Mu Gaofeng glanced askance at Yu Canghai, thinking: "This Taoist priest bears an imposing aura; his martial arts must be formidable. He suffered a setback at Feng Yi's hands, and I too lost a move to Yue Buqun."

"If I go to him for a person, this short Taoist will surely refuse, certainly fight me to regain some face; under everyone's eyes, if the camel loses to the dwarf, this lifetime's reputation will be wasted—even if I win, Yue Buqun will surely intervene!"

He immediately sneered: "The camel now lacks interest; even if he kneels begging me, I don't want to take him as a disciple." He swung his left palm, striking Lin Pingzhi's chest; Yue Lingshan startled, about to intervene, but saw Yue Buqun slightly shake his head, signalling her not to act rashly.

Lin Pingzhi took the palm to his chest, cried "ah" and fell to the ground, yet as he fell he sprang up immediately, appearing uninjured.

Yue Buqun smiled faintly: "Elder Brother Mu, why do you have the understanding of children? I say you're regressing to infancy."

Mu Gaofeng glanced at him, smiling: "Forget it, even if the camel had immense gall, he wouldn't dare offend you… hahaha… I don't even know what you are… goodbye, goodbye, truly didn't expect the Huashan Sect's mighty fame to also covet this Evil-Resisting Sword Manual." Saying this, he bowed and retreated.

Yue Buqun stepped forward, shouting: "Elder Brother Mu, what are you saying?" Suddenly his face was covered in purple aura, which flashed and vanished, instantly restoring his fair complexion.

Everyone seeing the purple aura on his face thought: "Surely it is the Huashan Sect's Purple Cloud Technique!"

Mu Gaofeng, knowing full well Yue Buqun's superb swordsmanship and now possessing this marvelous internal art, felt even more wary, not daring to offend; he gave a hehe laugh and said: "Today the camel truly overreached; facing Elder Brother Yue, whatever the camel said was just idle chatter—who knows what the Evil-Resisting Sword Manual is?" As he spoke, he tapped his left foot lightly on the ground and leapt into the air.

Suddenly a voice cried, "You have no manners!" Feng Yi shot out like a startled bird from the woods, bursting through the window into midair, his body jerking and twisting like a cold crow returning to its nest, actually flipping back to pounce upon the roof.

Mu Gaofeng's foot had not yet landed on the roof when he saw a mass of shadow swinging a hand to strike him down; his heart leapt, he hastily drew his weapon—a curved blade—and waved it to defend himself.

Feng Yi gave a light chuckle, flicked his finger—clang! —a white light shot skyward; with a casual raise, Mu Gaofeng felt chest pain, blood spurted from his mouth, his whole body flew backward, landing with a thud.

Feng Yi rose into the air, caught the curved blade, drifted down from heaven, his clothes and hair flowing, like an immortal from the lower realm.

Everyone's hearts pounded tumultuously, imagining Feng Yi's gale sweeping in, a single gesture disarming Mu Gaofeng's weapon and making him vomit blood and collapse.

Such a method simply doesn't exist in the human world.

Translation: "Such means, simply not something humans possess." Need to be natural: "Such means are simply not something humans possess." Keep meaning.

In an instant, Yue Buqun, Yu Canghai, and Dingyi Shitai all felt as if their bodies had plunged into an icy cave.

In an instant, Yue Buqun, Yu Canghai, and Dingyi Shitai all felt as if their bodies had plunged into an icy cave.

If he can deal with Mu Gaofeng this way, he can deal with himself.

Translation: "Because he could handle Mu Gaofeng like this, he could handle himself." Better: "Since he could deal with Mu Gaofeng this way, he could certainly deal with himself." Keep concise.

Lin Pingzhi felt as though he were in a dream; he had originally thought it wouldn't work and considered becoming Yue Buqun's disciple, but now he was determined to become Feng Yi's disciple.

Translation: "Lin Pingzhi felt as if he were in a bewildering dream; he had originally thought it impossible, planning to become Yue Buqun's disciple, but now he was resolute: he must take Feng Yi as his master."

As the saying goes, having seen the lofty mountains, how can one bear the rubble!

As the saying goes, having seen the lofty mountains, how can one bear the rubble!

Mu Gaofeng struggled to his feet, his face flushed, blood at the corner of his mouth, fists clasped, and hoarsely said: 'From start to finish, I, Mu Tuozi, have never offended you; why accuse me of lacking courtesy? Please tell me—even if I die, I want to understand why.'

Translation: "Mu Gaofeng climbed to his feet, his face flushed, a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth, he clasped his fists and said in a hoarse voice: 'From beginning to end, I, Mu Tuozi, have offended you in no way; why do you say I lack courtesy? Please tell me, and even if I die, I will at least understand.'"

Since he appeared, his speech had always been coarse—even toward Yue Buqun—but now he became respectful and polite, surprising everyone.

Translation: "Since he appeared, his speech had always been coarse, treating Yue Buqn no differently, but now he became respectful and polite, leaving everyone astonished."

Upon further reflection, indeed, strength is the foundation of everything.

Translation: "Then he thought, indeed, strength is the only capital."

Strength can turn anyone into a modest gentleman.

Translation: "Strength can turn anyone into a modest gentleman."

Whether a renowned sect leader or a martial arts eccentric, everyone behaves politely in Feng Yi's presence.

Translation: "Whether a renowned sect leader or a martial world eccentric, before Feng Yi they are all the same—very courteous."

【83】

Note: The line appears incomplete; there is an opening quotation mark but no closing one. The Chinese line ends with a quotation mark but lacks a closing quote? Actually line 【71】 reads: Feng Yi plays with a curved blade in his hand, lightly laughing: "Today I've taken over the Jade Chamber; you all show off your skills here, trying to steal my spotlight—that's fine, I'll just treat it as watching a monkey show." It ends with a period inside the quotation? It ends with a period after the word "show". So it's fine. We'll translate as is.

Translation: "Feng Yi played with the saber in his hand, chuckling: 'Today I have taken over the Jade Courtyard; you all show off your skills here, trying to steal my spotlight—that's fine, I'll just treat it as watching a monkey show.'"

【88】

Translation: "But you've pretended enough here, not even saying hello before wanting to leave—do you not regard Feng Mou as a person, or do you think you're special compared to Sect Leader Yue and Observatory Chief Yu?"

He spoke, his gaze coldly sweeping over everyone.

Translation: "Saying this, his gaze swept coldly over the crowd."

【92】

Translation: "Suddenly, an exclamation rose from the crowd."

It turned out that Feng Yi now held something larger than a fist in his hand.

Translation: "It turned out that Feng Yi's hand now held an object larger than a fist."

【96】

Translation: "All the masters knew that Feng Yi had crumpled Mu Gaofeng's saber into a lump of scrap iron."

Mu Gaofeng was stunned and at a loss; though his sword wasn't a mythical blade that could slice hair with a breath, it was still made of refined steel. Yet he, without changing expression, kneaded it into a ball.

Translation: "Mu Gaofeng was even more shocked and at a loss; although his saber was not a divine weapon that could cut hair with a breath, it was forged from hundred-times refined steel, yet Feng Yi, without changing expression, kneaded it into a ball."

【100】

Translation: "This person's internal and external arts have reached the pinnacle, unmatched under heaven; how could these people possibly rival him?"

That's why Feng Yi would rather not lift a finger against these people if he can avoid it.

Translation: "Precisely for this reason, Feng Yi would rather not act against these people if he could avoid it."

【104】

Translation: "Because once he acts, these people cannot withstand the torment."

He has no interest in fighting them, but watching them bicker is actually quite entertaining.

Translation: "He has no interest in fighting them, but watching them bicker fills him with keen interest."

【108】

Translation: "This show must go on, so he can keep watching."

Mu Gaofeng stared, recalling how Yu Canghai held him in high esteem and Yue Buqun even more respectfully bowed; yet he himself had not greeted him with a salute, appearing arrogant. He blamed himself, cupping his hands and said: "Master Feng is right; I, Mu Tuozi, was blind to Mount Tai. Please forgive me."

Translation: "Mu Gaofeng stared, thinking that Yu Canghai held him in high esteem, Yue Buqun even more respectfully paid homage, yet he himself had not greeted him with a salute, appearing arrogant; he felt dissatisfied with himself, and clasped his hands: 'Feng Xia, you are right—I, Mu Tuozi, have eyes but fail to recognize Mount Tai; please pardon my transgression.'"

【111】

Already translation: "\"Too late! \" Feng Yi sneered: \"If you want to live, kowtow three times! \"" We'll output that.

【114】

Translation: "Upon hearing this, the crowd cried, 'Too bullying!'"

A man may be killed but not humiliated!

Translation: "A scholar may be killed but not humiliated!"

【118】

Translation: "Yu Canghai thought, if it were him, he would rather die than suffer humiliation."

Who would have thought that Mu Gaofeng's sharp voice would reveal a hoarse, dry laugh as he said: "In light of your extraordinary martial arts, Master Feng, I am fortunate to receive your guidance; I shall naturally kowtow to thank you for your great kindness."

Translation: "Who would have thought Mu Gaofeng's sharp voice would emit a hoarse, dry laugh as he said: 'In light of your extraordinary martial arts, Feng Xia, I, Mu Gaofeng, am fortunate to receive your guidance; I shall naturally kowtow in gratitude.'"

【122】

Translation: "Saying this, he bowed down, bang bang bang, kowtowed three times, rose, lowered his head, and hurried away."

Mu Gaofeng's action surprised not only everyone else, but even Feng Yi.

Translation: "Mu Gaofeng's action was unexpected not only to the crowd but also to Feng Yi."

【126】

Translation: "He had still been thinking that if this camel just uttered a tough word—like 'rather die than yield'—he would have killed him."

As a result, his kowtow was clean and decisive!

Translation: "As it turned out, his kowtowing was refreshingly decisive!"

【130】

Translation: "Feng Yi, before the crowd, naturally could not go back on his word for profit; he couldn't help laughing: 'What a fine Mu Gaofeng, Martial Hero Mu!'"

Everyone suddenly understood.

Translation: "The crowd also suddenly understood."

【134】

Translation: "As for Mu Gaofeng's character, not only does the title 'martial hero' not fit, he has nothing to do with the very idea of a 'xia'."

He fawns on the powerful, disregarding loyalty; just to stay alive, he'd not only kowtow but even eat feces!

Translation: "He fawns on the powerful, disregards righteousness; to save his life, besides kowtowing, he'd probably even eat excrement!"

【138】

Translation: "Feng Yi slowly walked to the window, waved his hand, and a teapot flew out from the room into his grasp, from which he began to drink."

His ability to subdue objects from a distance also startled everyone—just where did this immortal come from?

Translation: "This remote-control technique of his again startled the crowd—just where did this immortal come from?"

【142】

Translation: "Seeing this, Lin Pingzhi's heart leapt with joy; he clasped his fists and bowed, saying: 'Please, Feng Xia, uphold justice for me!'"

Feng Yi sized him up, then suddenly said coldly: "Uphold justice? On what basis? Just because you call me a grand hero that doesn't fit?" Lin Pingzhi panicked inside, feeling embarrassed, and said: "This, this... you look like a wise and upright, warm‑hearted person; the Qingcheng Sect does many good deeds; please... please uphold justice and rid the martial world of this great harm."

Translation: "Feng Yi sized him up, then suddenly said coldly: 'Uphold justice? On what basis? On your calling me a "martial hero" that doesn't suit me at all?' Lin Pingzhi panicked, feeling embarrassed, and stammered: 'This, this... you clearly are wise and upright, warm-hearted and righteous; the Qingcheng Sect does many good deeds, please... please uphold justice and rid the martial world of this great scourge.'"

【146】

Translation: "Feng Yi said he was not a martial hero; in his agitation, he seemed somewhat incoherent."

Upon hearing this, Yu Canghai's heart raced; he really wanted to slip away.

Translation: "Upon hearing this, Yu Canghai's heart raced; he truly wanted to slip away."

【150】

Translation: "But thinking of Feng Yi's recent skillful handling of Mu Gaofeng, even with two more legs he couldn't outrun him; he could only steel himself."

"Don't come near me!" Feng Yi wiped tea from the corner of his mouth: "Although the Qingcheng Sect is nothing, being a grand hero is not something you can just claim."

【154】

Translation: "\"Don't come near! \" Feng Yi wiped tea from the corner of his mouth: 'Although the Qingcheng Sect is nothing, calling oneself a martial hero is not something that can be done.'"

Throughout history, those chivalrous heroes, loyal and righteous, when they see injustice, are willing to go through fire and water, to sacrifice their lives without hesitation—but what is the final result?

Translation: "From ancient times to now, those chivalrous heroes, loyal and righteous, upon seeing injustice, are willing to tread fire and wade through water, to sacrifice life and forget death—but what is the final outcome?"

【158】

Translation: "They always seek blessings for others, yet themselves end up with no good fate!"

Looking around, he said: "Especially nowadays, morals decline, hearts grow cold; for certain ideals, brothers turn against each other, internal strife erupts, disasters arise—there is might but no justice."

Translation: "Saying this, he looked around and said: 'Especially now, with morals declining and hearts growing cold, for certain ideals brothers turn against each other, internal strife erupts, disasters arise—there is strong authority but no justice.'"

【162】

Translation: "Heh, over a martial arts manual belonging to another, heroes from all sides are drawn to bow and scrape; do you still expect to say a few pleasant words and have others help you for free?"

Look around—who in this world is like such a good person?

Translation: "Look at this world—who resembles such a good person?"

【166】

Translation: "Apart from a few exceptions, the crowd generally agreed with Feng Yi's remarks to about seventy or eighty percent."

(untranslatable)

【168】

Although Lin Pingzhi was somewhat dissatisfied, after thinking it over, the things he has seen recently seem to be exactly this principle.

Translation: "Although Lin Pingzhi felt somewhat dissatisfied, upon reflection, recent events he had witnessed seemed to bear out this principle."

【172】

Translation: "He had tried to help Yue Lingshan, but her martial arts far surpassed his, her backing was far stronger, and ending up in the mouths of Huashan disciples was merely his own sentimental fancy."

The Huashan Sect claims to be a respectable orthodox school, yet when disaster struck his home, they were clearly together with the Qingcheng Sect stepping on plates at his home, but they didn't utter a word of warning, leaving his family caught off guard.

Translation: "Although the Huashan Sect claims to be an orthodox orthodox school, when disaster struck his household, they were clearly stepping on plates together with the Qingcheng Sect in his home, yet they failed to utter a word of warning, resulting in his household being caught off guard."

【176】

Translation: "And Yu Canghai, in pursuit of his private desires, slaughtered innocents indiscriminately—not only killing the escort agency's personnel, but also wiping out a family running a wine shop in the mountains; he was utterly wicked, a fact witnessed by Huashan Sect disciples, yet none of them spoke up."

This is the Huashan Sect, which even bears the title 'Gentleman's Sword'; what about others?

Translation: "Even the Huashan Sect, which bears the title 'Gentleman's Sword,' is like this—what about others?"

【180】

Translation: "Lin Pingzhi thought of this, and could not help feeling secretly despairing of the world."

"What a fine saying 'Morals decline, hearts grow cold!' Yue Buqun sighed: 'In the martial world, rivalry and competitiveness are inevitable; upon hearing of any martial arts secret, they don't bother checking its authenticity, they go all out to seize it.'

Translation: "\"What a fine saying, 'Morals decline, hearts grow cold!'\" Yue Buqun sighed: 'In the martial world, rivalry and competitiveness are inevitable; upon hearing of any martial arts secret, they do not bother to verify its authenticity, but simply risk their lives to seize it.'"

【245】

Translation: "Actually, experts like Observatory Chief Yu and the Sai Bei Ming Tuo, with such high martial prowess, originally had no need to covet the Lin family's Evil-Repelling Sword Manual; it's truly a pity!"

Feng Yi shot a sideways glance, slightly narrowing his eyes at Yue Buqun, and inwardly sneered: "This guy really speaks beautifully!"

"That makes sense!" the Heaven Gate Daoist boomed, his voice like a great bell: "For a mere sword manual, you wipe out a whole family, commit kidnapping—such despicable acts, the ancestors of the Qingcheng Sect, if they knew underground, would surely be angered to death again."

Master Dingyi also despised Yu Canghai's actions, but she did not want to follow the crowd, lest she appear to be kicking someone when they're down; she merely fixed her gaze on Yu Canghai and uttered, "Amitabha."

The heroes all stared fixedly at Yu Canghai.

Yu Canghai felt that the many gazes shooting at his face were all filled with contempt and hatred, and he secretly worried.

Yue Buqun said, "Master Yu, you have already wiped out the Fuwei Escort Agency, killing hundreds; now, in front of Hero Feng and the gathered martial friends, you still refuse to hand over the Lin couple—are you truly not afraid of being laughed at?"

Yu Canghai's face turned ashen, and he coldly snorted, "I fear it is you who will be laughed at."

Lao Denuo said in a deep voice, "My master is open and upright, a true gentleman known to all; what is there to be laughed at?"

Yu Canghai's eyes snapped open, his gaze sharp as a blade, and he burst into loud laughter.

Linghu Chong placed his hand on his sword hilt and shouted, "What are you laughing at?"

Yu Canghai's laughter ceased: "I laugh at the disciple and daughter of the esteemed Huashan Sect's master, disguised in Fujian—what are they up to?"

Hmm, you are the Gentleman Sword; your conduct must be chivalry and righteousness, right?

But if that is so, I am puzzled: why not go to the Lin family to explain the reason, or step forward to stop me?

Given Master Yue's reputation and the old friendship between the Qingcheng and Huashan Sects, how could I dare not give you face?

Linghu Chong was bewildered, not understanding the deceit, and didn't know what to say.

Yue Lingshan sneered, "How could someone like Master Yu, who treats lives as grass, know the reason?"

Yu Canghai snorted coldly, "You little girl, just stubborn!"

Before Wooden Camel left, Master Yue flew into a rage out of embarrassment, having been called out—your Huashan Sect clearly harbors designs on the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique, yet you still want to preserve your gentlemanly demeanor.

Little do they know that Master Yue, though called the Gentleman Sword and famed worldwide, has another nickname that truly nobody is unaware of!

He knew Feng Yi's martial arts were extraordinary; trapped here, not only would he struggle to survive, but the Qingcheng Sect would become a laughingstock—if he could drag Yue Buqun and the Huashan Sect into trouble, it would be worth it.

This instantly angered Linghu Chong; with a swish, he drew his sword and thrust straight at Yu Canghai's chest.

Because he caught the implied meaning.

After all, that other nickname means "hypocrite"; martial artists dare not say it to one's face, but many use it behind their backs.

Yu Canghai gave a cold snort, about to block, when suddenly a strong gust swept past him and lunged at Linghu Chong.

It was Feng Yi lightly flicking his sleeve; although Linghu Chong's internal energy was considerable, his sword was shaken so hard he could barely keep hold, retreating three steps with a thud-thud-thud.

Feng Yi smiled narrowly and said, "Your angry, embarrassed look is not the bearing of a noble scion—don't let your master scold you! Of course, I love watching a heated feud; whoever wants to fight, go ahead, as long as you can beat me first!"

Linghu Chong said coldly, "Just because your martial arts are high does that give you license to act lawlessly?"

Feng Yi laughed, "Isn't that obvious enough?

Or do you have the ability to make Wooden Peak kowtow and flee for his life?

Can you make Yu Canghai and his lot dare not even think of leaving here?

Brat, when you someday become invincible under heaven, not only will people say you and Tian Bogong are sworn brothers, but even if you romance the Demon Sect leader's daughter, they'll say you, Linghu Chong, are a carefree, unconventional soul!

You say you now want to romance a Demon Sect woman—what kind of end would that bring?

Before Linghu Chong could speak, Yue Lingshan could no longer restrain herself and shouted coquettishly, "You're talking nonsense! Even if you aren't the world's top master, even if you were, someone like you who does as they please will surely come to a bad end!"

Feng Yi chuckled lightly, "My own fate you cannot see. But your fate, if I wished, I could make it miserably terrible—believe it or not."

Feng Yi's such arrogance angered everyone, especially the masters of the Five Mountains Sword Sect.

Yet they saw his cultivation was too high; they thought a solo duel would surely be no match, but if they joined forces to surround him, even if they won, given their respective standings, there would be no glory.

If they lost, they'd become an even bigger laughingstock, so they all stayed silent to avoid disgracing themselves.

Yue Lingshan's face turned deathly pale; she dared not utter another word.

She felt that if Feng Yi moved a finger, he could pierce her to death.

She did not realize Feng Yi meant that once Lin Pingzhi entered Huashan, she would become a pawn, destined for a bad end, with no need for her to act.

Linghu Chong also stared fixedly at Feng Yi, his face flushing red then white, then white then green, angrily sheathing his sword, seething with resentment.

Yue Buqun smiled faintly, stepped forward a few paces, and bowed to Feng Yi, saying, "Hero Feng..."

Feng Yi interrupted him, "Master Yue, just call me Feng Yi."

Yue Buqun laughed, "How dare I, how dare I! Hero Feng's divine skill is unrivaled; even Wooden Peak would flee in terror, not daring to face an enemy—how could I presume to address you by name!"

Before Feng Yi could speak, Yu Canghai snorted and said, "Master Yue, you know you can't match him, so here you lower yourself, trying to divert attention from your disciple's undercover work in Fuzhou—do you really think everyone's blind? Your gentlemanly conduct really makes one's teeth ache."

Yue Buqun gave a faint smile: "This really is a thief biting a mouthful, penetrating to the bone."

"Master Dingyi, please trouble yourself to explain the origin of the grudge between the Qingcheng Sect and the Fuwei Escort Agency, to clear my wronged name!"

Master Dingyi glanced at Lin Pingzhi, then at Yu Canghai, and pondered, "This matter might be somewhat inappropriate, wouldn't it?"

She is a senior of the Hengshan Sect; the grudge between the Fuwei Escort Agency and the Qingcheng Sect involves several deceased martial forefathers, so she naturally does not wish to speak.

Who would have thought Yu Canghai would solemnly say, "Master, I too hope to reveal the truth to the world; the people will judge fairly."

Master Dingyi gave a slight nod: "All right!"

Speaking, she looked around and proclaimed loudly, "Back then, the grandfather of Lin Zhenan of the Fuwei Escort Agency, Yuntu Gong, mastered the seventy-two ways of the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique, sweeping the world unbeaten, shocking both the righteous and the wicked."

Master Yu's teacher, Chang Qingzi, famed as 'the Number One Sword West of the Three Gorges,' also fell to the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique.

He regarded it as a great shame, never speaking of it; only a few knew, and Chang Qingzi died depressed at thirty-six, and Master Yu's hatred of the Fuwei Escort Agency has been building for years."

Yu Canghai said, "Indeed, my heart to avenge my master is as clear as sun and moon!"

Actually, Yu Canghai waited until today to act against the Fuwei Escort Agency precisely to seek stability.

Because on Lin Yuntu's seventieth birthday, a grand feast was held for heroes from all quarters; at the banquet, they ordered his grandson to demonstrate his martial arts—Lin Zhenan was then only sixteen, yet with a single palm he snuffed candles, and with silver arrows pierced apertures; all the heroes praised, saying, "Old Hero Lin has good fortune, the Lin line has an heir, and the Fuwei Escort Agency in Zhenan's hands will surely flourish."

Lin Yuntu founded the Fuwei Escort Agency, its base stretching from southern Fujian to Guangdong, north to Zhejiang and Jiangsu four provinces. After Lin Zhenan took over, he indeed lived up to expectations, surpassing his father and grandfather, establishing branches in Shandong, Hebei, the two Hubei regions, Jiangxi, and Guangxi—everywhere had a substation.

When people of the martial world mention the Fuwei Escort Agency, they all raise their thumbs and say, "Fuwei Escort Agency, good fortune, mighty prestige."

Besides the Fuzhou prefecture headquarters, the Fuwei Escort Agency added nine branch offices, wealthy and powerful, indeed gathering many capable hands.

Over the past twenty years, with provincial roads unsafe, the escort agencies also encountered several thorny matters; but the ten agencies' escort chiefs totaled eighty-four, and when these capable hands poured out en masse, even the greatest difficulties were readily resolved.

Therefore, although Yu Canghai had long surpassed Chang Qingzi in skill, he did not act immediately; instead, he waited until he had mastered the Qingcheng Sect's 'Heaven‑Reaching Crane Cry Divine Technique,' which no one had practiced for hundreds of years, before moving against the Fuwei Escort Agency, and even stole their sword technique.

Names:

【249】

Note: Chang Qingzi is a person's name.

【252】

Note: The technique name "He Ling Jiu Xiao Shen Gong" translates to "Crane Cry Nine Heavens Divine Skill".

【255】

This is not only because he fears the strength of the Fuwei Escort Agency itself, but also because he worries that provoking them would trigger a chain reaction from all sides that he couldn't handle.

Names:

Check if any missing like 【63】, 【67】, 【69】, etc. We only output those present.

Not mentioning Lin Zhen'nan's father-in-law, who is the "Invincible Golden Blade" of Central Province Luoyang, people like Mu Gaofeng in the martial world are all his own misfortune; it's not simply that picking on the Fuwei Escort Agency would end this matter.

Yue Buqun slowly said: "Master Yu, since it's for revenge, why keep Lin Zhen'nan and his wife and their son alive instead of killing them?"

Heavenly Gate Daoist let out a cold snort: "Well asked!"

Yue Buqun swayed his folding fan, leisurely said: "It seems Master Yu's revenge is a pretense; obtaining the Evil-Resisting Sword Manual and dominating the martial world is the real goal!"

Yu Canghai gave a hehe, two cold laughs: "Your daughter and Lodenuo are spying at the Lin residence on me; isn't it to find the whereabouts of the Evil-Resisting Sword Manual? You don't want to dominate the martial world?"

Yue Buqun, a purple aura rising between his brows, slowly said: "You say this, do you have any evidence?"

Yu Canghai's eyes flashed with murderous light, he coldly snorted: "Evidence? Humph, do you think I'm an idiot? Yue Buqun, I knew you when you were young. What kind of person are you, do you think I wouldn't know?"

He glanced at Lin Pingzhi, then swept his gaze over Yue Lingshan, suddenly clapped and laughed loudly: "Your words sound nice, but you've already concocted a plan, trying to set a beauty trap for Lin Pingzhi to fall into; such despicable schemes, even if the ancestors of Hua Mountain knew underground, they'd be furious again. Hehe, this Evil-Resisting Sword Manual, I'm afraid even if it's on your son-in-law's waist, you might not be able to produce it."

He returned the Heavenly Gate Daoist's earlier scolding words to Yue Buqun word for word.

Anyway, the Five Peaks Sword School aren't they all from the same root?

Feng Yi clapped his hands: "Yu Canghai, Yu Canghai, I didn't expect you to be so steadfast!"

Yue Buqun coldly snorted: "Master Yu, you really are shouting 'catch the thief' while being the thief yourself! You can turn black and white upside down, spout bloody nonsense, and perform it to perfection; I, Yue, truly admire you!"

Feng Yi laughed heartily: "Listen, Mr. Yue, as a cultured person, your speech is refined; even when scolding others, you don't utter vulgar words."

This round is a draw, continue!

Yu Canghai was greatly angered; Feng Yi scolded him for turning black and white upside down, Lin Pingzhi likewise, Yue Buqun likewise; his eyebrows shot up, he placed his hand on the sword hilt, and coldly said: "As a poor Daoist, my meager talent compared to Mr. Yue is really nothing."

Yue Buqun's gaze narrowed, he said word by word: "Master Yu, do you think this place is the Fuwei Escort Agency, or that I am also Lin Zhen'nan?"

Before Yu Canghai could speak, Feng Yi clapped and laughed: "I'm familiar with this line; Master Yu, you should say it, but the result is the same; this momentum comes instantly, alright, swords out, let's start fighting right away."

Whoever wins, the Evil-Resisting Sword Manual belongs to them!

Go! (End of chapter)