Chapter 264: The Smiling, Proud Wanderer

Well done, Linghu Chong! Not wasted the years of painstaking instruction from Yue Buqun. His three‑sword strike, each move fiercer than the last, his long sword like a white rainbow piercing the sky, sword light like drifting meteors, already has Feng Yi's upper body shrouded beneath the blade.

This is precisely Yue Buqun's favored sword art, "Taiyue Three Green Peaks"—before one move finishes, the next arrives.

"Excellent swordsmanship!" Abbess Dingyi immediately shouted.

Amid Abbess Dingyi's cheers, Liu Zhengfeng shot out sideways like an arrow from a bow, his palm landing on Linghu Chong's pulse point. Linghu Chong suddenly felt an extremely gentle internal force strike his right pulse point, his wrist went numb without him noticing; Liu Zhengfeng's left hand extended, pressing exactly on the spot supporting Linghu Chong's waist, and with a light lift he flung Linghu Chong's body upward about a zhang.

The surrounding spectators couldn't help but shout applause; had it not been for the difference in seniority between the two, they would have already yelled out loud.

Linghu Chong felt his blood and qi surging; he flipped backward in a somersault and angrily shouted, "Liu Shishu, what are you doing?"

Everyone knew the Hengshan Sect's internal arts were exceptionally unique, and Liu Zhengfeng was a top‑tier expert of the sect, yet these few moves—quick as a rabbit's start and a falcon's descent, changing extremely fast—continued until Linghu Chong shouted.

Only then did the crowd realize that Liu Zhengfeng was using the Hengshan Sect's supreme technique, the "Hundred Changes Thousand Illusions Hengshan Cloud Mist Thirteen Forms". Having long heard its name, they now truly broadened their horizons.

After Linghu Chong finished shouting, he had already landed lightly, his feet planted firmly.

Liu Zhengfeng gave a slight smile: "Dear nephew, your intentions are good; my junior sister is unharmed!"

Linghu Chong personally saw that Feng Yi's first move aimed to take a life, killing without any discernible pattern; seeing his junior sister flung sideways, he had no time to look closely or think, and immediately thrust his sword at Feng Yi.

Upon hearing Liu Zhengfeng's words, at a glance the junior sister sprang up with a bounce, completely unharmed.

Know that Feng Yi's martial prowess is such that his power can be released and retracted at will; in an instant he can transform his palm force multiple times—when a palm strike is sent forth, the issuing, halting, and retracting forces can be fully controlled at the fingertips, palm center, or heel of the palm.

Generally, a person of high martial skill can follow the enemy's incoming motion—either meet it, oppose it, dissolve it, or resolve it—so as to avoid injury himself.

But Feng Yi's attacks are unfathomably variable; within a single palm he may employ "transmitting power through an object" or "striking a mountain to shake a cow", or bending and extending at will, striking upward while force goes downward—whatever he desires. Hence, once Feng Yi acts, even a first‑rate master cannot defend against him and is instantly slain.

Moreover, Feng Yi is usually lenient toward beautiful women; if it were ordinary times, Yue Lingshan's offense against him would be of no consequence.

But today he needed to establish his authority, so he acted against Yue Lingshan.

But Yue Lingshan is not Yue Buqun; she possesses the endurance to let spit dry on her face, and though she wished to defend her father, she could not bear to hurt him, so she released all her force onto the table merely to frighten her.

Sure enough, Feng Yi achieved the desired effect.

Although Yue Lingshan was uninjured, her face turned ashen and her lips trembled.

She is a jianghu maiden; though not a lady of noble birth, she is also the Huashan Sect's "Little Princess", cherished by all—when has she ever endured such injustice?

Linghu Chong hastily lunged forward, extending his left hand to press upon his junior sister's right wrist pulse point; in the midst of his haste he glanced at Feng Yi,

He saw only a gentle expression on Feng Yi's face, his sleeves not even fluttering the slightest, as if he had done nothing at all.

Linghu Chong felt his junior sister was unharmed, yet seeing her pallid face and forehead beaded with cold sweat, he asked softly, "Little junior sister, how are you?"

Yue Lingshan neither said yes nor no; her lips twitched slightly as she thought: "Feng Yi's martial prowess is peerless, yet he completely disregards status, laying hands on a girl like me—how could my father be his opponent when they are opposed?"

"But my father is a sect leader—how could he possibly retreat without fighting?" After a startled pause, her thoughts raced, anxiety surged again, and tears streamed down.

What Yue Lingshan thought, Linghu Chong also realized, breaking out in a cold sweat on his back; if not for Liu Zhengfeng's keen eyes and quick hands blocking him, had Feng Yi struck, Linghu Chong feared he would either lose his soul to paradise or be unable to get out of bed for months.

Just then, a sudden "ge-ge" sound rang out; turning his head, he saw it was Fei Bin's teeth clacking together.

It turned out he had been afflicted with the "Ice Silkworm Cold Poison"; although aided by Yue Buqun, it was only temporarily stabilized, treating symptoms not the root, and now it flared up again. Fei Bin tried to use his internal energy, gritting his teeth to endure, but the more he resisted, the more his whole body shook with cold, his upper and lower teeth clacking with a "ge-ge" sound, and both legs trembled.

Seeing Fei Bin's entire body shaking like chaff in a sieve, nonstop, everyone was greatly startled, especially the many experts of the Five Peaks Sect.

In an instant, countless thoughts raced through everyone's minds.

As everyone in the martial world knows, "Among the strong there are stronger; one mountain still has a higher peak." Losing in martial skill to another is not a great disgrace; with ten years of hard training, there will surely come a day to take revenge in the future.

Of course, narrow‑minded people are another matter—for example, Yu Canghai's master Chang Qingzi, or the senior martial brother of Abbess Mie Jue, Gu Hongzi, and their ilk. People like them, after a single defeat, nurse a grudge forever and can hardly achieve much in their martial studies over a lifetime.

Yet the leader of the Five Peaks Sect, renowned for many years, having seen all manner of figures in the jianghu, witnessing Feng Yi strike even a woman like Yue Lingshan, found it utterly shameless.

Unfortunately, they value their reputation highly and absolutely refuse to incur the infamy of several people ganging up on one.

After all, no matter how high Feng Yi's martial skill, how could one person oppose over a thousand heroes on the field?

Nevertheless, Feng Yi's martial skill is too high; if they went up to surround him, the saying goes, "One man giving his all cannot be resisted by ten thousand"—even ordinary people are like that, let alone a master such as Feng Yi.

Know that if all those on the field united to fully assault Feng Yi, Feng Yi, outnumbered, would either concede defeat or flee, suffering no harm to his reputation, yet they would inevitably lose face whether they won or lost.

Therefore, facing this situation, no one wished to engage.

Yue Buqun immediately said: "Hero Feng, the so‑called friendship of playing the qin and appreciating the xiao between Senior Brother Liu and Qu Yang, I do not consider it at all."

But his association with the Demonic Sect is utterly contrary to the way of righteousness; who is right or wrong can be clearly distinguished, yet we risk our lives over this—far from the conduct of a gentleman.

Feng Yi glanced at him askance, hand on his waist, and said: "Those words do have some reason, but in the jianghu, grudges and killings are always decided by martial strength; if we were to settle everything by talk, what would be the point of practicing martial arts?"

Think back—wasn't it precisely because of differing ideals that your Huashan Sword Qi sects fought fiercely, which let you become sect leader?

Yue Buqun's face flashed with purple aura; angry that he struck his daughter and feeling he had repeatedly provoked him, he thrust his long sword forward, floated out, and pointed at Feng Yi, saying: "If you are dissatisfied with me, then come take my life—why bother speaking of my Huashan Sect's grudges?"

"Even if you were invincible under heaven, my Huashan Sect would not fear you in the slightest!"

He well knew today's situation was extremely perilous, yet if he retreated, what face would he have to meet the heroes of the world? Moreover, with his disciples and daughter beside him, how could he allow himself to be so disgraced?

Before Feng Yi could speak, Liu Zhengfeng spread his arms to block him, saying: "Senior Brother Yue, no, no!"

Feng Yi gazed heavenward and sneered: "Liu Zhengfeng, as a man of the orthodox path you consort with a Demonic Sect elder, committing a great taboo of the martial world, and even on the brink of death you still meddle so broadly—what gives you the right?"

Upon these words, everyone was startled.

Everyone was utterly perplexed; they had originally thought Feng Yi's provocations toward the crowd were merely because he could not bear to see Liu Zhengfeng in danger, prompting him to help, yet how could he then utter mockery?

Ding Mian immediately shouted: "Liu Zhengfeng, you heard it—Feng Yi also said you have committed a great taboo of the martial world."

You listen: the Left Alliance Leader has issued an order, giving you one month to kill Qu Yang and bring his head to appear; otherwise the Five Peaks Sword Sect will surely purge its gates, exterminating root and branch!

The people of the Songshan Sect all harbor lofty ambitions; they know the difficulties to achieve their goals, and a single defeat is no great matter. Today, as long as we expose Liu Zhengfeng's association with Qu Yang, even if Feng Yi protects the Liu family, once he is gone, the day we wipe out the Liu household will likewise deter the other four Peaks sects.

Unfortunately, Feng Yi had long seen through their intentions, and he also knows that whether it be the Songshan Sect's schemes, the grudges and rights‑wrongs of the martial world, or Liu Zhengfeng's life, none can be thwarted merely by his defeating or killing the Songshan Sect's guardian; he must resort to extraordinary tactics.

This cannot be achieved by strength alone.

After all, provoking people to fury, while he himself could remain safe against a siege, the Liu family would not be so fortunate.

Feng Yi snorted: "Heh, what a fine 'exterminate root and branch'! Indeed, the so‑called righteous path is full of those who deceive the world and steal fame."

"I thought Feng Mou's such arrogance, running roughshod, was good‑for‑nothing, and the Demonic Sect's deeds are cruel enough!"

"But you also practice 'exterminate root and branch'; then I dare to ask, where is your 'righteousness'? What exactly does upholding the martial world's righteousness preserve?"

Ding Mian changed countenance and said: "Surname Feng, we cannot beat you, yet we are all upstanding men of integrity; though our martial skill is lacking, our spirit must not be compromised, and we swear to contend to the end with those who flatter the Demonic Sect—do you really think such people should not be exterminated root and branch?"

Feng Yi gave a sideways glance: "Liu Zhengfeng, see that? You were just pleading for others, but no one cares, and they still want your life!"

Everyone felt a chill, as if that were the case.

Liu Zhengfeng wore a bitter expression: "Hero Feng is right! In this ever-changing jianghu, I already sent my retirement notice to the Left Alliance Leader; if he truly intended to stop it, why must he come today?"

Actually, this is forcing me.

If I obey his order, to those friends who traveled far to congratulate me, I would be breaking my word, failing to keep 'faith'.

But if I defy him, that would betray the righteousness of the Five Mountains Alliance; heh, we martial artists may have blood on our hands, yet as long as we uphold 'faith and righteousness', we remain true heroes.

Yet the Alliance Leader's move is precisely to make me lose my integrity and ruin my reputation!"

Lu Bai spoke softly: "Your friendship with Qu Yang—could it also be at the behest of the Alliance Leader?"

Liu Zhengfeng looked around and said: "Elder Brother Qu Yang is a master of the seven-stringed qin; I enjoy playing the xiao by pressing the holes, and we are friends through qin and xiao, our hearts in harmony.

We have indeed discussed the conflicts in the martial world, agreeing they are meaningless feuds; thus, Elder Brother Qu Yang swore before me to his Demonic Sect's grandmaster, vowing to stay out of it and not participate in the strife between the orthodox and demonic sects!"

Speaking, he clasped his hands all around: "I am no different; I only wish to retire early, leave the jianghu, and live in seclusion among forests and springs! Then I will play the xiao, till the fields, and find boundless joy!"

Feng Yi's face turned cold as he stared at Liu Zhengfeng, then said slowly: "That sounds lovely, but you don't know what's good for you—just a foolish daydream!"

Liu Zhengfeng startled: "What? I consider this wish of mine does not violate our sect's rules or the Five Mountains Sword School's pact."

Feng Yi coldly replied: "My principle in dealing with people is 'if someone offends me by a foot, I retaliate by ten feet.' Today you Songshan Sect provoked me, were defeated by my hand, yet instead of kneeling to beg for mercy, you dare to rally others against me!

Heh, you think your numbers give you strength and that I alone cannot cope, but with my skill, even against thousands or tens of thousands, I can come and go as I please.

If I cannot kill you all today, I'll slay dozens tomorrow, dozens the next day, and keep going until that damned Five Mountains Sword School is utterly exterminated, only then can I vent the rancor in my chest!"

Everyone witnessed his divine skill and found it reasonable; none thought he was boasting.

Yet such brutal words are too shocking to hear.

Yue Buqun and the others exchanged glances, gripped their weapons, and prepared to surge forward—if we don't kill Feng Yi today, which sect could withstand his methods!

Feng Yi gave a cold smile: "Why pose? Come all at once—what do I have to fear!"

As he spoke, his right palm suddenly struck out, the accompanying gust flinging the hems and sleeves of everyone in the hall into the air.

Even martial experts like He Sanqi and Mr. Wen felt a stifling oppression in their chests from the periphery of his palm wind, and immediately each circulated qi to resist.

As for those facing him directly, like Yue Buqun, they saw sandalwood fragments sweeping like a sky-covering tide, overlapping spikes that, infused with inner force, were more terrifying than steel blades, strong crossbows, or hidden weapons—like myriad ghosts baring fangs, making one's heart tremble at the sight.

Yue Buqun and others either leapt up, flicked their sleeves, or spun their longswords to strike the wood chips. Some were so frightened their souls fled, scrambling out the windows, while all that could be heard were cries of "Ay!" and "Not good!" as over a dozen shouted in unison.

The hall was crowded, the fragments numerous and swift, yet many still got cut.

Yue Buqun shouted loudly: "In the world there exists such a barbaric person!" Yet he rose into the air, raising his sword aloft; before landing, his sword light lunged at Feng Yi.

Feng Yi thought: "This old man is indeed formidable!" He laughed: "You haven't seen anything yet!" and thrust a phantom palm at Yue Buqun.

Yue Buqun thought: "Your palm force may be strong, but I can focus my inner energy into a point with my sword—what difficulty is there in breaking it?"

His face turned purple as he continued thrusting the sword forward.

Unexpectedly, his wrist trembled, the sword hummed, and he could no longer hold it—it flew from his hand.

Yue Buqun was no ordinary fellow; he lunged forward with his whole body, unaware that Feng Yi stood firm, seeing the sword already at his chest, about to pierce through.

But a crack sounded, the sword snapped in two—turns out Feng Yi flicked his finger, breaking the blade at its midpoint.

Though Yue Buqun's sword was not a treasure, it was fine pure steel; yet it was snapped in midair by empty-handed force. He realized his skill was far inferior to Feng Yi's, but retreat was impossible now, so he gritted his teeth and struck out with both palms.

Suddenly, a figure flashed forth—Liu Zhengfeng leapt forward, shouting: "Hold back your hand!"

His movement was extremely swift; in a flash he closed in on Yue Buqun, then thrust both palms outward to block the incoming strike.

Liu Zhengfeng knew Feng Yi's divine skill was too overwhelming; if Yue Buqun clashed palms with him, it would mean death or injury.

Yet just before their palms met, Yue Buqun suddenly let out a strange cry, flipping outward in a somersault through the air.

Liu Zhengfeng found himself blocking empty air; he quickly withdrew his hands, seeing Yue Buqun fly straight out over two zhang before landing, then retreat another four or five steps. His face turned ashen, his body trembling slightly.

No one knew what exactly had happened in that instant,

Linghu Chong rushed forward and asked: "Master, what's wrong?"

Yue Buqun could no longer speak.

He had merely thought Liu Zhengfeng's strike would not overcome him; instead he could use that force to rebound, thereby showing his 'Gentleman Sword' as exceptional.

But while airborne, he felt an extremely soft inner force silently emanating from Liu Zhengfeng's side, striking his palms with bone‑chilling cold; startled, he quickly borrowed the force to retreat.

Feng Yi had cultivated the 'White Rainbow Palm' on the stone walls of Lingjiu Palace; seeing Liu Zhengfeng block, he still struck out, though the palm force went around Liu Zhengfeng and headed straight for Yue Buqun.

Yet Yue Buqun managed to withdraw entirely unharmed; this level of ability and quick wit is also quite remarkable.

Although Yue Buqun's martial prowess is high and his reactions swift, he did not anticipate this palm force; he barely held on, not falling but his face remained pale and he panted. The Tianmen Daoist saw Feng Yi as if casting a spell— in an instant he snatched Yue Buqun's sword and sent him flying; for a moment no one dared to step forward.

Yue Lingshan only then reacted, her body jolting violently as she cried: "Father, what's wrong with you?" Touching Yue Buqun's body, she shuddered involuntarily, her pretty face turning pale.

Yue Buqun stared blankly for a long while, then shook his hand and said: "Nothing."

Feng Yi said lightly: "The Purple Cloud Divine Skill truly is the foremost of the Five Mountains." He glanced at Liu Zhengfeng with feigned anger: "You run out again to meddle—who here considers you one of us?"

Liu Zhengfeng's face showed sorrow as he spoke slowly: "Fellow senior brothers and sisters, which of you is not renowned in the martial world?

Our Five Mountains Sword School is respected in the jianghu not because of numbers or strong martial arts, but because we uphold chivalry and justice.

You claim I cannot distinguish right from wrong, associating with demonic sect folk, yet from Elder Brother Qu's qin tones I know his conduct is pure and noble, his mind as clear as bright wind and clear moon; he walks the same path as us.

We merely belong to different sects.

Liu Zhengfeng not only admires him but also looks up to him; how could he yield to power and harm him for his own and his family's safety?"

Everyone knows that since ancient times, beauty and allure have been enchanting.

The Hengshan School's masters of all ages have loved music; the current head, Master Mo, nicknamed "Xiao Xiang Night Rain," never parts with his huqin, bearing the eight‑character epithet "The qin hides the sword, the sword emits qin sound"; Liu Zhengfeng's friendship with Qu Yang through the xiao is hardly surprising.

>

Some sensible people felt even more that Liu Zhengfeng was not only correct, but profoundly reasonable.

If Liu Zhengfeng today killed his bosom friend Qu Yang for the sake of his family and his own life, then tomorrow, should someone again threaten him with them to harm him, would he not yield?

What kind of righteousness and justice is this!

That's just an utterly ordinary person, no different from a petty scoundrel who forgets righteousness for profit.

He isn't even as good as a hot-blooded underworld figure.

Songshan Sect, Qu Yang. Also, nobody dares to laugh.

If you don't obey, we'll clean out the sect, eradicate the roots!

This is a dead end, with no way to break it!

Liu Zhengfeng, Great Hero Feng (referring to Feng Yi), and Liu Mou.

Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang.

Feng Yi snorted: "According to you, I have to kill them, but first I must kill you?"

Liu Zhengfeng said: "Exactly, I, Liu Zhengfeng, cannot stop you from killing, but if you intend to kill today, I will be the first!"

Feng Yi suddenly stepped forward, a flick of his robe sleeve sent a gust of wind that blew Liu Zhengfeng back several steps with a thud-thud-thud, his eyes narrowing as he spoke in a deep voice: "My killing intent has been aroused today; if I don't kill someone, I will not rest! I ask again: shall I kill you or them? What do you say?"

Everyone thought: "A master like Feng Yi says what he means and means what he says!" All eyes turned to Liu Zhengfeng.

Liu Zhengfeng said: "As the saying goes, to find a true confidant is to die without regret. For me, Liu Zhengfeng, to die at the hands of a master like Hero Feng is a fortune cultivated over lifetimes; I only hope you will no longer make things difficult for my fellow Five Peaks Sect brothers and the heroes of the world."

none.

Feng Yi snorted, lunged forward a step: "You're already dead, yet you still dream sweetly!" He raised his palm and struck down toward Liu Zhengfeng's head.

"Stop!" Feng Yi had not yet released his palm power when he heard a sharp shout.

The shout reached their ears, and everyone saw a black shadow flip down from the eaves, his hand moving like wind, striking at Feng Yi's back.

Feng Yi didn't turn, he met the attack with a reverse palm; with a bang, the opponent flipped out in a sorry tumble.

Liu Zhengfeng exclaimed in surprise: "Elder Brother Qu, is that you?"

Qu Yang wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and said: "Hero Feng, show mercy!"

Feng Yi had long known he was hiding on the roof, just putting on an act; he turned his head and saw Liu Zhengfeng supporting Qu Yang.

Feng Yi said lightly: "What gives you the right to ask me to show mercy? Do you think you can still live?"

Qu Yang and Liu Zhengfeng.

As he spoke, Liu Zhengfeng took out a book from his bosom and said: "Hero Feng, this score is the fruit of years of experience and painstaking effort shared by me and Elder Brother Qu; I am confident this piece is a marvel unparalleled in history, and if it can be passed down to the world, I, Liu Zhengfeng, will die content."

Feng Yi smiled: "I too have heard of this wondrous sound, claimed to be a marvel unparalleled in history— isn't that a bit boastful?"

Liu Zhengfeng gave a faint smile: "Even if there were another Liu Zhengfeng in the future, there might not be a Qu Yang. Even if there were two people skilled in both music and inner power, they might not have comparable cultivation, be born in the same era, meet, become friends, and jointly create this piece."

Feng Yi waved his hand: "I don't care who you are; I just want to kill someone. Who dies first?"

Your Excellency.

Qu Yang also stepped forward at the same time and said: "Hero Feng, you stand apart from the crowd; how could I, Qu Yang, lag behind? I only hope we can perform together a piece entitled 'Laughing in the Jianghu,' if that may be."

Demonic Sect people.

Qu Yang was the first to face death calmly.

Heavenly Gate Daoist and Nun Dingyi.

Feng Yi's eyes flashed with a hint of approval, and he smiled slightly: "I, Feng Yi, can kill whenever I wish. Seeing your deep brotherhood and loyalty, which surpasses that of so-called orthodox sects,

This way, by performing 'Laughing in the Jianghu,' you can die without resentment, and we can listen to see what melody could earn the praise of being unparalleled in history.

Upon hearing this, some people couldn't help feeling ashamed.

They lack Liu Zhengfeng's willingness to stab a friend in the ribs, his steadfast heroism, and the loyalty owed to him as a friend.

Demonic Sect Elder Qu Yang and Liu Zhengfeng.

none.

Only then did Yue Buqun and a few other clever ones understand Feng Yi's intention.

Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang each sat down, one playing the zither, the other the flute; Feng Yi also reseated himself, closed his eyes, and listened.

The onlookers were also curious: what kind of music could allow two people to play a piece and die without regret?

Linghu Chong; Jade Zither and Dongxiao are not names.

After a while, the zither's tone grew soft, the two notes rising and falling; suddenly the zither and flute sounds shifted, as if seven or eight jade zithers and seven or eight bamboo flutes were playing together. Though the zither-flute sound was immensely complex and ever-changing, each note rose and fell with pleasing rhythm, delighting the ear and heart.

Some young listeners felt their blood surge, unable to resist clapping—for example, Linghu Chong.

Yue Lingshan and Yilin.

Suddenly, with a sharp clang, the zither sound stopped abruptly, and the flute fell silent.

none.

After a long while, Feng Yi finally clapped and laughed loudly: "What a splendid zither-flute duet, 'Laughing in the Jianghu'! You two are truly great talents, able to produce such a rare masterpiece; under heaven, I doubt anyone could rival you. Indeed, it is a marvel unparalleled in the world!"

Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang exchanged glances and smiled faintly.

Liu Zhengfeng said: "Indeed, as the saying goes, gold is easy to find but a true confidant is rare; to be able to share my labor of love with the heroes of the world today is also a great joy!"

Feng Yi gave a slight nod: "The ancients of virtue often played the zither to cultivate their character and clarify their morality; the flute is the gentleman among instruments, upright and straight, able to hold emptiness; you two are also a pity!"

Linghu Chong asked: "What a pity?"

Feng Yi and Linghu Chong.

Who would have thought Linghu Chong's eyes would glare and he would shout angrily: "Hold on!"

Great Hero Feng and Liu Zhengfeng.

Feng Yi gave him a sideways glance, and Liu Zhengfeng urgently said: "Nephew, this is none of your business; step aside!"

Yue Buqun

Yue Buqun gave a faint smile, let out a long sigh, and said: "Hero Feng, your intentions are sincere; I admire you!"

Speaking, he turned to Ding Mian: "Senior Brother Ding, as martial artists we can judge a person by his martial style; Liu Zhengfeng's ability to judge people through his music is surely no empty boast. In my view, those harboring evil could never produce such wonderful sounds. Since their zither and flute are in harmony, it is not an unforgivable crime; let them go."

Dingyi Nun said: "Indeed! Brother Liu's loyalty runs deep; he protects us without regard for his own life—truly a model for our order."

Saying he colludes with the demonic sect, which is unfavorable to my Five Peaks Sect, I, Ding Yi, would not believe it ten thousand times.

The Heavenly Gate Daoist also sighed and said: "Yes, Junior Brother Ding, things have come to this; let them retreat into seclusion!"

Ding Mian, Lu Bai, and the others exchanged a glance, their faces turning purple with anger.

By this point, even if they were foolish, they could guess Feng Yi's intention.

It turned out Feng Yi, well-versed in the jianghu, knew that Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang had become friends, a grave taboo in the jianghu.

The choice given by the Songshan Sect, no matter how one chooses, leads only to death.

I could defeat the Songshan Sect's three great guardians and even kill them, but once I act, facing over a thousand people, the chaos would be no small matter.

Moreover, if a fight really broke out, I would surely be outnumbered and would have no choice but to retreat intact.

But then, not only would Liu Zhengfeng's family's fate be sealed, I, having killed so many, would find every step difficult, constantly having to deal with retaliation—inevitably so.

Such a situation is truly beyond remedy.

Furthermore, Feng Yi is not some idle lunatic who kills at the sight of people; his earlier arrogance and brutality were deliberately put on.

Because he knew that as the host, Liu Zhengfeng would inevitably intervene.

Then, with me as the villain and Liu Zhengfeng as the good person, his favor in everyone's hearts would surely rise straight up, and sympathy would follow.

Furthermore, by displaying my martial prowess and striking fear into all, the Five Peaks Sect's Yue Buqun and others, as long as they are not foolish, will not wish to be enemies with someone like me; they will seize the opportunity to step down and agree to let Liu Zhengfeng go.

In that case, if the Songshan Sect refuses, they will surely lose popular support and be isolated; whether they are willing to offend Feng Yi is obvious!

Who would have thought that before Ding Mian could speak, Feng Yi gave a hehe laugh and said: "Sect Leader Yue, Heavenly Gate Daoist, Nun Dingyi, you still have a sense of righteousness, allowing me to look a bit higher upon this so-called righteous path—but alas, this is no longer your concern."

Feng Yi's words are deeds; having said I would kill, I must kill—if Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang wish to be heroes who value righteousness over life, then I shall fulfill that!

Saying this, he thrust out both palms; Qu Yang and Liu Zhengfeng's bodies swayed, then they fell with a thud.

This was something no one expected, and everyone erupted in an uproar.

"Father, grandfather!"

The Liu family members were overcome with grief, tears pouring like springs; several of Liu Zhengfeng's disciples also wailed loudly and rushed forward together.

Feng Yi sneered: "Whoever wants to avenge the two, come forth—I will see it through!"

"Madman!"

"A lawless lunatic!"

That is what everyone thought, but to step forward and avenge those two would require immense courage.

Suddenly a girl's voice gave a hehe chuckle: "How ridiculous, how ridiculous!"

The Five Peaks Sword Sect claims to be heroes and outstanding figures, yet they rush forward in a mass, hoping to win by numbers—a despicable petty act!

Now, seeing their own fellow disciples dead, they dare not avenge them—truly chilling to the teeth!

What face do they have to call themselves a respectable orthodox sect! (End of chapter)