Chapter 267

It turned out that after last night at the Qingyu Institute, Yu Canghai ordered his disciples to bring back Mr. and Mrs. Lin Zhen'nan, who were hidden outside Hengshan City.

Translation: "Originally, after last night at the Group Jade Courtyard, Yu Canghai ordered his disciples to fetch Lin Zhen'nan and his wife, who were hiding outside Hengshan City."

But we need to be faithful: "Originally, after last night at the Group Jade Courtyard, Yu Canghai ordered his disciples to go and bring back Lin Zhen'nan and his wife, who were hiding outside Hengshan City."

We need to keep meaning. Let's produce: "Originally, after last night at the Group Jade Courtyard, Yu Canghai ordered his disciples to fetch Lin Zhen'nan and his wife, who were hiding outside Hengshan City."

It turned out that after last night at the Qingyu Institute, Yu Canghai ordered his disciples to bring back Mr. and Mrs. Lin Zhen'nan, who were hidden outside Hengshan City.

Literal: "Originally, after last night at the Group Jade Courtyard, Yu Canghai ordered his disciples to go and bring the Lin Zhen'nan couple, who were hiding outside Hengshan City."

We'll produce: "Originally, after last night at the Group Jade Courtyard, Yu Canghai ordered his disciples to go and bring back Lin Zhen'nan and his wife, who were hiding outside Hengshan City."

That seems fine.

Senior disciple Hou Renying led a few junior disciples on the mission, but when they reached the ruined temple where the Lin couple was hidden, they met Hong Renxiong and the others guarding them; then Fang Renzi arrived and said their master had already been killed by Feng Yi.

Translation: "The eldest disciple, Hou Renying, led a few junior disciples as ordered, but who would have thought that just as they arrived at the ruined temple where the Lin couple was hiding, they met up with Hong Renxiong and the others guarding them, and then Fang Renzi arrived later, saying that their master had already been killed by Feng Yi."

We need to keep faithful. Let's produce: "The eldest disciple Hou Renying led a few junior disciples as ordered, but who would have thought that just as they arrived at the ruined temple where the Lin couple was hiding, they met up with Hong Renxiong and the others guarding them, and then Fang Renzi arrived later, saying that their master had already been killed by Feng Yi."

The Qingcheng disciples were furious; immediately, many torches were lit, and in an instant the ruined temple blazed as bright as daylight.

Translation: "The Qingcheng Sect disciples were furiously angry; immediately, many torches were lit, and in the blink of an eye the whole ruined temple was as bright as daylight."

Although Yu Canghai is no good man and his disciples are ruthless, they still share a bond of master and disciple.

Translation: "Yu Canghai was certainly not a good person, and his disciples were also ruthless, but the master-disciple affection between them also existed."

In the original plot, Lin Pingyu mastered the Bixie Sword Technique, which everyone knew was unstoppable, yet no one fled.

Translation: "In the original plot, after Lin Pingzhi mastered the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique, everyone knew it was unstoppable, yet no one fled."

With their master slain, they set out to avenge him; if it weren't for Lao Denuo's rescue, Lin Pingyu's Yue Lingshan would surely have died.

Translation: "After their master was killed, they went to take revenge; if it weren't for Lao Denuo's rescue, Lin Pingzhi and Yue Lingshan would surely have died."

Especially this time, the Qingcheng Sect mobilized all its forces to deal with the Fuwei Escort Agency; many disciples had arrived in Hengshan City, now gathering fifty or sixty people, and someone immediately shouted, "Damn it, we must avenge our master!"

Translation: "Especially this time, the Qingcheng Sect had mobilized its full forces to deal with the Fuwei Escort Agency; many disciples had come to Hengshan City, now gathering fifty or sixty people, and someone immediately shouted, 'Damn it, we will avenge our master!'"

"Yes, kill that bastard son!"

Translation: "'That's right, kill that turtle bastard!'"

"Let's swarm him and fight to the death!"

Translation: "'We'll swarm him and fight to the death!'"

In the firelight, every face showed anger, as if they felt no fear.

Translation: "In the firelight, every face showed fury, as if there was no fear."

Fang Renzi said, "Fellow senior brothers, please remain calm and do not act rashly."

Translation: "Fang Renzi said, 'Esteemed senior brothers, please remain calm and do not act rashly.'"

That Feng bastard's martial arts have clearly reached an invincible level; without mentioning that Senior Brother Luo was killed by a single palm, even Wood High Peak was beaten to his knees begging for mercy.

Translation: "This surnamed Feng turtle bastard's martial arts have clearly reached the realm of being invincible under heaven; not to mention Luo Shixiong being killed by his palm, even Mu Gaofeng was struck by him and forced to kneel and beg for mercy."

When he killed our master, he didn't even blink, showing no regard for the Lin couple in our custody, revealing his cold‑hearted nature.

Translation: "When he killed our master, he didn't even blink an eye, completely disregarding Lin Zhen'nan and his wife, who were still in our hands, showing his cold-hearted nature."

With a single palm he repelled four top experts of the Five Mountains School; the Mount Tai sect's leader, Tianmen Daoist, had his sword snatched away in one move, causing everyone to feel endangered; some call him a "one‑palm deadly wind madman," and everyone changes color at the mention of wind.

Translation: "With a single palm he repelled four top experts of the Five Peaks Sect; the Mount Tai Sect's leader, Heaven's Gate Daoist, had his long sword taken by him in one move, causing everyone to feel endangered; some called him the 'One Palm Fatal Mad Wind Follower,' and everyone changed color at the mention of wind."

If we go now to avenge him, it would likely be a pointless sacrifice.

Translation: "If we go to take revenge now, it would likely be a pointless sacrifice."

Among our fellow disciples, his martial arts aren't the highest, but he is the craftiest, does the most wicked deeds, and lives the longest.

Translation: "Among his fellow disciples, his martial arts were not the highest, but he was the most cunning, committed the most misdeeds, and lived the longest."

Feng Yi killed seven or eight Qingcheng disciples, yet he survived each time because he is good at assessing the situation—he never shows himself when unnoticed, and when it's time to stand out he does so without hesitation; that's why Yu Canghai values him greatly.

Translation: "Feng Yi had killed seven or eight Qingcheng disciples, yet he had survived each calamity simply because he was good at assessing the situation, never showing himself when inconspicuous, and stepping forward when it was his duty; therefore Yu Canghai valued him greatly."

The Qingcheng disciples thought about it and realized it's true—even the Five Mountains School can't provoke Feng Yi, so what can they do?

Translation: "The Qingcheng disciples thought about it and realized that was indeed the case; even the Five Peaks Sect could not afford to provoke Feng Yi, so what could they do?"

Hou Renying's face grew solemn as he slowly said, "Junior Brother Fang is right; we can be certain that Feng's martial arts have reached the pinnacle, but no martial art can remain invincible forever."

Translation: "Hou Renying's face grew solemn as he slowly said, 'Junior Brother Fang is right; we can be certain that the Feng family's martial arts have reached the pinnacle, but no martial art can remain invincible under heaven forever.'"

Hong Renxiong said, "Damn it, our master once said that the Bixie Sword Technique has endless variations, which led to our grandmaster's defeat; he died still unable to understand its secrets. Our master studied it for years, yet the same is true."

Translation: "Hong Renxiong said, 'Damn it, our master once said that the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique has endless variations, which caused our grandmaster's defeat; the old man never figured out its secret until his death. Our master studied it for years, and it was the same for him.'"

Yu Renhao raised his right hand; with a hiss he chopped down, his palm edge like a blade, instantly chopping off a corner of the nearby broken table, the cut clean and neat, his palm power astonishingly strong. He shouted, "Our Qingcheng Sect is also a great orthodox school; if we don't avenge our master, what face do we have to stand in the martial world? We might even be seen as incompetent rats like the Fuwei Escort Agency."

Translation: "Yu Renhao raised his right hand; with a hiss, he chopped straight down, his palm edge like a blade, instantly slicing off a corner of the broken table nearby, the cut neat and clean, his palm power astonishingly strong, and he shouted, 'Our Qingcheng Sect is also a great orthodox sect; if we do not avenge our master, what face do we have to stand in the martial world? We would likely be seen as incompetent rats like the Fuwei Escort Agency.'"

His gaze swept over the faces of the fellow disciples and came to rest on the faces of the middle‑aged couple in the ruined temple.

Translation: "His gaze swept over the faces of the junior disciples and stopped on the faces of the middle-aged couple in the ruined temple."

The man had drooping whiskers, a broad face with square ears, slightly sunken eyes, and high brows—none other than Lin Zhen'nan, chief of the Fuwei Escort Agency; beside him stood a woman whose charm remained, his wife.

Translation: "The man had drooping whiskers, a broad face and square ears, his eyes slightly sunken, his brows high and prominent—this was none other than the head of the Fuwei Escort Agency, Lin Zhen'nan; beside him stood a woman whose charm remained, his wife."

Fang Renzi's eyes flashed as he coldly said, "Lin Zhen'nan, did you hear my senior brother's words? If your bastard son still won't hand over the Bixie Sword Manual, don't blame us for being impolite!"

Translation: "Fang Renzi's eyes flickered as he coldly said, 'Lin Zhen'nan, did you hear my senior brother's words? If your turtle bastard son still does not hand over the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual, don't blame us for being impolite!'"

The Qingcheng disciples, thinking it over, each thought, "If we could master the skills in the Bixie Sword Manual, perhaps we could defeat Feng Yi."

Translation: "The Qingcheng disciples, thinking it over, all thought, 'If we could master the martial arts recorded in the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual, perhaps we could defeat Feng Yi!'"

Lin Zhen'nan gave a bitter smile and said, "You've already learned our Lin family's Bixie Sword Technique; what more manual could there be?"

Translation: "Lin Zhen'nan gave a wry smile and said, 'You have already learned my family's Evil-Repelling Sword Technique; what more Evil-Repelling Sword Manual could there be!'"

Hong Renxiong coldly said, "Lin Zhen'nan, you're a tough man; we've tortured you, yet you won't reveal where the sword manual is. But now that our master is dead, if you still refuse to hand it over…" He said this while his gaze fell upon Lin's wife.

Translation: "Hong Renxiong coldly said, 'Lin Zhen'nan, you are a man of honor; we have tortured you, yet you still will not reveal where the sword manual is, but now that our master is dead, if you still do not hand over the manual…' He said, letting his gaze fall upon Lin Zhen'nan's wife."

Fang Renzi stroked his chin, revealing a playful smile: "That Lin Pingyu bastard who killed our senior brother Yu has mediocre martial arts but handsome looks—like a pretty young actress; even Yue Lingshan of the Hua Shan School falls for him at first sight."

Translation: "Fang Renzi stroked his chin, revealing a playful smile: 'That turtle bastard son Lin Pingzhi who killed our senior brother Yu has mediocre martial arts, but his looks are excellent, like a little flower maiden; even Yue Lingshan of the Huashan Sect falls for him at first sight.'"

I'd say he takes after his mother!

Translation: "'I'd say he takes after his mother!'"

He spoke in a frivolous tone, his shifty eyes continually sizing up Lin's wife.

Translation: "His tone was frivolous, and his thieving eyes kept sizing up Lin Zhen'nan's wife."

Lin's wife, a daughter of the Golden Knife Luoyang Wang family, fiery‑tempered, instantly flared up at those words and shouted, "Pah! You Qingcheng Sect claim to be an orthodox martial arts school, yet you've gathered nothing but ruffians and good‑for‑nothings!"

Translation: "Lin Zhen'nan's wife was a woman of the Golden Saber Luoyang Wang family, hot-tempered; upon hearing this, she instantly flared with rage and cursed, 'Pah, you Qingcheng Sect may be considered an orthodox sect of the martial world, yet you actually harbor nothing but scoundrels and ne'er-do-wells!'"

Fang Renzi chuckled, "You don't know—Lin Zhen'nan, greedy for life and afraid of death, gave you to us as a hostage to beg for mercy. Your son Lin Pingyu, who killed my master's son, to save his own life even sold his mother to me! I'm kind‑hearted, so I had no choice but to accept!" He said this while reaching out to touch Lin's wife's face.

Translation: "Fang Renzi chuckled and said, 'You don't know, Lin Zhen'nan, greedy for life and afraid of death, gave you to us as collateral in his plea for mercy; your son Lin Pingzhi, who killed my master's son, in order to save his own life even sold his mother to me! I am benevolent, so I had no choice but to accept!' He then reached out to touch Lin Zhen'nan's wife's face."

They are all orthodox disciples, who normally wouldn't resort to such shameful, vicious tactics, but now that their master is dead, regardless of whether they seek revenge, they can't afford to hold back for the sake of the Bixie Sword Manual.

Translation: "They were all disciples of orthodox sects, originally they should not use such shameful poisonous tactics, but now that their master is dead, regardless of whether they seek revenge, for the sake of the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual they can no longer hold back."

Everyone in the Qingcheng Sect knew Fang Renzi's intentions; while watching the spectacle from the sidelines, many laughed and said, "Why waste all this talk on her? Old Lin won't behave, so we'll just take his place!"

Translation: "All the Qingcheng disciples knew Fang Renzi's intentions; while watching the spectacle from the sidelines, many let out amused chuckles, saying, 'What's the point of saying all this to her? The old man Lin doesn't know how to behave, so we'll take his place!'"

"Yeah."

Translation: "'Yes.'"

"Senior Brother Fang really treats the Lin family well!"

Translation: "'Senior Brother Fang really treats the Lin family well!'"

"This woman is a bit older, but she's still quite attractive."

Translation: "'This woman may be a bit older, but she is still quite handsome.'"

Even though Lin's wife had anticipated that Fang Renzi would twist right and wrong, she didn't expect this turn of events.

Translation: "Even though Lin Zhen'nan's wife had long known that Fang Renzi would twist right and wrong, she never expected this turn of events."

For example, his son clearly stood up for justice, killing Yu Canghai's son, yet Fang Renzi claims it was his own son who harassed a woman; his fellow disciple Yu, seeing the injustice, knocked the son down and spared his life, but the son not only failed to feel grateful, he instead ordered the thirty‑plus escort guards and couriers lying in ambush outside to attack en masse, which led to his death.

Translation: "For example, his son clearly stood up against injustice and killed Yu Canghai's son, yet Fang Renzi claimed it was his own son who harassed a woman; his junior brother Yu, seeing the injustice, knocked the son down and spared his life, but the son not only failed to feel grateful and repay the kindness, instead he ordered the more than thirty escort guards and porters lying in ambush outside to attack together, which is how he was killed."

Lin Zhen'nan's face flushed red with rage, his anger surging like a tide; seeing these people's shamelessness, arguing only brings him misery, so he lowered his voice and said, "Everyone knows my family's situation; I really don't have the Bixie Sword Manual."

Translation: "Lin Zhen'nan's face flushed red with anger, his fury surging like a tempestuous wave; seeing these people's shamelessness, arguing only brought him distress, so he lowered his voice and said, 'Everyone knows my family's situation; this old man truly has no Evil-Repelling Sword Manual.'"

Lin's wife had her acupuncture points sealed; she could not resist, nor could she even kill herself, and she turned deathly pale from fear.

Translation: "Lin Zhen'nan's wife had her acupoints sealed by them; she could not resist, nor could she even commit suicide, and her face turned deathly pale from fright."

Fang Renzi chuckled, pinched Lin's wife's cheek, and said, "No Bixie Sword Manual? Then forget it—just happen to eat a steamed bun!" As he spoke, he moved to tear open the front of her garment.

Translation: "Fang Renzi gave a hehe laugh, pinched Lin Zhen'nan's wife's cheek, and said, 'No Evil-Repelling Sword Manual? Then forget it, I happen to feel like eating a steamed bun!' He then moved to tear open the front of her garment."

Suddenly an old, sharp voice rang out from above: "How dare you, still claiming to be an orthodox branch of Daoist mysticism, be such a dog!"

Translation: "Suddenly, an old and sharp voice rang out from above: 'How shameful that you still claim to be the orthodox branch of Daoist Xuanmen, you are nothing but dogs!'"

The Qingcheng disciples all stared in surprise, looked up, and saw the flickering firelight casting shadows on their faces.

Translation: "The Qingcheng disciples all started, looked up, and saw the firelight flickering unevenly, shining on their faces."

Their faces turned ashen, their hearts pounding with fright.

Translation: "Their faces were ashen, their hearts pounding with alarm."

Hou Renying, Hong Renxiong, and Yu Renhao exchanged glances, then almost simultaneously drew their swords, leapt up, and thrust from three different directions.

Translation: "Hou Renying, Hong Renxiong, and Yu Renhao glanced at each other, almost simultaneously drew their swords, leapt up, and thrust from three different directions."

The Qingcheng Sect is a major orthodox school with many disciples; only its four senior disciples, known as the Qingcheng Four Elites, possess extraordinary martial arts, and their sword thrusts forward made an impressive sight.

Translation: "The Qingcheng Sect, a great orthodox sect with many disciples, only its four senior disciples, known as the Qingcheng Four Elites, possessed extraordinary martial arts; they brandished their swords and charged straight ahead, their momentum quite astonishing."

Unexpectedly, a flash of white light clanged a few times, deflecting their swords; the light swirled, and only two anguished cries were heard as Hong Renxiong and Yu Renhao were pierced in the chest and fell from the air.

Translation: "Who would have expected a flash of white light, with a few clangs, to block the three swords; the white light swirled, and only two cries of 'ah' were heard as Hong Renxiong and Yu Renhao were pierced in the chest and fell from the air."

Seeing his two fellow disciples struck down, Hou Renying was greatly alarmed; he raised his sword to block, hearing a clang as a huge force surged through, nearly wringing his sword from his grip, and he too fell to the ground.

Translation: "Seeing his two junior brothers struck down and fall to the ground, Hou Renying was greatly startled, blocked with his sword, hearing a 'dong' as a huge force surged, his long sword nearly slipping from his grip, and he too fell from the air."

Seeing the opponent's formidable skill, Hou Renying stared blankly, then exclaimed, "Senior Brother Mu, the Qingcheng Sect has no grudge against you—why have you come to this?"

Translation: "Seeing the opponent's formidable skill, Hou Renying was first stunned, then called out, 'Senior Mu, the Qingcheng Sect has no grudge against you; why have you come to this?'"

Suddenly a figure leapt down from the beam—a hunchbacked, short, stout man: it was Mu Gaofeng. He held a long sword oddly shaped, bent into an arc, the man and his sword both crooked—it was a camel‑sword.

Translation: "Suddenly a figure leapt down from the beam—a hunchbacked, short and stout man, none other than Mu Gaofeng. He held a long sword, oddly shaped, bent into an arc, the man and his sword both hunched, thus it was a camel sword,"

Mu Gaofeng's eyes were dark, he gave a cold snort and said, "No grudge, no enmity—Lin Pingyu is my junior; you dare offend his parents, today will be the day your Qingcheng Sect is annihilated!"

Translation: "Mu Gaofeng's eyes were gloomy; he gave a cold snort and said, 'No grudge, no enmity; Lin Pingzhi is my junior. You dare offend his parents—today will be the day your Qingcheng Sect is exterminated!'"

As he spoke, his sword swirled, lunging at the Qingcheng disciples with three swift slashes—each slash comprising three techniques, making nine in total—but the Qingcheng disciples were no weaklings, having apparently practiced a sword set to great proficiency.

Translation: "As he spoke, his long sword spun, lunging at the Qingcheng disciples; he unleashed three successive slashes, each containing three techniques, making nine in total—yet the Qingcheng disciples were not weak, seemingly having practiced a sword set to great proficiency in their daily training."

Mu Gaofeng's nine‑move linked assault hissed twice, and only two Qingcheng disciples fell to the ground.

Translation: "Mu Gaofeng's nine linked techniques, with two soft 'hiss' sounds, only sent two Qingcheng disciples crashing to the ground."

Seeing the Qingcheng disciples set back, Mu Gaofeng noted that some rushed to rescue while others attacked him; if he didn't withdraw to defend, even killing a few more would likely wound him, and he thought, "The Qingcheng Sect is no small fry; with my wounded camel‑body, I doubt I could withstand so many."

Translation: "Seeing the Qingcheng disciples thwarted, Mu Gaofeng thought: if he did not withdraw his moves to defend, even if he killed a few more, he himself would surely be injured; he reflected silently, 'The Qingcheng Sect is indeed no trifling matter; with my wounded camel's body, I doubt I could withstand so many.'"

Hou Renying had originally seen Mu Gaofeng coughing blood after being struck by Feng Yi, and wasn't particularly afraid, but he realized Mu's swords were lethal, swift as a gale, ruthless beyond compare, and thought, "Mu Gaofeng has been renowned for years; his inner strength is truly extraordinary. If we fought head‑on and managed to beat him, our junior brothers would likely be left with few survivors, and as the future head of Qingcheng I'd have no usable subordinates—that would be too inglorious."

Translation: "Hou Renying had originally seen Mu Gaofeng spit blood after being struck by Feng Yi and was not particularly afraid, but who knew his swords locked onto vital points, swift as a gale, ruthlessly merciless; he thought to himself, 'Mu Gaofeng has been famous for years, his inner strength truly extraordinary. If we fought head‑on, even if we could defeat him, our junior brothers would likely be left with hardly any, and as the future head of the Qingcheng Sect I would have no usable subordinates—that would be too inglorious.'"

He immediately shouted, "All right, Senior Brother Mu, you and my master are peers; since you've intervened, I must show you respect. But this Lin Zhen'nan couple are persons Feng Yi wants—you had better treat them well!"

Translation: "He immediately shouted, 'Good, Senior Mu, you and my master are of the same generation; since you have intervened, I, the junior, must give you face. Only, this Lin Zhen'nan couple are persons Feng Yi wants—you had better watch them well!'"

Saying this, he swayed his body, struck Lin Zhen'nan's chest with a palm, and darted out the window.

Translation: "Saying this, he swayed his body, struck Lin Zhen'nan's chest with a palm, and darted out through the window."

Even in the fierce battle, Mu Gaofeng remained aware of all directions, his ears picking up every sound, the situation clear in his chest—but being surrounded by Qingcheng disciples left him unable to move, and he angrily shouted, "You brat, dare to do this!"

Translation: "Even in the fierce battle, Mu Gaofeng remained aware of all directions, hearing everything around him, the situation clear in his chest, yet being surrounded by the Qingcheng disciples left him unable to move his hands, and he angrily shouted, 'You brat, dare you!'"

Qingcheng Sect disciple saw the eldest senior brother had left, also immediately sheathed his sword and rushed out of the ruined temple.

Mu Gao Feng wasn't doing this for chivalry; his aim was also the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual, so naturally he wouldn't give chase.

In an instant, only Mu Gao Feng and the Lin couple remained in the ruined temple.

Originally, after Mu Gao Feng was struck by Feng Yi, he didn't go far at all; he suffered such a great loss, even kowtowing and begging for mercy, before escaping with his life; to him, this was utter disgrace, so he hid aside, waiting quietly for developments.

If there were a chance to beat a dog in the water, Mu Gao Feng would not shy away; who would have thought he'd see Yu Canghai sending his disciples to escort the Lin couple.

One must know that Mu Gao Feng's inner strength is profound, certainly not inferior to a sect master like Yu Canghai, and in terms of overbearing power he even surpasses him.

Therefore, after taking a palm strike from Feng Yi, although he suffered internal injury, dealing with Qingcheng Sect disciples was no problem in his view, so he immediately followed them.

The Evil-Repelling Sword Manual enjoys such great fame that even Feng Yi had Lin Pingzhi give it to him, which shows it's no empty reputation; that's why he intervened to save them.

Although Mr. and Mrs. Lin Zhen Nan had never seen Mu Gao Feng, from his strange appearance and the Qingcheng Sect disciples' shouts they already knew who he was; seeing him repel the Qingcheng disciples, they were about to thank him.

Who would have thought that Mu Gao Feng, short and stout, though extremely bulky, moved with unmatched agility; without seeing how he shifted his feet, the couple's vision blurred, and he rolled like a meatball to Lin Zhen Nan's side.

Mu Gao Feng felt his pulse at the wrist and said, 'Too bad—Hou Renying's half-baked Heart-Shattering Palm has shaken your heart meridian.'

Lin Zhen Nan said, 'Many thanks, senior, for your rescue; my fate is thus, what more can I say?'

Mu Gao Feng snorted coldly, 'Fate thus? I doubt it.'

Saying this, he grabbed the Lin couple with both hands, rushed out of the temple, ran over ten li in one breath, stopped at a small shack near mountains and water, pushed the door open, threw the Lin couple onto the ground, sat cross-legged, and used internal energy to heal their wounds.

Mu Gao Feng had been struck by a casual palm from Feng Yi; after the ordeal, his injury flared up again, and he hurriedly suppressed it.

The Lin couple had heard of Mu Gao Feng, knowing his reputation in the martial world was extremely vile; although he wasn't outright evil, he flattered the powerful, lacked righteousness, and respectable people would not associate with him—abducting the couple here, his purpose is obvious.

Yet the couple could not resist, and moreover suffered torment at the hands of Qingcheng Sect disciples, falling into a dazed sleep.

They slept until mid-morning, and when Mu Gao Feng finished his practice, he said, 'Lin Zhen Nan, chief of the escort bureau, you surely know who I am without further introduction.'

Lin Zhen Nan said, 'Senior Mu, your name shakes the martial world—who doesn't know? I've long wanted to witness the frontier scenery, to pay a visit, but never had the chance; seeing you today is truly a great fortune across three lifetimes.'

Pleased by the flattery, Mu Gao Feng feigned a sigh, 'Chief Lin, you overpraise me; my humble skills are hardly worthy of the Lin family's notice. As for shaking the martial world, that's merely flattery from martial friends, but saving your life is not difficult either—just that the Mu surname deals ruthlessly, never showing kindness, as you've surely heard.'

Lin Zhen Nan gave a rueful smile and said, 'I anticipated Senior Mu's intentions, but our Lin family's Evil-Repelling Sword Art has been passed down orally through generations; there is no manual.'

Mu Gao Feng laughed, 'Although I've never seen what martial arts are recorded in the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual, I've long heard of how Lin Yantu once shook the martial world with seventy-two forms of the Evil-Repelling Sword Art, one hundred and eight forms of the Heaven-Overturning Palm, and eighteen silver feather arrows; as for your martial arts, heh…'

Lin Zhen Nan thought, 'Just ordinary!'

Indeed, all one heard Mu Gao Feng say was, 'You can't even beat Qingcheng Sect disciples; there must be something fishy about it.'

Lin Zhen Nan said, 'What strangeness? I'm just dull-witted and haven't learned my grandfather's martial essence.'

Mu Gao Feng laughed, 'Indeed, the sword art recorded in the manual is excellent; it's just that your dull wit prevents you from grasping it, thus bringing shame to your Lin ancestors' fame.'

Then take it out and let me have a look; point out the subtleties of your Lin family's Evil-Repelling Sword Art, and I'll pass it on to your son—who is also my disciple.

Just think—if your son masters your Lin family's supreme martial art, he could exterminate the Qingcheng Sect and roam the world unchallenged, which would also greatly benefit your Lin family's reputation!

Madam Lin interjected, 'How did Ping'er become your disciple? He… where is he?' Mu Gao Feng replied, 'This lad Lin Pingzhi is clever and quick; knowing my skills are formidable, he disguised himself as my likeness, I took a liking to him and promised to help him destroy the Qingcheng Sect and kill Yu Canghai to avenge—so he became my disciple.'

Although Lin Zhen Nan's martial skills were mediocre, having served twenty years as chief of the world's largest escort bureau, he was well versed in worldly affairs, thinking, 'If Ping'er truly became his disciple, he would surely want to bring Ping'er along.'

As for the so-called Evil-Repelling Sword Manual, if it truly exists, I would rather die than reveal its whereabouts—precisely for my son's sake.

If Ping'er were here before us, at our dying moments there would surely be something to say to him; this camel-like fellow underestimates Lin Zhen Nan too much.

Lin Zhen Nan knew Mu Gao Feng was lying, yet he said aloud, 'So my child has become your disciple, Senior—what good fortune for him!'

He paused, then added, 'Senior, if you're willing to avenge me, I would be deeply grateful, but Qingcheng Sect's Yu Canghai has committed countless injustices; since he's already died at the blade of another hero, there's no need for you to go to the trouble.'

Mu Gao Feng fell silent for a moment, then coldly said, 'You're seeking your own death—don't blame others,' and immediately struck out with a palm.

He was usually arrogant, yet a single move from Feng Yi made him vomit blood and kneel, while Yu Canghai lost his life.

Feng Yi had caused him such terror that it became his taboo; hearing Lin Zhen Nan speak thus, he took it as mockery and slapped Lin Zhen Nan's face with a palm.

Lin Zhen Nan had already been tortured by the Qingcheng Sect from Fujian to Hunan; this blow made his head feel as if split by a blade, he involuntarily let out an anguished cry, collapsed to the ground, his breath faint as a silk thread.

This work was uploaded after being sorted~~

Madam Lin thought her husband dead, had no will to live, and shouted fiercely, 'If you've got the guts, kill me too!'

Mu Gao Feng spoke with a sinister tone, 'I, Mu, cherish fragrance and jade; I just want to whisper a few sweet nothings—why bother killing you?'

Madam Lin detected the lewd meaning in his words, her heart skipped a beat, and she sneered, 'You little camel, what good words could you have? You just want the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual and to seek revenge on that great hero Feng—hah…'

She and the Lin couple had long learned from Qingcheng Sect disciples that Mu Gao Feng and Yu Canghai had been defeated by Feng Yi, so she deliberately provoked him, wanting to vent her anger.

Mu Gao Feng's face darkened like storm clouds, and he coldly asked, 'What are you saying?'

Madam Lin said, 'I say you, this short, fat, stinking camel, even a firefly's light dares to rival the bright moon!'

As the saying goes, lies don't hurt people; the truth is the swift blade.

How could Mu Gao Feng not know that he himself went to seek revenge on Feng Yi? Let alone whether the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual truly possesses such great power; even if it did, it might not be enough to overcome Feng Yi.

Because Feng Yi's martial arts are too high.

It's so high that he can't even grasp its limits; even if he personally saw Feng Yi exchange a palm with the four top masters of the Five Peaks Sect, he still wouldn't know where the opponent's limits lie.

In fact, not to mention him—even the Heavenly Gate Daoist, Yue Buqun, Master Dingyi, and Liu Zhengfeng—who would dare say that Feng Yi exchanged a palm with those four and that this is his limit of power?

Mu Gao Feng's facial muscles twitched, he gave a sinister smile and said, 'What a wicked woman; if I don't properly deal with you today, I cannot quell the hatred in my heart,' and he reached out to grab Madam Lin's chest.

Madam Lin's heart startled, and she cried, 'All right, I'll tell you where the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual is!'

Mu Gao Feng's joy showed on his face, and he exclaimed, 'If you'd said so earlier, that would have been it!'

Madam Lin seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, her voice dropping low as she said, 'The Evil-Repelling Sword… manual is… here…'

Mu Gao Feng wanted to hear clearly, so he leaned his ear toward her mouth,

Who would have thought Madam Lin would bite his ear; the pain made him howl like a beast, and he lashed out with a palm, striking Madam Lin's chest.

With a crash, he slammed into a rotten wooden table, shattering it to pieces, and the person breathed their last.

Mu Gao Feng touched his ear and found it covered in blood, whereupon he flew into a frenzy.

Just then, a voice came from outside the house: 'Master Yue, is that the sound coming from in here?'

Mu Gao Feng recognized the voice as Lin Pingzhi's.

As for Master Yue, needless to say, it's Yue Buqun.

He was indeed wary of Yue Buqun, thinking, "Since I can't have it, let no one else get it either—this deal isn't a loss." He was about to flee.

Who would have thought that, in the blink of an eye, a green-clad person appeared before the gate, with a jade-like face and long beard—it was Yue Buqun himself.

Mu Gaofeng involuntarily stepped back two paces; Yue Buqun didn't even glance at him, his gaze falling on Lin Zhen'nan and his wife, and he said coldly, "Brother Mu, did you kill them?"

Mu Gaofeng snorted, not waiting to speak, when he saw Lin Pingzhi already running inside; upon seeing his parents' corpses, he was instantly stunned.

Mu Gaofeng said coldly, "They were struck by the Qingcheng Sect's Heart-Destroying Palm; their meridians are damaged, death is certain. I merely helped them escape early to spare them pain—no thanks needed!" He tapped his foot and shot out the window like an arrow released from a bow.

He threatened Lin Zhen'nan and his wife, knowing full well that such an act would be despised by orthodox sects, and immediately blamed everything on the Qingcheng Sect before turning and fleeing.

He threatened Lin Zhen'nan and his wife, knowing full well that such an act would be despised by orthodox sects, and immediately blamed everything on the Qingcheng Sect before turning and fleeing.

Lin Pingzhi only then reacted, shouting loudly, "Father! Mother!" and threw himself upon them.

Yue Buqun's face remained cold and indifferent, showing no joy or anger; suddenly he tapped his foot, flashed out of the room, and pursued Mu Gaofeng.

At the same time he took out a fire striker, lit a rocket launcher, tossed it upward; it shot up into the sky with a bang, exploding halfway across the heavens, transforming into a silver-white long sword that hovered in midair for a while before slowly descending; after dropping more than ten zhang, it turned into a shower of meteors.

This was the signal rocket used by the Hua Shan Sect leader to summon his disciples.

It turned out that Lin Pingzhi had waited last night at the Qunyu Pavilion for the Qingcheng Sect to deliver his parents, but receiving none, he went to look himself; however, Hengshan City being so large, he searched all night to no avail.

How could he know that Yu Canghai hadn't brought anyone into the city at all? So he searched again during the day and happened to run into the Hua Shan Sect disciples.

Upon learning that Yue Buqun knew he was searching for his parents, he had the Hua Shan disciples spread out to search the vicinity while he himself took Lin Pingzhi along.

The two heard a miserable cry from afar and rushed over, only to find that the couple had already perished.

Although Yue Buqun's inner strength originally surpassed Mu Gaofeng's, and the latter was already injured, after receiving Feng Yi's Ice-Cold Palm power, he too suffered greatly.

Without using inner strength, the Purple Cloud Divine Skill could still hold its own, but compared to Mu Gaofeng in lightness skill, he felt extremely uncomfortable.

Mu Gaofeng also had not recovered from his internal injuries, unaware of Yue Buqun's true strength, knowing that a prolonged pursuit would be disadvantageous, he could only make a big detour through the mountains and forests.

Both masters were invalids, running a stretch then resting a stretch, from dawn till dusk; Mu Gaofeng could not shake off Yue Buqun, nor could Yue Buqun catch Mu Gaofeng, yet they were encountered by Feng Yi and company, who had been rushing all night.

Feng Yi is a person whose nature blends fiery heat and icy cold; regarding Liu Zhengfeng's matter, it is because Mo Da rescued him from the Xiao River, almost a life-saving grace.

He repays kindness with kindness, and when handling affairs he can take everything into account, caring nothing for his own reputation.

For example, in the Liancheng world, to give Ding Dian a chance to escape, he deliberately publicized his whereabouts, not avoiding it even though he knew it would land him in danger.

So as not to tarnish the reputations of heroic figures like Meinian Sheng and Ding Dian, Feng Yi knew he was not cut out to be a great hero, yet he had to put on a heroic façade, steering his actions toward the side of chivalry.

Yet helping Lin Pingzhi was merely a matter of convenience; in his heart it carried little weight, and coupled with his grudge over the original plot where Lin Pingzhi killed Yue Lingshan, he harbored prejudice against him.

Consequently, a single provocative remark from Yu Canghai made Feng Yi dissatisfied, and he killed the speaker without a thought, completely forgetting that Lin Pingzhi's parents had not yet been rescued.

Upon hearing the exchange between Mu Gaofeng and Yue Buqun, Feng Yi suddenly realized it was Lin Pingzhi; but when Qu Feiyan said he was a hands-off manager, Feng Yi refused to accept it, saying, "Lin Pingzhi and I have no ties of kin or acquaintance; I help him out of human feeling—whether it's duty or not, how does that make me a hands-off manager?"

Qu Feiyan wrinkled her nose, made a little face, and said, "That may be so, but Lin Pingzhi promised you the Manual of the Evil-Resisting Sword; aren't you going back on your word before everyone, lacking integrity?"

Feng Yi realized that was indeed the case.

He already knew where the Manual of the Evil-Resisting Sword was; his saying that was partly to have a clear conscience when taking the manual, and partly to cultivate an image of himself as no paragon of virtue, so as not to be taken advantage of.

But hearing Qu Feiyan's words, he felt his handling of affairs had indeed been remiss, and said, "I'll go check; if anything happens, summon me with a long whistle."

Before his words had finished, he had already darted out of the carriage, his robe sleeves flying, leapt up more than three zhang, floated like a paper kite, landed on a treetop, and then pursued toward Yue Buqun and Mu Gaofeng.

Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang, seeing him under the moonlight hopping up and down on the tree branches, like a wisp of blue smoke, vanishing from sight.

Qu Yang narrowed his eyes and sighed, "After exchanging a palm with him, I felt his inner strength vast and powerful, like a peak, like a mountain, yet his body gives off a faint, ethereal aura; I don't know how, at no more than thirty years old, he could have cultivated such divine inner strength."

Qu Feiyan, upon hearing this, was filled with longing.

Liu Zhengfeng said in a deep voice, "He may seem strange in behavior, not close to human feelings, yet he can feel pity for the weak—this is the true embodiment of chivalrous righteousness; how could such a person lack high divine skill?"

Qu Feiyan said softly, "Master Liu, that's strange—how can feeling pity for the weak also count as chivalry?"

Liu Zhengfeng smiled faintly: "Feifei, you're still young, you don't understand."

"Imagine, a person may have a chivalrous heart but lack chivalrous ability—do you think that's good or bad?"

Qu Feiyan thought and said, "Isn't that Hua Shan Sect disciple Linghu Chong? His martial arts are inferior to Tian Boguang, yet he risks life and death for a little nun—isn't that a good thing?"

Liu Zhengfeng said, "Of course it's good, but if Tian Boguang hadn't shown mercy, he would have died long ago."

"I and your grandfather became friends, unacceptable in the martial world, yet he ran out saying he wanted to hear the world's number one flute and xiao music; this is indeed his true nature, rare and precious."

"But Feng Yi did these things, and no one dares to criticize; yet for him, it may not necessarily be a good thing."

Qu Yang stroked his beard and said, "This Sect Master Yue is called the 'Gentleman Sword'; just wait and see—Linghu Chong returning to Hua Shan will surely be punished!"

Qu Feiyan didn't quite understand.

Then Liu Zhengfeng said, "Chivalrous Hero Feng Yi's divine skill is peerless; a casual move can mortally threaten a first-rate expert; having cultivated martial arts to this extent, how many people in the world are worthy to speak with him as equals?"

"Just as ordinary people appear in our eyes—seemingly human, yet in our hearts, how many would regard an ordinary person as equal to ourselves?"

"As Chivalrous Hero Feng Yi said, we martial artists regard ordinary people as a scourge; that he can feel pity for ordinary people is extremely precious."

After Liu Zhengfeng said that, Qu Feiyan also came to a realization.

She had learned a full set of martial arts, yet she didn't even look upon ordinary people, seeing them as pigs or dogs, oxen or horses.

But Feng Yi could consider those people's feelings, showing that at the very least he treats them as people.

And Feng Yi's ability surpasses mine by a hundredfold; thus he said, "I understand: a master among masters can have a compassionate heart, and one of low martial skill daring to uphold justice is truly precious."

Qu Yang revealed a knowing smile: "This is the true essence of martial artists: to eradicate the strong and aid the weak. To achieve this is to be a chivalrous warrior. This is what Chivalrous Hero Feng Yi said, not judging a person's chivalry by sect."

Liu Zhengfeng sighed, "But in today's world, such people are fatefully troubled, with trouble following them. Feng Yi is such, as is your worthy nephew Linghu Chong, including Lin Pingzhi who dared to step forward!"

(End of Chapter)